Many Taylor Swift fans believe that the cover art for the pop star’s Life of a Showgirl album subtly hints at Blake Lively , especially considering their recent tensions.
A group of fans recently observed that Swift is depicted wearing a pink diamond bangle on the cover of her “It’s Rapturous” CD, which resembles one previously worn by Lively.
Lively sported a customized chunky diamond bracelet by Lorraine Schwartz at the premiere of It Ends With Us in August 2023. During the album photoshoot, Swift appeared with a similar piece, enhanced by additional silver beads interspersed among the pink ones.
It’s unclear if this dazzling jewelry was intended as a nod to Lively, as both women have unique relationships with the renowned jeweler, frequently showcasing her designs on various occasions.
Swift’s latest studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, dropped on Friday, October 3, and fans have been buzzing about the meanings behind its tracks—particularly since Swift rarely names her inspirations outright.
“Some theories definitely stem from totally unfounded ideas,” Swift shared during a recent appearance on Elvis Duran’s iHeartRadio show. “However, some are truly enjoyable once they piece them together.”
She added, “Just yesterday, someone discovered that if you arrange the track titles from this album in order, it forms a shape similar to the Eras Tour stage layout. It took them some time to realize it, but it was fun to see.”
Swift did not clarify whether Lively, who notably liked an Instagram post celebrating the album’s launch, was a lyrical influence.
Blake Lively. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
Swift and Lively have been friends since 2016, but reports suggest that their friendship may have soured by 2024. Us Weekly previously confirmed that the two have hardly spoken after Swift became entangled in Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.
In late 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Baldoni, 41, who has denied the allegations. Baldoni later sought to subpoena Swift, alleging her involvement in Lively’s attempts to take control of the film’s direction—claims Swift has vehemently denied.
A representative for Swift clarified to Us Weekly in May, “Taylor never visited any film set, had no involvement in casting or creative choices, didn’t score the film, and only saw It Ends With Us weeks after its premiere. She was busy headlining the largest tour in history during 2023 and 2024.”
Throughout the European leg of her Eras Tour in 2024, Swift collaborated with producers Max Martin and Shellback to pen Showgirl. Some fans speculate that the track “Cancelled!” references her fallout with Lively.
“Did you girlboss too close to the sun? / Did they catch you having far too much fun? / Come with me, when they see us, they’ll run / Something wicked this way comes / Good thing I like my friends cancelled / I like ’em cloaked in Gucci and in scandal,” Swift sings. She noted that “Cancelled!” offers a “tongue-in-cheek reflection on social backlash.”
Blake Lively. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
“Its essence of being ‘canceled’ can stem from various forms of social backlash that one might face. I’ve engaged in numerous discussions about everything that unfolds in my life and actions,” Swift remarked during the “Release Party of a Showgirl” screening. “Whenever someone faces backlash, I find that I tend to be the one they reach out to. I aimed to write a song reflecting on how such experiences can lead to wisdom and growth.”
She concluded, “I try not to judge people based on public consensus, but rather on who they are and their actions. If someone shows themselves to be a bad person, only then will I make a judgment. Otherwise, I choose to withhold my opinions.”
The Life of a Showgirl is currently available.
