Taylor Swift has revealed her 12th studio album, «The Life of a Showgirl,» marking another shift in her career. While touring Europe, she collaborated with producers Max Martin and Shellback. According to The Guardian, the album pays tribute to her energetic career and offers a look behind the scenes of her massive Eras Tour.
This reinvention is rooted in a long history: showgirls first appeared in 19th-century cabarets and later became a key part of American entertainment, renowned for their glamour, spectacle and precise dancing. Pop stars like Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue and Lady Gaga have all put their own spin on the showgirl image.
Reflecting on this history, people in the music industry say Swift’s new style fits her growth as an artist. After the huge success of the Eras Tour, some critics think a simple, low-key album wouldn’t match her current image. By embracing the showgirl theme, she highlights her superstar status and presents herself as both a performer and a storyteller.
Extending this idea, former Las Vegas showgirl Lou Anne Chessik praised Swift’s professionalism and commitment to performance, calling her «absolutely» deserving of the title. At the same time, scholars note that the original showgirl tradition emphasized collectivity, whereas Swift’s adaptation presents her as a singular star commanding the stage alone, The Guardian noted.
