Taylor Swift, an American pop star, winner of 14 Grammy Awards, 40 American Music Awards, and producer of the highest-grossing tour of all time, has spent some time back in the studio. Her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, was released on October 3rd. 
The album was originally announced on the New Heights podcast run by her fiancé, Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason Kelce. In the show, she reveals the cover of her new album, though it’s blurred at the time. The full podcast aired on August 13th, and with Swift’s long history of leaving easter eggs, it is no mistake that it was released on her well-known, favorite number.
The new album features 12 new songs: “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Opalite,” “Father Figure,” “Eldest Daughter,” “Ruin the Friendship,” “Actually Romantic,” “Wish List,” “Wood,” “Cancelled!,” “Honey,” and “The Life of a Showgirl (featuring Sabrina Carpenter)”. The album also features a music video titled “The Fate of Ophelia”.
The new album’s signature colors are mint green and orange. These have been featured on her Instagram and other social media platforms, including album covers, posters, and promotional materials.
On October 3rd, The Official Release Party of the movie Showgirl premiered in cinemas, celebrating Swift’s new album. During the 89-minute production, there was behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos from The Life of a Showgirl, and the premiere of her new music video.
On Spotify in the Top 50 – Global playlist, Swift has taken the top 12 most-played tracks since she released The Life of a Showgirl on October 3rd. “The Fate of Ophelia” is number one, followed by “Opalite” and “Elizabeth Taylor”.
On October 13, ten days after Swift released The Life of a Showgirl, she announced her six-episode docuseries, “The End of an Era,” coming out on Disney+ on December 12, 2025.
The docuseries will be released alongside a new tour film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The Final Show, which will include performances from her album The Tortured Poets Department that were not in the original Eras Tour Movie.
Her series will go behind the scenes of the Eras Tour and show its development and impact throughout its two-year run. It features moments with Swift before and after the show, footage from rehearsals, and cameos from celebrities like Travis Kelce, Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gracie Abrams.
Some Essex Hornets shared their thoughts on the new album.
“I love it, and I love seeing her happy,” sophomore Mackenzie O’Connell said. “It was not what I was expecting, but I think it’s so good!”
Not all of our Hornets are Swifties.
“I have not listened to her album and never plan to; it all sounds the same and it’s about the same topic. BORING! ” Freshman Kelsie O’Connell said.
“I haven’t listened to it yet,” Science Teacher, Katie Berkelhamer said. “But from what I’m seeing on social media, lots of people are liking it.”
“It was interesting to see her write her own songs for her album,” sophomore Miles Warrington said. “And to see her write about her relationship with Travis Kelce.”
Another sophomore, Norah Lomedico, also has an opinion on the new album.
“My favorite song from her new album is Elizabeth Taylor. I like it when the beat drops,” Lomedico said. “Overall, I really love this album. It’s been on repeat since it was released.”
