This album was definitely on their Wi$h Li$t.
Hundreds of glamorous Taylor Swift enthusiasts flooded Midtown on Friday night, eager to grab limited edition CDs and vinyls of the singer’s latest album.
“The Life of a Showgirl” was made available on streaming platforms simultaneously — but die-hard fans camped out in selected Manhattan Target stores at midnight for a nostalgic celebration with physical copies of the album.
“I found a CD player at Goodwill just for this event!” said Rose, 18, from Staten Island, while waiting to enter the 34th Street Herald Square Target for the special edition album. “I also picked up two or three CDs.”
Rose was among numerous fans who adorned themselves with glitter, reflecting their belief that this release is one of Swift’s “glitter pen albums” — signaling a fun and upbeat vibe, featuring tracks like the new ‘Wi$h Li$t.’
This new album contrasts sharply with Swift’s “feather pen” albums, such as its predecessor, “The Tortured Poet’s Department,” known for its slower, introspective lyrics, according to devoted followers.
The artist collaborated with Target to launch an exclusive “Summertime Spritz Pink Shimmer vinyl” along with three different CD options for the midnight release, and dedicated fans were keen to collect as many editions as they could.
“I’m absolutely thrilled!” exclaimed 12-year-old Fiona Antal, clutching her new album and CD, while wearing an Eras tour t-shirt.
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“I have a CD player at home. Collecting CDs is my thing… I can’t wait to listen to the whole album from start to finish.”
Fiona had just finished soccer practice when her mother realized it was The Life of a Showgirl night, prompting her to call her dad and race her to the nearest Target, where they secured the second place in line. Mark Antal recounted: “She said, ‘We need to get to Times Square. Taylor Swift’s new album is out!’”
Uzayr Dinath, 25, was in New York from South Africa during the release, a serendipitous opportunity for the devoted fan, who has traveled to London to see Swift, as she’s never performed in his home continent.
“Whenever I’m overseas, I buy Taylor Swift CDs because they’re not available in South Africa,” Dinath noted.
Apryl Arden dressed like a showgirl to mark the occasion, though she admitted she may not even play the vinyl for its original purpose.
“I got the vinyl as a keepsake. Now, I’ll wander the streets of New York, soaking it all in while listening to the full album on Spotify,” Arden, an artist and tribute show performer, shared while wearing a sparkly dress borrowed from her Taylor Swift Tribute Show.
“I aim to sell my show to cruise ships; I play the guitar and piano. It’s a complete tribute towards her. I crafted all the arrangements myself.”
A mother-daughter duo visiting from Florida also wore matching glittery sweaters that read “Showgirl.”
On 34th Street, Mila Friberg and her family, visiting from Norway, arrived more than two hours early to secure the top position in line for the midnight launch.
“I’m just so eager about everything happening tonight,” said Mila, who is just shy of her 10th birthday, being nine years younger than Swift’s career.
“It’s too late for me; I adore Taylor. I love her beyond words.”
