Taylor Swift released her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Friday.
The new album, which features 12 tracks and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, has received mixed reviews from fans and critics, but many have pointed out its numerous references to classic celebrities and iconic works of art throughout the rollout and within the music itself.
Prior to the release, Swift went on BBC Radio 1to discuss The Life of a Showgirl, how she feels about her Eras Tour now and even played a game of whether she can tell the difference between the original and “Taylor’s Versions” of her hit 2014 album, 1989.
Nine minutes into the interview, host Greg James talked about the opening track of the album, titled “The Fate of Ophelia,” which alludes to the character Ophelia from William Shakesphere’s Hamlet. Swift then confirmed that she referenced the play in the bridge of the song. The title itself refers to Ophelia going insane and committing suicide by drowning herself after her father’s death.
Afterward, James congratulated the 35-year-old singer on the new project, as well as complimented the front cover of the new record, which shows Swift wearing a bedazzled bodysuit in a body of water.
“Thank you for appreciating that the album cover is a reference to the famous ‘Ophelia’ painting, which then ends up being referenced in the music video. There’s more references to this painting,” Swift explained. The music video will premiere in theaters this weekend in the Official Release Party of the Showgirl movie, which will showcase music videos, behind-the-scenes footage and commentary on the album’s songs.
“Ophelia” is a 1850s painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais, which depicts the scene in Hamlet where Ophelia is singing before she drowns in a river. The artwork is famous for its detail, symbolic flowers and the story behind its creation, which involved Millais’ partner, Elizabeth Siddal, posing in a cold bathtub, leading to a serious illness.
This is not the only time Swift has referenced older artworks or Hollywood icons in the album. The second track of the record, titled “Elizabeth Taylor,” is named after the Hollywood icon and her career is referenced multiple times throughout the song. In the fourth track, “Father Figure,” Swift pays homage to the late George Michael by interpolating his iconic song of the same name.
Fans can now listen to The Life of a Showgirl on all streaming platforms.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pop Culture section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
