Pop superstar Taylor Swift surprised fans by announcing her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, during an episode of her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast. The reveal came in a clip recorded on the Kansas City Chiefs star’s show with his brother and was made available for pre-order starting Tuesday at 12:12 a.m. ET.

In the clip, Swift presented a mint green briefcase embossed with orange “T.S.” letters before showing a blurred image of the record inside. While the album’s official release date has not been announced, the pre-order shipping date is set for October 13. Swift, a multi-Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, recently finished her record-breaking Eras Tour, which concluded in December as the highest-grossing tour in music history.

Upcoming Podcast Episode Offers Insight Into Their Relationship

Swift’s appearance on the New Heights podcast marks her first public interview since being named Time’s Person of the Year in 2023, with the episode scheduled to premiere Wednesday at 7 p.m. It promises to provide fans with a closer look at her relationship with Kelce. Prior to the release, the podcast teased the guest with a silhouette resembling Swift set against an orange background, sparking widespread speculation among fans.

Adding to the buzz, Swift’s official fan account, Taylor Nation, referenced a post from her Eras Tour book released in November that included 12 photos of her in orange outfits, which fans connected to the podcast’s hint. Swift’s supporters, known as Swifties, quickly predicted that she was the episode’s special guest.

How Their Relationship Began in 2023

Travis Kelce opened up on his podcast about the early stages of his relationship with Swift, recalling his attempt to give her his number via a friendship bracelet after attending one of her concerts in Kansas City, Missouri, during July 2023. He shared these details on an episode with his brother Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles player.

I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings,

Travis Kelce said.

So I was a little butt-hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her.

—Travis Kelce, NFL Star

When asked about the nature of their relationship in August 2023, Kelce refrained from elaborating.

You know, what? It is what it is. I’m not going to talk about my personal life,

Kelce told the NFL Network.

I know what you writers want to hear. And you want to hear more about that, and I’m not going to give you anything.

—Travis Kelce, NFL Star

Kelce essentially confirmed the relationship the following month on The Pat McAfee Show, signaling the end of speculation.

I threw the ball in her court. I told her, I’ve seen you rock a stage in Arrowhead and you might have to come see me rock the stage at Arrowhead,

he said.

We’ll see what happens in the near future.

—Travis Kelce, NFL Star

Swift began attending Chiefs games during the 2023 season, including nine at Arrowhead Stadium and the Super Bowl, even traveling internationally during her tour to watch Kelce play. Their high-profile relationship has drawn a fresh wave of interest to the NFL, reaching fans who are new to the sport. CBS Sports even issued a primer on football basics, reflecting Swift’s growing connection to the game. Kelce mentioned that Swift has even designed plays for him, showing she’s more than a casual fan.

Travis Kelce Embraces All of Taylor Swift’s Hits

The relationship extended beyond the couple, with Swift becoming close to Kelce’s mother and spending time with family at games. Kelce expressed his admiration for Swift’s entire collection of music during a 2024 interview on CBS Mornings.

They’re all my favorite — literally every single one. You’ll see me at a concert, you’ll see me singing them all,

Kelce said.

The presence of Swift on the New Heights podcast has increased its popularity significantly, contributing to a major $100 million deal that Kelce’s podcast network, Wondery, signed with Amazon last summer.

Everybody’s loving it. Mama Kelce…she’s having so much fun. My dad is slowly getting more comfortable with it. And Jason has always been a pro at it,

Kelce shared last year.

Significance of Swift and Kelce’s Public Collaboration

This high-profile interview on the New Heights podcast highlights how the pairing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continues to captivate audiences across music and sports. Their relationship has not only brought more attention to each other’s worlds but also boosted interest in Kelce’s podcast and the NFL as a whole. Fans eagerly await the full episode to learn more about their dynamic and hear Swift’s reflections as she promotes her new album during this key moment in her career.

The revelation of The Life of a Showgirl through Kelce’s platform signals a unique crossover moment, blending pop culture with sports media in a way that will likely influence both industries moving forward.