Taylor Swift is known for planting hidden clues for her fans, and her latest announcement was no exception. Last week, during an appearance on "New Heights," the podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, the singer revealed the cover art for her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl," set to be released October 3, along with its 12-track list. But many fans are convinced the announcement held a second layer: after a wave of online detective work, one burning question has taken hold — is Taylor Swift preparing to headline the Super Bowl halftime show this coming February?
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Is Taylor Swift going to perform the Super Bowl halftime show this February?
(Photo: Charlie Riedel/ AP)
Fans who are accustomed to Swift’s “Easter eggs” — subtle hidden messages scattered across her work — are certain she hinted that the show is hers. They point to numbers, colors, strategic choices and even background items visible during the podcast recording with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Here are the clues flooding the internet:
Choosing the podcast was no coincidence
Swift’s decision to reveal her album on New Heights, a podcast centered on football, struck fans as more than a romantic nod to Travis Kelce. Many see it as a calculated move to place the announcement in a distinctly sports context — the Super Bowl being the ultimate football stage.
Romance on the field
The relationship between Swift and Kelce has already turned the Super Bowl into a cultural spectacle far beyond sports. After the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory in the 2024 Super Bowl, the two shared a kiss on the broadcast seen by hundreds of millions. They were also spotted together at a January game, further fueling the cultural buzz around their pairing. The mix of romance, sports and entertainment has only heightened speculation about a halftime show appearance.
The number 47
Throughout the episode, Swift repeatedly referenced the number 47, joking that the brothers shouted for “47 seconds” and that she had visited “47,000 countries.” For fans, the number is notable: the 47th show of her Eras Tour was held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — the very venue for the upcoming Super Bowl. Coincidence, or carefully planted clue?
Sourdough or halftime?
Swift also revealed her new hobby: baking sourdough bread. She joked that it occupies “60%” of her free time. Fans immediately tied the reference to Super Bowl 60, which will also be held at Levi’s Stadium in 2026 and is linked to the San Francisco 49ers’ mascot, Sourdough Sam.
'A new hobby every six months'
Swift mentioned she tends to switch hobbies every half-year. Fans quickly pointed out that the Super Bowl is exactly six months away.
The color orange
The promotional material for "The Life of a Showgirl" is dominated by bright orange. Longtime fans know Swift’s use of color is never random. Some connect it to nearby Orange County, while others note that orange results from mixing red and yellow — the colors of the Chiefs’ uniforms.
From fighting for her masters to the biggest stage
Swift reportedly turned down past halftime offers while focused on re-recording her first six albums. But in May she announced she had regained ownership of her catalog, removing a major obstacle. Fans now see the timing as ideal.
The new album, limited to just 12 tracks, was designed, Swift said, to be “focused and disciplined” after the lengthy "The Tortured Poets Department." She described it as full of melodies “so catchy they’ll annoy you,” with songs reflecting her behind-the-scenes tour experiences. The project reunites her with superstar producer Max Martin, who co-created many of her biggest hits.
Whether this is simply fans playing detective or the result of a carefully orchestrated plan, the excitement is building. Swift has long used numbers, colors and coded signals to communicate with her audience — and this time, they all point to the same place.
Will it happen? It’s too early to say with certainty, but one thing is clear: the Super Bowl has never felt closer to Taylor Swift.