Ever since an extended version of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ aired on the penultimate episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, hopes had been renewed that Taylor Swift was about to announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version).
The album is next in line to be re-recorded, in the musician’s efforts to reclaim her back catalogue.
Other clues that Swifties had analysed included Swift’s online store being newly categorised into apparel, music, accessories, sale, which spells out AMAs, and various clues pointing to the number 26 – the date of the AMAs in America.
However, while some people had hoped that the AMAs would be the perfect time to announce the new album, Taylor Swift dashed those hopes by not showing up at all.
That breaks from tradition, with Swift having attended 10 times now and often taking home awards at the annual award show.
This year, despite being nominated for six awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Favorite Pop Album for ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ Collaboration of the Year for ‘Fortnight (featuring Post Malone),’ Favorite Touring Artist for her ‘Eras Tour,’ and Favorite Female Pop Artist, Swift didn’t take home any awards.
Swifties have immediately begun speculating that 26 now refers to 26 for reputation (Taylor’s Version) – but only time will tell.
Why wasn’t Taylor Swift at the AMAs?
Although Swifties were shocked by her not appearing, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Swift has increasingly been passing up red carpet events, having only attended two such public showings in 2025, the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl.
Although Swift and her team haven’t directly addressed her absences, the fever pitch of attention on the singer might have something to do with it.
Wherever Swift goes, attention follows and she might simply be trying to have a lower profile in the aftermath of her Eras Tour.
Indeed, sources recently suggested that she is staying out of the Blake Lively versus Justin Baldoni legal case, another sign that she’s attempting to fly under the radar for the time being.
Could she be looking for peace and quiet as she works on reputation (Taylor’s Version)? We’ll have to wait and see.
