Can Taylor Swift really hint at something three years in advance? As fans unpack the announcement of her 12th album, all signs might be pointing to yes.
Swift nearly broke the internet (once again) on Monday, August 11, with the help of her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, whose “New Heights” podcast teased a special guest would be stopping by amid the show’s hiatus. Unlike most of the podcast’s promo pics, which feature a yellow background, Swift’s silhouette was shown against an orange backdrop.
It didn’t take long for theories to swirl online about what news Swift might be dropping — and the excitement only grew when a countdown to 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, appeared on the pop star’s website. (Sensing a theme? Us too.)
Shortly after “New Heights” confirmed Swift’s appearance on the Wednesday, August 13, episode, another big surprise hit the podcast’s social media feeds. While many Instagram users impatiently refreshed Swift’s account just after midnight, it was actually the “New Heights” page that broke the news: TS12 is officially on the way.
“So I need to show you something,” Swift said while sitting next to Travis, revealing a large briefcase with her initials on the front. “This is my brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl.”
Taylor Swift Emma McIntyre/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Even after pulling an all-nighter, Swifties sprung into action, going back into the archives to dissect any possible clues about the album’s theme, title and more — and coming up with new theories.
For those not quite ready to dive into the Swiftie trenches themselves, Us is rounding up all the best easter eggs and predictions about The Life of a Showgirl. Scroll at your own risk:
‘Bejeweled’ Clues
The Midnights track’s music video was already the source of several Swiftie theories, but the 12 album’s announcement gave fans a new perspective. In the “Bejeweled” video, which was released in fall 2022, Swift is seen embracing the showgirl aesthetic in glittering outfits. At one point, she sits on a clock, with her body covering the 12. Another clue? The buttons for the second and 10th floors on the notorious elevator are lit up orange. (Even Us can add up those numbers.)
12 Is the Magic Number
Speaking of numbers, 12 has been popping up more and more in the last few months. Back in October 2024, Swift posted a video of herself walking through a stadium in Miami ahead of an Eras Tour show — pausing in section A12 before giving the camera her trademark smirk. When Swift attended the 2025 Grammy Awards in February, she wore earrings adorned with 12 jewels. Three months later, Swift announced that she repurchased her masters after a lengthy battle over her first six albums — and snuck in 12 extra letters while writing “this close.”
Doing It With a Broken Heart
Taylor Swift Taylor Swift/YouTube
Swift released the music video for “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” in summer 2024, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from her Eras Tour rehearsals and beyond. Her backup dancers were seen holding orange feathered props. Not to mention, the entire theme of the live performance of the Tortured Poets Department song has a showgirl flare. And who could forget when Travis surprised fans in London by joining Swift on stage for that very song?
As The Eras Tour comes to an end, Taylor Swift is already thinking about what’s next. Swift, 34, documented the biggest moments of her record-breaking Eras Tour in her official The Eras Tour book, released on Friday, November 29. Alongside never-before-seen photos and information about the show, the Grammy winner hinted at her next career […]
The Orange Door
When the Eras Tour ended in December 2024, an orange door appeared as Swift and her dancers exited the stage. The message “See you next era” has also emerged several times, from Taylor Nation social media posts to Swift’s Eras Tour book.
The Second Letter
In May, Swift dropped a handwritten note to fans about her masters purchase via her website — but it didn’t take long for Swifties to notice a second piece of paper hidden underneath.
The Playlist
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Along with announcing her 12th album, Swift shared a Spotify playlist titled “And, baby, that’s show business for you.” While some fans argued the title could be a hint at lyrics from the upcoming album, others dissected the songs that were included on the mix, which ranged from Red to 1989 to Reputation. All of the songs were produced by Max Martin and Shellback, leading Swifties to believe The Life of a Showgirl will be a pop-forward album.
The Double Album Theory
Still recovering from the surprise TTPD: The Anthology drop, some fans are already anticipating a second part to the 12th album. After it was pointed out that frequent collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner were not behind any of the songs included on Swift’s new playlist, one X user shared a possible theory as to why.
“Y’all act like she’s not going to release ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ at midnight followed up by ‘The Death of a Showgirl’ at 3:00 AM with all of Jack and Aaron songs your little hearts desire,” the tweet read.
