Everything To Know About Taylor Swift's New Album, 'The Life Of A Showgirl'
Swift's masterful marketing machine kicked into high gear on Monday night when her website transformed into a glittering orange spectacle, complete with a countdown timer ticking toward 12:12 AM on August 12. The numerical symbolism wasn't lost on devoted Swifties, who've learned to decode every easter egg the artist drops.
Meanwhile, Taylor Nation flooded its Instagram account with a carousel of 12 carefully selected Eras Tour images, alongside the tantalising caption: 'Thinking about when she said "See you next era..."'. The easter eggs kept coming when Swift's appearance on boyfriend Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast was announced for Wednesday, featuring a silhouette traced back to her December 12, 2022 Variety interview — connected to her All Too Well short film from November 12, 2021.
When the countdown hit zero, Swift's website predictably crashed under the weight of millions of eager fans before re-booting with sparse details about the mysterious new project. While The Life of a Showgirl lacks an official release date, pre-orders indicate shipping by October 13, though Swift's team emphasises this isn't the actual release date.
It was the star's appearance on her partner's podcast, however, that delivered the money shot: in a teaser clip Swift dramatically opens a briefcase to reveal a blurred vinyl while declaring, 'This is my brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl,' as Jason Kelce's screams provided the perfect soundtrack to the moment.
Swift continues to rewrite music industry records. With 200 million albums sold worldwide and the most number-one albums by any female artist in US history, she transformed her Eras Tour into a $2 billion (£1.5 billion) cultural phenomenon. Her previous release, The Tortured Poets Department, shattered Spotify streaming records and made Billboard history by monopolising the Hot 100's top 14 spots. The Life of a Showgirl promises another chapter in Swift's unprecedented reign.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years' worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
13 minutes ago
- USA Today
Reggaeton singer Jhayco arrested on drug possession charges, reports say
Reggaeton singer-songwriter Jhayco has been arrested in Florida after allegedly being found in possession of drugs, according to reports. The Latin urban star, born Jesús Manuel Nieves Cortés, was arrested in Miami early Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, and charged with cocaine possession and cannabis possession of 20 grams or less after being pulled over by police during a traffic stop, according to Rolling Stone, Variety and NBC 6 South Florida. Before his arrest, Jhayco, 32, was reportedly driving at 5 mph and took over a minute to resume driving after coming to a complete stop, per Rolling Stone and NBC 6. When police approached the singer's car, a deputy reportedly observed a "strong odor of cannabis" coming from the vehicle, and that Jhayco had "white powder" on his pants and nose, Rolling Stone and NBC 6 report. He was allegedly unable to provide the police with a driver's license during the stop. Diddy takes legal acton (again): Rapper doubles down on defamation lawsuit, now seeks $100M Authorities subsequently found two pouches of suspected cannabis with approximately seven grams each in Jhayco's car, per NBC 6. Additionally, police discovered that the Grammy-nominated singer had "clear baggies with suspect powder cocaine," totaling about two grams, in his pockets, according to Rolling Stone and NBC 6. USA TODAY has reached out to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office and representatives for Jhayco for comment. Following the incident, Jhayco was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to Variety. His bond was set at $3,000, the outlet reported alongside Rolling Stone and NBC 6. Jhayco becomes reggaeton heavyweight with A-list collaborations Jhayco, formerly known as Jhay Cortez, started pursuing music in his teens after taking inspiration from the Puerto Rican-bred genre reggaeton and one of its leading artists, Don Omar, according to the singer's biography on the official Universal Music Latino website. After writing songs for the likes of Tito El Bambino, Zion & Lennox, Ozuna and Nicky Jam, Jhayco launched his solo career with the release of his 2019 debut album "Famouz." The album featured the J Balvin and Bad Bunny collaboration, "No Me Conoce," which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart and was later certified diamond for sales of over 5 million. Celebrities with legal trouble: Soulja Boy arrested on suspicion of firearm possession Jhayco and Bad Bunny have teamed up over the years for additional hits, including 2022's "Tarot." The EDM-inflected reggaeton banger, featured on Bad Bunny's record-selling "Un Verano Sin Ti" album, helped earn Jhayco a Grammy nomination for album of the year in 2023. Jhayco's latest album, "Le Clique: Vida Rockstar (X)," was released in September 2024. The hit record has since been certified double platinum.
