Swifties, a new era has entered the chat.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift confirmed the release of her new album “The Life of a Showgirl” on a “New Heights” podcast teaser released at 12:12 a.m. ET on Aug. 12.
In the video, Swift pulled out a blurred-out album cover for her new project, stating, “This is my brand-new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.'”
It was also confirmed that Swift would appear on the podcast on Aug. 13, after the “New Heights” social media accounts posted another quick promotional video with the pop star and Kelce on the mic together.
But when does “The Life of a Showgirl” come out? When does Swift’s “New Heights” podcast episode drop?
Here’s what we know.
When does ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ come out? When is Taylor Swift releasing a new album?
A release date for Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has yet to be announced. However, Swift’s website says that the vinyls for the album will ship before Oct. 13.
What is TS12?
TS12 was a working title, given by fans, for Swift’s 12th studio album.
How many albums does Taylor Swift have?
Swift currently has 11 albums, with “The Tortured Poets Department” being her latest release. “The Life of a Showgirl” would be the pop star’s 12th album.
When does the ‘New Heights’ podcast drop?
The “New Heights” podcast episode featuring Swift will drop on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
The 13th is apropos for an announcement as it is Swift’s favorite number. The announcement also comes in perfect time for Kelce’s 13th year playing football.
What time does the ‘New Heights podcast come out?
Fans can tune in Aug. 13 for a 7 p.m. ET drop.
Where to watch ‘New Heights’ podcast
New episodes drop on the podcast’s YouTube channel, and can be listened to through Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Easter eggs that led Swifties to TS12 speculation
Taylor Nation, the singer’s in-house marketing and public relations team, created a 12-photo carousel on Instagram on Monday morning. That number is important to note, as 13 is famously known to be Swift’s favorite number. So, why stop short? It could be because her next album would signal her 12th era.
“Thinking about when she said ‘See you next era…'” the caption said alongside an array of orange Eras Tour looks. The post ended with a burning heart emoji.
The post erupted. In less than 10 minutes, the Instagram post had been shared more than 10,000 times with fans screaming, shouting and throwing up in the comments. Even Republic Records, the record label repping Swift, commented a burning heart emoji.
Speculation of a new album also rose because Taylor Nation solely posted photos of the pop star’s orange Eras Tour outfits. Why does this matter? Fans have long theorized Swift had an album called “Karma” that was scrapped and that orange was the album’s accompanying color.
Up until 2016, Swift had released an album every two years, so fans believed “Karma” would be the next album in her discography after “1989,” but she took a hiatus and didn’t release an album until “Reputation” in 2017. The “Karma” theory still existed, but wasn’t fully revived until the release of “Midnights,” which featured a song called “Karma.”
It could all be pure coincidence, but Swifites know better than that. With Swift, everything is calculated. She is the “Mastermind,” after all.
Additionally, Swift’s boyfriend, University of Cincinnati alum Travis Kelce, also added fuel to the speculation fire.
“New Heights,” Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast, revealed its releasing a show early for a “special episode with a VERY special guest.” Travis Kelce also shared the image on his Instagram.
Some fans have speculated Swift will be joining the brothers’ podcast after eagle-eyed Swifties caught that Jason Kelce was sporting Eras Tour merch, and because Travis was smiling ear-to-ear in the episode’s promo image.
“92%ers, we’re coming back early for a special episode with a VERY special guest,” the accounts said. The photo includes a black silhouette and a bedazzled orange background. Jason Kelce is donning what looks like an Eras Tour midnight blue sweater.
There has been a wide range of other Easter eggs that have led Swifties to believe TS12 is nearly upon us. Here are just a few examples.
Who runs Taylor Nation?
Taylor Nation, which includes social media accounts that post updates on Swift, merch deals, videos and more, is run by the singer’s in-house marketing and public relations team, per Swift’s fandom site.
USA Today’s Bryan West, Mary Clarke and Caroline Darney contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When does Taylor Swift’s new album drop? When is she on ‘New Heights’? Everything to know
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude and Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
