The twinkle of lights envelops the stadium and the dreamy pop beat of “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” thrums through the air as the anticipation becomes palpable. As the music intensifies, Taylor Swift appears center stage, her silhouette framed by dazzling lights. The crowd roars with excitement and begins to chant the lyrics in unison.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” has become a phenomenon in recent music culture. As of December 2024, it is the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning over $2 billion during nearly two years of performances. With such raging success, it’s hard to believe how Swift could top herself.
“It’s crazy because [Taylor Swift] was already really, really famous,” said sophomore Rachel Lynch, speaking in disbelief at the continued growth of Swift’s fame. But, now that the tour has ended, the question arises: What will Swift do next?
While many fans are hoping she’ll keep touring and stay in the spotlight, it’s clear Swift deserves some time to rest. The long hours of intense physical activity are very tough on the body, especially after several years of touring. On top of that, she’s consistently in the public eye, facing constant public and media scrutiny which can be mentally draining, especially regarding rumors, critiques and controversies.
Lynch agrees, highlighting how demanding a tour can be, not just for Swift but for the environment and society. Lynch also added how another tour would be “a lot to do so soon.”
This idea is expanded on in Swift’s “Tortured Poets Department” (TTPD) album which offers a glimpse into her emotional landscape and makes it clear that her career may be moving towards a more self-reflective, quieter phase.
Swift has made no official comment on what she plans to do next, but “loml” from TTPD hints at a desire for a traditional family life. Swift wistfully sings, “Talking rings and talking cradles / I wish I could unrecall / How we almost had it all,” set to a hauntingly melancholy piano melody.
Throughout Swift’s two years of touring, fans have been hoping for a “Reputation Taylor’s Version,” a re-recording of her 2017 album. This project is part of Swift’s ongoing journey to regain ownership of her old music after a dispute over the ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums.
Many hoped that “Reputation Taylor’s Version” would feature new “From The Vault” tracks. However, when fans expected Swift to announce the release of the record at the 2024 Grammys, she surprised everyone by unexpectedly announcing an entire new album (TTPD) instead.
Swift’s decision to release TTPD instead of “Reputation Taylor’s Version” might reflect her need for space to breathe and explore music on her own terms without bending to her fans’ expectations. As a big artist, there’s a lot of pressure to listen to the media and fans, but by making independent decisions, Swift is able to regain control, possibly a way to cope with the stress of stardom.
Regardless of Swift’s future steps, her ability to cultivate a loyal and engaged following has guaranteed that her fans will undoubtedly encourage her on whatever path she chooses to take. Though Swift’s fans can be intense, her fans trust her, and regardless of her journey, they will be there—cheering her on and patiently waiting for whatever she chooses to create next.
