Taylor Swift had a whirlwind 2025, releasing her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, to critical acclaim while also becoming engaged to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, keeping fans captivated both on and off the stage.
The album continues to dominate in 2026, months after its October release, and Swift shows no signs of slowing down, proving her staying power in the charts as she prepares for her summer wedding.
On February 20, Swift‘s single Opalite climbed to the top of the Official Physical Singles and Official Vinyl Singles charts. The track celebrates life’s highs and lows, reflecting personal growth through challenges.
“When we go through something that doesn’t work out,” Swift told Hits Radio “We oftentimes look at it as this major setback, like we’ve taken a step back.
“But I’ve found that so many of those instances in my life can catapult you forward in growth, in wisdom, in perspective.
“Opalite is a song about forgiving yourself for having gone through something that didn’t pan out the way you wanted it to.
“It’s giving yourself permission to not have it all figured out or not marry the first person you ever dated.”
In what might be an uncomfortable place for Swift, she is sharing the charts with her ex, Calvin Harris, who recently released a song with rock band Kasabian called Release the Pressure.
Harris‘ track could have been number one, but instead Opalite claimed the top spot, months after its initial release, marking a subtle moment of sweet revenge.
The timing was intentional, aided by a promotional push with remixes. Without that strategic boost, Harris would likely have dominated the charts. Swift‘s move shows both planning and playfulness in a competitive musical moment.
Taylor Swift celebrates Winter Olympics glory
Swift‘s admiration for athletes remained evident as she congratulated American skier Mikaela Shiffrin on winning gold in the women’s slalom, highlighting both her sports fandom and personal connections to inspiring performers.
Shiffrin had faced disappointment earlier in the Games, finishing 11th in the giant slalom and fourth in the team event, making this gold a major comeback that added to her legacy as one of the greatest Alpine skiers of all time.
The skier hadn’t earned an Olympic medal since 2018, when she won gold and silver in Pyeongchang. Her post featured a lyric from Swift‘s album, which the singer recognized, replying with “HISTORIC” and three gold medal emojis.
Swift‘s response drew attention to the intersection of pop culture and elite sport, celebrating the athlete’s perseverance while showcasing how her music resonates with fans worldwide, including champions like Shiffrin.
Shiffrin has previously expressed admiration for Swift, attending her Eras Tour in Denver in 2023, where athletes sang along at the top of their lungs. The connection underscores Swift‘s influence beyond music and into motivation and inspiration for elite competitors.
