Swift response from Las Vegas for superstar’s new album
Local showgirls react to Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ announcement
A proven way to get the attention of a showgirl is to use “showgirl” in a title – and Taylor Swift has done exactly that, sparking immediate reactions from Las Vegas performers after announcing her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift made the surprise announcement at 12:12 a.m. Eastern time Tuesday (Aug. 12) during a clip from an upcoming episode of “New Heights,” the podcast hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason. The timing was a sly tie-in to Swift’s 12th studio album.
The big reveal
In the podcast teaser, Swift appeared next to Travis, with Jason connected remotely. Behind the couple sat a jar of friendship bracelets and a logo on an orange square showing “T.S.” The pop superstar pulled an album from a mint-green case with her initials on the side.
“This is my brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift announced, prompting Jason Kelce to yell “Aaaaaaaagh!” followed by Travis’s enthusiastic “TS twelve!” The album cover was blurred out in the clip, similar to the Chiefs’ offense in the Super Bowl, as one local entertainment columnist quipped.
Vegas showgirls mobilize
Las Vegas showgirls were quick to respond to the album’s intriguing name, with many taking to social media within hours of the announcement.
Jade Simone, Piff the Magic Dragon’s on-stage and life partner, posted on Instagram with characteristic humor: “BIG NEWS: So happy to finally confirm that I was @taylorswift’s latest muse for #TS12! Honored to collaborate on this project and get ready for orange feathers and sparkles.”
Speaking more seriously, Simone added, “My crazy team is already reaching out in case she comes to Vegas.”
Skepticism from seasoned performers
Not all showgirls were immediately convinced of Swift’s showgirl credentials. Former “Jubilee” and “Crazy Girls” cast members Sarah Sutter and Dani Elizabeth expressed some skepticism about the pop star’s understanding of the showgirl experience.
“What does she know about being a showgirl? Give me the deets,” said Sutter, who now works on the production team for Chippendales at Linq Hotel and Dita Von Teese at Voltaire. “Just because you put feathers on your head and wear something that sparkles doesn’t make you a showgirl.”
Elizabeth, currently performing on Virgin Voyages with her magician husband Murray Sawchuck, reminded everyone of the physical demands of being a traditional showgirl. “I’d love to see her walking down a flight of 40 stairs, wearing a 10-pound hat and 4-inch heels,” she noted, referencing the fact that showgirl costumes can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Official Vegas weighs in
The City of Las Vegas’s official Instagram account joined the conversation with a video of Swift in front of the showgirls’ sign leading to the Arts District. “The Life Of A Showgirl. Wait, is this play about us?” they posted, pulling a line from HBO’s “Euphoria.”
“Fantasy” at Luxor jumped in with enthusiasm, sharing a clip from the 2013 Billboard Music Awards telecast at MGM Grand Garden. The topless revue posted that they “couldn’t be more excited” for whatever Swift has planned.
Potential collaborations brewing
Becs O’Hara, who has performed in “Jubilee,” “Zombie Burlesque,” “Vegas! The Show” and with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds at Pearl at the Palms, saw opportunity in Swift’s announcement. Now a show producer, O’Hara said, “I mean, if she wants to put her money where her mouth is, I’m game. Maybe I need to propose an idea to her.”
Album details remain mysterious
While the album’s title has been revealed, many details remain under wraps. The concept might be autobiographical, drawing from Swift’s experience commanding stages for three-plus hours during her record-breaking Eras Tour, or it could relate to a fictional character. Fans will have to wait for more information when the full “New Heights” episode streams at 4 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday.
Pre-orders for “The Life of a Showgirl” are now available on Swift’s website, with physical copies set to ship before October 13, 2025, though the official release date has not been announced. The album will be available on vinyl (in “Portofino orange glitter”), CD, and cassette.
The showgirl legacy
Diane Palm, an original “Jubilee” cast member and that show’s final stage manager, remains a forever defender of the showgirl image and legacy. Learning of Swift’s new album title, Palm offered a succinct response that captured the essence of Las Vegas showgirl pride: “We are iconic, that’s for sure.”
Whether Swift’s album will honor the tradition of Las Vegas showgirls or take the concept in an entirely new direction remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – she has the attention of every feathered performer in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Image Sources: https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/swift-response-from-las-vegas-for-superstars-new-album-3318875/
Category: Nightlife
Subcategory: Entertainment
Date: 08/13/2025
