From tequila cocktails to themed pop-ups, Taylor Swift fans celebrate
'The Life of a Showgirl'
[October 04, 2025]
From Mexico City to Manila, the United Kingdom to the United States,
Taylor Swift fans hooted, sobbed happy tears and danced their way
through the pop star's latest album release, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift's 12th studio offering dropped Friday, and her Swifties were more
than ready for it. Many were dripping in the color orange to usher in
her latest era at gatherings around the world. Some closed their eyes to
take in the fresh dozen tracks amid the chaotic crowds around them.
José María Bastida, a writer, rocked an orange sequin tuxedo jacket at a
watch party in a Mexico City restaurant serving Swift-themed cocktails,
including a tequila heavy “Ophelia's Juice” and a liquored up “Showgirl
Slushy.”
“I feel like it's super experimental,” he said of the album, “because
it's supposed to bring a lot of new stuff and we haven't seen that more
sexy side of Taylor Swift.”
Fans snatch up “Showgirl” in all its variants
In Los Angeles, the fervent lined up at midnight at a Target to snap up
the new music on vinyl and CD. Maria-Elena Garcia rented a hotel room
and drove in from Santa Barbara. “I like a lot of her values and like we
have a lot similar values. For example, cats,” she said.
In theaters, Swift is schooling AMC on how to treat her fans. The
theater chain has granted special permission for moviegoers to sing and
dance their way through screenings of “The Official Release Party of a
Showgirl,” in select theaters for the weekend only. The film is
screening around the world. Added bonus: No trailers beforehand.
Fiona Cela, 11, in London woke up at 4:30 a.m. to listen to the album.
She then headed out with her mother to the studios of Global's Capital
radio, hoping for a glimpse of Swift as she gave an interview there. On
her agenda after that: school.
“Taylor as a person is just super kind and loving,” she said, her wrists
stacked with Swift-themed friendship bracelets. “Her music is so
inspiring.”
Swifties celebrate at a special pub
At the Black Dog pub in London, thought to be the location for Swift's
song “Black Dog” from her last album, vacationing American Natalie
Richmond, 43, showed up to mark the occasion. Her two Swiftie daughters
woke her up extra early to listen to the album.
“We actually lived in Nashville early on so we’ve been following her
ever since she began,” Richmond said. “She’s relatable. She’s the person
that everybody wants to be friends with. We all listen to her music and
think I’d love to go out and hang out with her.”
Longtime Swiftie Helen Brabant-Bleakley showed up at the Black Dog to
mark her 30th birthday, wearing a teal sash with gold lettering that
read: “The Life of a Birthday Girl.”
“My good friend Taylor Swift gave me the best present ever by dropping a
new album,” she said, noting she's already picked a couple of favorite
cuts from the album: “Father Figure” and “Elizabeth Taylor.”
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Roel Calderon, left, and Ashley Miramontes try on fashions inspired
by Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," at a
TikTok/Taylor Swift fan activation pop-up event to celebrate the
release of the album on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP
Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Drag queens lip-sync Swift as hundreds cheer
A Manila mall went full Swift with a drag show, games, raffles and
performers. Hundreds of screaming fans dressed in showgirl gear braved
rain to celebrate at an outdoor amphitheater.
Among them was Cyril Aviguetero, 18. With a red showgirl head piece
complementing his outfit, he was most excited about Track 7, “Actually
Romantic.” Asked why, he mused: “I’m not sure, but I’m also trying to
find what’s actually romantic in my life,” he said.
Other Swift events were held around the Philippines.
Kansas City's Union Station was lit up in orange and teal in
celebration. Musician Chloe Rose entertained Swift fans with four hours
of covers at a spot there ahead of the release as the crowd made
friendship bracelets and sipped on themed cocktails.
Number balloons for “12” floated around as Rose sang and played guitar
and keyboards. Fan Tara Pickarell showed up but chose solitude to later
take in the new work. “I have to be in my own space to listen to it. I
need my own little bubble.”
Pickarell is happy the album is pop heavy.
“I do like her slower songs, but I’m excited to get back to like 1989
‘Reputation’ vibes,” she said.
Showgirl pop-up draws lines for photos with props
In New York, hundreds of fans lined up to walk through a three-day
Spotify pop-up offering five showgirl-themed rooms. They took photos
with feathery boas and other props.
“I feel like there's so few moments like this where you actually get to
connect with other fans,” said Ali Meehan. “Like we all kind of listen
in our rooms, alone in our houses.”
This time around, Swift includes abundant nods to fiancé Travis Kelce
amid the glitz, glamour and Las Vegas lechery of it all. This Swift
isn't waiting in the wings, and she's definitely not holed up alone.
“This is so different from the last album, but in a really good way,”
said Hannah Zuckerbraun, a fan in a Swift T-shirt among Target-goers in
Los Angeles. “Like, it's a lot happier sounding. I feel like it's
perfect and upbeat.”
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