Taylor Swift is set to release her twelfth studio album, titled The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, 2025 on Republic Records. Swift conceived the project during the Eras Tour, especially its European leg, and recorded it in 2024 with production from Max Martin, Shellback and Taylor Swift herself. It is the first time since Reputation (2017) that she has worked again with Martin and Shellback.
The Life of a Showgirl includes 12 songs in total. The confirmed collaboration is with Sabrina Carpenter on the title track (“The Life of a Showgirl”), which will be the album’s only feat. Swift has said that the album reflects the energy, joy and extravagance she felt during the Eras Tour, capturing the “behind-the-scenes” world, the emotional and dramatic outburst that is the show.
The album’s visual art reinforces that glamorous aesthetic: covers shot by photographers Mert and Marcus, with showgirl themes, costumes, glitter, a highly theatrical vibe. It is expected that there will be several versions of the physical artwork: different vinyl, CD, cassette, with cover variants.
Taylor Swift is at a pivotal moment in cementing her position as one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Currently, Madonna is still recognized as the best-selling female artist globally, according to Guinness World Records.
While there are no exact official figures confirming that Swift has already surpassed her in total album sales, various analyses and specialized media point out that she is getting closer. With The Life of a Showgirl, which is anticipated with great expectation, she could close that gap.
Taylor Swift and what will happen with her new music era
The official announcement was made on August 12, 2025 during the podcast New Heights, hosted by Travis Kelce (engaged to the singer) and his brother Jason Kelce. It was on that episode that Swift revealed the album title, release date, some of the album artwork and the physical formats available (vinyl, CD, cassette).
The pre-sale has included multiple physical variants of the album, special vinyl edition, and promotional material with very marked aesthetics: cover art, alternative cover art, visual elements in orange-glitter colors (“glitter orange” / Portofino orange glitter) and a visual theme that evokes the glamour of the stage.
Confirmed:
Launch date: October 3, 2025.
Total songs: 12.
Unique collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on the main track.
He works with historic producers (Max Martin, Shellback) and returned to the studio between tour dates.
Not confirmed / speculated:
That with this album she has already officially surpassed Madonna in global sales; reports give it as “on the way” or “heading to”, but there is no official certified figure.
Previous exact sales details or projections on how many units she needs to dethrone Madonna are based on analysts’ estimates, not on confirmations from the artist or her label.
In short, The Life of a Showgirl marks a new chapter in Taylor Swift’s career: elegant, performative, with a return to key collaborators, and with the promise of bringing her even closer to the record as the best-selling female artist of all time. Its October 3 release will undoubtedly be an important moment for her fans and the music industry.
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