Taylor Swift's Album Surges 400% In Streams Following Her Major Rights News
Taylor Swift's master rights win drives a 430% streaming surge for Speak Now and boosts all six of ... More her early albums on Spotify, per new data from Spotify. LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY AND NO COMMERCIAL USE AT ANY TIME. NO USE ON PUBLICATION COVERS). Taylor Swift performs on stage during the "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium on August 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by)
Taylor Swift shocked millions of fans and the entire music industry on Friday (May 30) with perhaps the most exciting announcement of her career. After years of public feuds and four re-recorded album releases, the singer-songwriter has finally gained ownership over the master rights for her first six full-lengths. Those rights had been sold — more than once — away from her via musician manager Scooter Braun.
Those moves led Swift to announce her Taylor's Version album series, which saw her re-record and re-release the projects that turned her into a superstar. Following the announcement, excitement around Swift's catalog surged, and millions of people rushed to streaming platforms, especially Spotify, to listen to her work.
Some diehard fans had previously avoided her first six albums, preferring instead to listen to the Taylor's Version re-recordings, if available. But now that the Grammy winner financially benefits from streams and sales of her earliest releases, there's no reason for her most ardent supporters to stay away.
Streams of Swift's first six albums skyrocketed on Friday when she shared the great news. Spotify provided data to The Hollywood Reporter highlighting which titles experienced the greatest gains. While specific streaming figures weren't shared, all half-dozen of her early Big Machine projects — from her self-titled debut through 2017's Reputation — at least doubled in total streams when compared to the month before the singer's rights announcement.
Some might have expected Reputation to be the greatest beneficiary, since fans were most eagerly awaiting its re-release as a Taylor's Version. However, in the letter Swift shared to announce her acquisition, she detailed that she has not yet completed that re-recording—and at this point, may never do so.
Interestingly, Reputation wasn't the top gainer. That honor went to Speak Now, which saw its streams climb by 430%. That title appeared as Speak Now (Taylor's Version) in mid-2023, and immediately topped the Billboard 200.
The only two of Swift's six earliest albums that haven't yet been re-recorded and re-released — her self-titled debut and Reputation — earned the second and third-most significant bumps. Taylor Swift rose by 220%, while Reputation grew by 175%.
Three more early Swift efforts also grew by more than 100% in streams on Spotify following her May 30 revelation. Fearless climbed by 160%, Red jumped 150%, and 1989 surged 110%. All of these collections, along with Speak Now (Taylor's Version), have already been re-recorded and were massively successful upon their re-releases.
These streaming increases, which represent just one day of activity, will impact the Billboard charts next week, and will likely help these titles soar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
26 minutes ago
- CNBC
Best Stocks: An 'AI wolf in sheep's clothing' with a great entry point for investors
(This is The Best Stocks in the Market , brought to you by Josh Brown and Sean Russo of Ritholtz Wealth Management.) Josh here — There will always be an agriculture cycle and companies in the agriculture space will always be, to some extent, beholden to it. In fact, companies in most sectors of the economy must contend with one cycle or another — commodities, interest rates, housing, capex, etc. But in the digital age, companies have found ways to annuitize their businesses and transcend this cyclicality. Converting traditional transaction-based business models into subscription or annually recurring revenue (ARR) business models has been one of the keys to the stock market's relentless rise over the last ten years. When companies begin to generate earnings growth reliably, the multiple investors are willing to pay on those earnings re-rates higher. This is why the market's multiple has trended higher over the last 20 years. On average, we are paying more for stocks on a price-to-earnings basis because the companies these stocks represent have gotten better at building predictable, reliable cash flow streams. In our Best Stocks in the Market column, we have written about Spotify and Netflix recently, both of which are great examples of what I'm referring to. One used to buy CDs or DVDs, paying for each product at the time of use, with the purveyors of movies and music awaiting our next purchase. Now we pay subscriptions and have access to as many songs or movies or TV shows as we want. Consumers love it and Wall Street does too. Annually recurring revenue models are all the rage (and the market capitalization) these days, even