Taylor Swift’s famously meticulous fanbase, known as “Swifties,” is in a state of high anticipation following a series of cryptic clues suggesting the pop star is set to announce her 12th studio album, tentatively dubbed “TS12.” The speculation has reached a fever pitch after a social media post from the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce, teased a “very special guest” for an upcoming episode.
The “New Heights” teaser, shared on Monday, features a blacked-out silhouette of a guest alongside gleeful expressions from the Kelce brothers. Swifties were quick to point out that the silhouette bears a striking resemblance to Swift and that the podcast’s background image has been changed to a sparkly orange—a color fans believe is the central theme of her next era. Further fueling the theories, Jason Kelce was seen wearing an Eras Tour t-shirt in the teaser, and the episode is scheduled to air on Wednesday, August 13, a date that aligns with Swift’s lucky number.
This isn’t the first time Swift has used subtle clues to tease new music. Her official fan account, Taylor Nation, also posted photos of the singer wearing all-orange outfits with the caption, “Thinking about when she said ‘See you next era…’” This post, coupled with the podcast teaser, has led many to believe that the new album will be a rock-inspired record, possibly titled “Karma,” a fan theory that has circulated for years.
The potential announcement on the “New Heights” podcast, which has a massive following in the sports world, would mark a significant crossover for Swift and a powerful promotional platform for new music ahead of the new NFL season. While neither Swift nor the Kelce brothers have officially confirmed her appearance, the coordinated hints have sent the internet into overdrive, with fans eagerly awaiting the podcast episode to see if their theories hold true.