With every new Taylor Swift album comes a new “era”—and with it, a brand-new look. For her upcoming record, The Life of a Showgirl, the global superstar steps into the glittering world of Las Vegas performers, embodying the dazzling spirit of a modern showgirl.
This bold transformation is a striking contrast to the muted tones of Folklore (2020) and the nostalgic Red (2012) aesthetic. This time, Swift dives deep into her life as one of the world’s biggest pop stars, exploring both the glamorous and lonely sides of being on stage.
During her record-breaking Eras Tour in 2024—which spanned 51 cities across five continents and became the highest-grossing tour of all time—Swift revealed she began writing the album. On her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s podcast New Heights, she explained that the songs were born during the European leg of the tour. “Literally living the life of a showgirl,” Kelce remarked, while Swift added, “It’s the life behind it all, it’s the life beyond the show.”
The Showgirl Aesthetic 🎭
The album cover features Swift in a crystal-encrusted demi-bra with jeweled details cascading down her torso, submerged in a bathtub. In another image, she stands in a sparkling, gem-studded costume with arms wide open—channeling classic showgirl glamour. Yet, the glamorous visuals are paired with imagery of empty theaters and haunting green light, hinting at the solitude behind the spectacle.
This new, more revealing style marks a different direction for Swift, but she joins a long line of music icons inspired by the showgirl aesthetic. From Beyoncé and Katy Perry to Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Kylie Minogue, pop stars have long embraced the glitter, feathers, and crystals of Vegas-inspired costumes. More recently, Addison Rae showcased the same style in her 2025 High Fashion video.
Why Showgirls Inspire Pop Stars 💃
The showgirl look blends femininity, artistry, and spectacle—designed to dazzle under stage lights. But beyond the feathers and rhinestones, showgirls embody relentless dedication, stamina, and resilience—qualities Swift herself has embodied while performing night after night in stadiums worldwide.
For Swift, The Life of a Showgirl is more than an aesthetic—it’s a reflection of her life behind the spotlight. “It’s what I was going through off-stage,” she revealed. Just like showgirls, she reminds us: no matter what happens behind the curtain, the show must go on.