in unexpected places — like tractors and farming equipment. Today, Sean is going to tell you about Deere (DE) , a 188-year-old American stalwart that has set a goal for itself of converting 10% of its revenue to an ARR model by the year 2030. In 2024, the ag equipment giant did $51.7 billion in sales. Assuming it can get to its own stated target, the company would have approximately $5 billion or more of consistent top line revenue which The Street would gladly pay a premium for, just as it does with other companies in other industries. This is yet another example of how corporations are adapting to the new age of technology and capitalism. Best Stocks spotlight: Deere (DE) On the list since: 5/9/2025 Sean — Deere is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment. The brand is synonymous with reliability, quality, and a deeply rooted connection to American industrialism. Its iconic green and yellow color scheme is recognized by many people, without having used or experienced their products at all. The company officially started using the iconic green and yellow color combination around 1910. The green and yellow colors serve a larger purpose than branding — the green helps machinery blend into agricultural fields, reducing the visual impact on the landscape and the yellow provides contrast for when operators are looking for their machinery. Every detail is thought about through the lens of the operator. DE is incredibly focused on innovation and quality. In 1837, John Deere (a blacksmith in Illinois) developed the first commercially successful steel plow. Deere's innovation dramatically increased farming efficiency and helped fuel agricultural expansion in the United States. In 2025, they're still pushing the boundaries of agriculture. Today, 50% of operating earnings come from Production and Precision Agriculture — their largest and most profitable segment, focused on transforming farming into a tech-focused, data-driven operation. AI of agriculture DE has a fleet of IoT devices and they are all connected to the John Deere Operations Center — a cloud-based farm management platform that optimizes operations through data-driven insights. DE is tracking data, gathering insights, and deploying machinery in a smarter and efficient way in real time, saving farmers time and money — it's the AI of agriculture. Via Quartr, tariffs are expected to have a pretax impact of over $500 million in fiscal 2025, with roughly $400 million of that falling in the second half, adding some headwinds to margins. However, the company is taking actions to mitigate these impacts through supply chain adjustments and targeted pricing adjustments for 2026 and beyond. As of their last earnings call, the U.S. represented 79% of its complete goods and 76% of its components. Tariffs will impact DE, but not in a meaningfully detrimental way. John Deere is an industrial company, but they've built a cloud-based, AI-capable software as a service platform within it. DEs Production and Precision segment is forecasting 15.5%-17% operating margins for 2025. The company is expecting 18% EPS growth in the next year. DE trades at a 25x trailing PE and a 23x forward PE. The company has a competent and experienced management team, an exciting growth story, a defensible moat, and a reasonable valuation. On a technical basis — DE is reflecting strength. Over the last 3 years, DE has touched its 200-week moving average once on a weekly closing basis: Looking at the 1-year chart earlier in the article, the rising 200-day moving average is serving as strong support. DE is an AI-wolf in sheep's clothing. At first glance, the tariff narrative may seem like a headwind for DE. But look a little deeper, and it's clear the company continues to innovate with the same spirit it had in the late 1800s. Risk management Josh — This one is simple to me. As you can see in the one-year chart above, DE buyers have respected the 200-day moving average since November. There was a false breakdown below it this April during the tariff announcement that was cleaned up relatively quickly. I would trail a position here with a rolling stop just below the 200-day. The stock has cooled off from its high in early May but the uptrend is intact and an RSI reading in the 50s is a better entry point than when the stock was making fresh highs and RSI was pushing 75. This is my kind of set-up. DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. INVESTING INVOLVES RISK. EXAMPLES OF ANALYSIS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ONLY EXAMPLES. THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POLICY OR POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC. JOSH BROWN IS THE CEO OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND MAY MAINTAIN A SECURITY POSITION IN THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED. ASSUMPTIONS MADE WITHIN THE ANALYSIS ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THE POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC" TO THE END OF OR OUR DISCLOSURE. Click here for the full disclaimer.
Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
GMC Updates Fitness to Practise Rules Amid PA Criticism
The General Medical Council (GMC) has published updated fitness to practise guidance aimed at providing greater clarity and consistency in handling concerns about medical professionals in the UK. The changes follow long-standing criticisms of the GMC's approach to fitness to practise (FtP) investigations and its promises to introduce more compassionate procedures. However, the updated guidance drew immediate criticism for treating doctors under the same regulatory framework as physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs). Key Changes to Assessment Process The updates to FtP guidance provide case examiners with a framework for assessing whether concerns received by the GMC should be interpreted as meaning that a doctor may pose a risk to the public. This follows changes made last year by the regulator to investigations involving violence and dishonesty. These gave decision-makers more discretion in minor cases judged to represent a lower risk to public protection. The new guidance introduces three core questions for decision-makers when assessing whether concerns should proceed to investigation: What is the seriousness of the concern? What is the impact of relevant context? How has the doctor responded? Factors that may increase seriousness include repeat behaviour, abuse of position, or allegations involving vulnerable individuals. Decision-makers will also consider working environment, personal circumstances, and whether the professional has shown insight and remediation. Investigation Triggers Fitness to practise investigations may still be initiated for: Misconduct Poor performance Criminal conviction or caution Physical or mental ill-health affecting practice Determination by another regulatory body Insufficient knowledge of English The thresholds for FtP concerns remain unchanged, but the assessment process will be more structured. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomed the GMC's efforts 'to deliver a fitness to practise process that is fairer and more compassionate'. Dr Rob Hendry, the society's medical director, told Medscape News UK : 'Finding out that fitness to practise is being called into question can have a significant impact on a doctor's mental wellbeing.' He added that the MPS had 'long called for more to be done to ensure doctors are not dragged through this stressful process unnecessarily'. Doctors' Association Raises Concerns The new guidance brings FtP decisions for doctors into line with how cases involving PAs and AAs are considered. The GMC assumed responsibility for regulation of PAs and AAs in December 2024. The move was vigorously opposed by many in the medical profession, particularly by GPs who wanted medical associates kept out of general practice altogether. The Doctors' Association UK (DAUK) appreciated the GMC's attempt to clarify its guidance but expressed concern about aligning doctor regulation with PA and AA processes. Helen Fernandes, DAUK chair, highlighted that the GMC has not set standards or scope of clinical practice for medical associates. 'If there was an issue around the clinical decision-making of a PA or AA, there are no standards against which they can be judged," she told Medscape News UK . This contrasts with doctors' clinical conduct being assessed against strict standards for many years. DAUK has expressed unease about how doctors will be held accountable for supervising PAs and AAs, noting that the GMC has attributed supervision responsibilities to anyone working with them in a team. "This guidance seems to add more confusion to an already confused picture, which we believe doesn't help our members – but more importantly, doesn't help our patients or the wider public," Fernandes said. The updated guidance is available on the GMC's website.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Upgraded Glastonbury app offers live location sharing and steps counter
An upgraded official Glastonbury app includes live location sharing and a steps counter for the first time as revellers finalise plans for their arrival at the 900-acre site. Building on last year's revamp, Vodafone's 2025 edition focuses on 'keeping friends and family connected' as they join around 210,000 others at the world-famous festival from June 25, the telecoms firm said. The app now offers live location sharing on the Glastonbury map, in a bid to make it easier for festival-goers to find their friends across the site. Step count tracking has been added to the My Highlights post-festival wrap, so attendees can reflect on the ground covered over the five days. In other key updates, the Shared Line-ups feature will now automatically update, helping festival-goers spot who their friends are seeing and allowing them to plan their day accordingly. A map search feature is also designed to make it easier to navigate Worthy Farm and find different cuisines, locate camping and merchandise stands or discover new stages. It also reprises some 2024 features, including personalised recommendations on artists performing at the festival based on listening habits through Spotify, the ability to share line-ups with friends, map pinning to help users find everything from their tent to a favourite food stall and automatic highlighting when artists overlap to help navigate the schedule. In 2024, the app saw 226,215 total downloads, 88.9% from festival-goers attending Worthy Farm and 11.1% from viewers at home. The app is free for iOS and Android. Maria Koutsoudakis, chief brand officer at Vodafone UK, said: 'We know the app plays a big role in the festival experience so, this year, we have gone even further to ensure that fans can connect with their friends or family and get as much out of Glastonbury as possible. 'Combined with us delivering the most Vodafone network capacity ever on-site, these new features will help festival-goers always be connected, no matter where they are across the site. 'We're delighted to be able to use these features to reward both fans and communities across the UK, by tying the new step count feature to our campaign. Social impact is a key part of Glastonbury's ethos as a festival, and we're proud to be able to play our part in that.' Vodafone's Connect & Charge tent will also offer free phone charging and WiFi on site.
