Swift Releases 'The Life of a Showgirl'

Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Oct. 3; the 12-track pop record was co-written and co-produced with Max Martin and Shellback and uses glamorous Las Vegas showgirl imagery, including costumes from the long-running Jubilee, which has spurred renewed interest in showgirl history and museum collections. The album includes “The Fate of Ophelia” (its music video is set to premiere Oct. 6 on YouTube) and closes with a duet with Sabrina Carpenter that helps frame its showbiz narrative. One explicit track, “Wood,” has become a lightning rod for its sexually frank lyrics widely read as referencing Swift’s fiancé Travis Kelce, prompting viral fan reactions and mixed media commentary. The record interpolates George Michael’s “Father Figure,” a use publicly endorsed by his estate, and critics and fans remain divided over the album’s tone, perceived targets and how autobiographical several songs are. The album is already breaking streaming records and generating significant attention, including political ripples as politicians and lawmakers invoke Swift and her touring controversies in campaigns and proposed legislation.