Forbes
42 minutes ago
- Forbes
What Is ‘The Life Of A Showgirl' Release Date? Everything To Know About TS12
Welcome to the orange era. Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album and is expected to reveal the cover art and more details on the New Heights podcast this week. Here's everything to know so far about TS12, including clues about its possible release date. On Monday, Aug. 11, a cryptic countdown appeared on her website, following a long trail of Easter eggs dating all the way back to her time on the Eras Tour. Perhaps the biggest clue came after Taylor Nation, Swift's official management team, posted a variety of photos of the singer in orange-hued outfits on Instagram. 'Thinking about when she said 'See you next era… ❤️🔥' the caption read. On the same day, Travis and Jason Kelce's podcast, New Heights, teased that a very special guest would be joining the brothers this Wednesday — and the silhouette of the guest looked very similar to Swift's. The image was also set against a sparkly orange background, which corresponds with the orange-themed outfits from Taylor Nation. What Is The Name Of TS12? Swift's 12th studio album is titled The Life of a Showgirl. The announcement was made on the singer's official website during the early morning hours of August 12. Taylor Nation also posted a clip of Swift sharing the name of the record with Travis and Jason Kelce on their hit sports podcast New Heights. 'At 12:12 on the 12th, TS12 finally got a name: The Life of a Showgirl. ❤️🔥 More info soon… pre pre-order the album & pre pre-scream in the meantime!!!!!!!!!!!!' Taylor Nation wrote alongside the New Heights teaser. What Is The Life Of A Showgirl Release Date? The exact release date for The Life of a Showgirl has yet to be announced. However, according to Taylor's website, the album will ship by October 13, 2025 — so the release date will be before then. 'This is not the release date. Official release date to be announced," the website clarified. For now, you can pre-order the album on Swift's official website as a CD with a poster ($12.99), cassette ($19.99) and vinyl ($29.99). Who Are The Producers On The Life Of A Showgirl? Along with the album announcement, Swift released a playlist titled And, baby, that's show business for you ❤️🔥, which includes 22 tracks from various albums. Swifties were quick to point out that all the songs were produced by the songwriting and production duo, Max Martin and Shellback, with whom the singer collaborated on Red, 1989 and Reputation. Will The Life Of A Showgirl Feature Any Collabs? There's a strong chance that Sabrina Carpenter will appear on The Life of a Showgirl, thanks to a list of clues, including her website featuring the date August 12, 2025. Carpenter was also included in the 12-photo carousel Taylor Nation posted teasing the pop star's 'new era.' Here are more fan guesses about Carpenter's rumored involvement: When Is Taylor Swift Revealing The Life Of A Showgirl Cover Art? Swift will be revealing The Life of a Showgirl cover art during the next episode of the New Heights podcast, which will be released on Wednesday, August 13, at 7 p.m. ET. You can listen to the episode on Wondery, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and more. Stay tuned for more details about TS12, including the official cover art, tracklist, release date and more.
New York Post
43 minutes ago
- New York Post
Kelly Clarkson's ex-assistant listed as Brandon Blackstock's ‘loving partner' in his obituary
Surprising new details are coming to light following the death of Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, last week at 48. An obituary for the late talent manager revealed that Blackstock was 'building a life' with Clarkson's former assistant, Brittney Marie Jones, as he lost his battle with cancer. 'Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana,' his obituary read. Advertisement 11 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson after tying the knot in 2013. Instagram/@kellyclarkson 11 An obituary for the late talent manager revealed that Brandon Blackstock was 'building a life' with Kelly Clarkson's former assistant, Brittney Marie Jones. Facebook Clarkson, meanwhile, was not even mentioned in the lengthy obit – although her and Blackstock's two children, daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, were. Advertisement 'To say he was devoted seems cliché. It feels like an overused word, but it is the correct word. He was a devoted father. His four children were and will always be his greatest love and his greatest legacy,' the obituary continued. 'He was the son, brother, father, friend, and love you prayed to have in your life,' it added. 'Above all, he was a dreamer.' 11 Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 6, 2018. FilmMagic 11 Brandon Blackstock and Brittney Marie Jones posing together in a photo from her Facebook page. Facebook Advertisement Besides River and Remington, Blackstock shared daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth, who, like Clarkson, was not mentioned in the obit. Jones was previously married to Greg Goose LaPoint, according to wedding photos on her Facebook page dated September 2021. It is currently unclear when the pair separated. As for Blackstock and Clarkson, they married in 2013 and stayed together until the 'Since U Been Gone' singer filed for divorce in 2020. 11 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson during the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 7, 2013. Getty Images for ACM Advertisement 11 Brittney Marie Jones was previously married, according to wedding photos on her Facebook page. Facebook Clarkson and her ex settled in 2022 following a long and nasty legal battle and a fight for custody of their children. Although Blackstock initially refused to leave the 'Stronger' singer's Montana ranch, the court ordered that he vacate the property in June 2022. He purchased a $1.8 million ranch in Butte, Montana, shortly after, per Us Weekly, and founded Valley View Rodeo with Jones working as his executive assistant. 11 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2022. MediaPunch / BACKGRID 11 Brandon Blackstock founded Valley View Rodeo in 2022, and had Brittney Marie Jones working as his executive assistant. Facebook 'I successfully assistant managed day to day for artist, Kelly Clarkson under manager, Brandon Blackstock in Los Angeles for music and television,' Jones' LinkedIn profile read at the time, according to The Sun. 'After a change in management for Ms. Clarkson I transitioned to Executive Assistant for Mr. Blackstock's cattle operation in Montana where I currently run the office and administration work,' it continued. 'I also currently fulfill personal assistant duties for Mr. Blackstock.' Advertisement Blackstock passed away on Aug. 7 following a lengthy battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. 11 Brandon Blackstock passed away on Aug. 7 following a three-year battle with melanoma. Shelby Blackstock/Instagram His family announced the devastating news in a statement obtained by The Post. 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,' Blackstock's loved ones said. Advertisement 'He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,' they added. 'We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time.' 11 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson shared a daughter, River, and a son, Remington. Instagram/@kellyclarkson Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis later confirmed that the talent manager 'passed away peacefully' from melanoma at his home in Butte, Montana. Blackstock's eldest son, Seth, recently remembered his late father as his 'best friend' and 'hero' in a touching Instagram tribute. Advertisement Shelby Blackstock, the late talent manager's half-brother, also broke his silence and remembered Blackstock as 'funny, bright, and full of life.' Clarkson is said to be 'devastated' for two kids after her ex's tragic passing. 11 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 28, 2015. Michael Buckner Advertisement 'When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,' an insider told People after his death. 'Kelly has always tried to keep things classy,' the source added. 'It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids.'
