Taylor Swift fans are clocking in for a busy week before the release of her new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Alarm bells were raised on Monday, September 29, after the Taylor Nation social media accounts shared an official calendar breaking down the biggest events before the album drops on Friday, October 3.
“Places, everyone! #TSTheLifeofaShowgirl comes out this week, and your official schedule is here! Make sure to clock in as we celebrate all week long. ❤️🔥,” read the caption.
Along with appearances on The Graham Norton Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers, the calendar includes the music video release for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Swift’s official movie theater release party.
One mysterious note, simply reading “Standby,” is listed on the calendar for Saturday, October 4, causing fans to go into a panic. Theories quickly spread online, with Swifties making predictions about what surprises could be in store.
Luckily, the life of an Us Weekly editor includes following along (and even clowning) with Swifties on every possible Easter egg and subtle reference. Scroll for a breakdown of the most realistic — and outrageous — theories about Swift’s “Standby” message:
Another Tour
Before the calendar was revealed, Spotify shared a cryptic Instagram post with The Life of a Showgirl glitter, seemingly using the shape of The Eras Tour stage to signify a lock. The timing led some fans to believe Swift is telling Us to standby for a tour announcement.
A Surprise Appearance
Saturday marks Sabrina Carpenter‘s first headlining set at the 2025 Austin City Limits festival. Carpenter, 26, is featured on the title track of Swift’s new record, causing speculation of a surprise duet at the festival in Texas.
Live From New York
Another possible surprise? Swift, 35, making a cameo during the season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live. Some fans pointed out the hazy effect on a new SNL teaser appeared similar to Swift’s notorious camera filter (IYKYK).
While SNL is filmed in the same studio as The Tonight Show and Late Night, a handful of skeptical Swifties pointed out the time of the “Standby” event lines up with “The Fate of Ophelia” music video release at 7 p.m. ET — hours before SNL airs.
No. 47
Fans who listened to Swift’s “New Heights” debut in August quickly noticed that she made multiple references to 47 — which likely wasn’t an accident. It was previously theorized that the number was a nod to Ophelia’s death in Act 4, Scene 7 of Hamlet. The “Standby” incorporates both 4 and 7 in its space on the calendar. Could this be the ultimate Easter egg?
Meet Her at Midnight
Swifties are no strangers to staying up late for surprises. The arrow on the calendar beneath the “Standby” placeholder is drawn pointing down, with some fans wondering whether the big reveal isn’t actually taking place at 7 p.m. but at midnight on Sunday, October 5.
