Why Swifties Think Taylor Swift Is Planning Something Big For Oct. 18

Taylor Swift fans are no strangers to what they affectionately call “clowning”: connecting the dots, finding Easter eggs and theorizing about what the pop icon might do next, only to be proven completely wrong. (See: every time they falsely predict the surprise release of his new version of Reputation.)

But Swifties may be on to something this time, too Us Weekly is here to explain why all signs point to Friday, October 18.

This week, Shawn Mendes – a former collaborator and friend of Swift’s – announced via Instagram Stories that he will be delaying the release of his upcoming album, Shawnoriginally expected to be released on October 18.

“Hey guys ♥️My team and I have decided to push the album release date to November 15. We just need more time to bring inspiration and new ideas to life ♥️,” the singer wrote on Wednesday, October 9.

Then something strange happened. Joe Jonasanother actor in the extended Swift space, delayed the release of his new solo album, Music For Loverswhat was there again is scheduled for release on October 18. Fans who pre-ordered the album reported receiving an email stating that the album will not be released until 2025, with no specific date specified.

Why are two major music artists delaying the release of their highly anticipated albums that they have been doing press to promote? Maybe it’s because there’s something bigger coming up that will present unbeatable competition on the charts. Maybe it’s because, as Swifties speculate, Ms. Swift herself has something coming up next Friday, which also happens to be the day she returns to the Eras Tour.

Keep scrolling for a full explanation of the fan theories, courtesy of you Us:

Key Players

Taylor Swift: The pop star makes her return to the Eras Tour stage on Friday, October 18, in Miami, kicking off the final leg of her record-breaking tour.

Shawn Mendes: The “Stitches” singer announced on Instagram that she is delaying the release of her new album, Shawnper month. Leading up to the scheduled release date, Mendes performed the album live for a select group of fans at a love concert, performed a single at the MTV Video Music Awards and appeared on it. Jay Shetty‘s podcast to promote upcoming releases.

Mendes is a friend of Swift’s, collaborating with her on the remix of her 2019 single “Lover,” which he opened for her on 1989 World Tour in 2015, appeared as a surprise guest on Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018 and wrote a tribute to him TIME“100 Most Influential People” in 2019.

Joe Jonas: The Jonas Brothers singer has permanently postponed the release of his first solo album in over a decade, Music For People Who Believe In Love. Jonas has been very active on TikTok to promote the new album, especially his song “This Could Be.”

Jonas famously dated Swift in 2008, Swift revealed The Ellen DeGeneres Show later that year when he broke up with her over a 25-second phone call. The two have since rekindled their friendship, spending two days with former partners and publicly supporting each other’s music.

An idea

Two male singers on Taylor Swift’s trail delaying the release of their album on the same day as her return to the Eras Tour leg is raising red flags for Swifties.

In addition, Swift – known for dropping Easter eggs on her fans before a major album release or announcement – surprised fans by singing her song “Florida!!!” and an unannounced guest Florence Welch in the final stop of the European leg at Wembley Stadium on August 20, leading fans to speculate that he may have something in store for his upcoming show in the hot spot.

What added to the suspicion was that a They were harassed by the Department of Poets The Spotify pop-up event in Los Angeles included a globe with a pin in one place: Florida.

Taylor Nation – headquarters for all things Swift – also recently posted on Instagram, stressing that “only 18 shows left on the #TSTheErasTour.” Swifties know that the singer is a big fan of numerology, and the emphasis on the number “18” may not be a coincidence (cough, cough, October 18).

Fans also pointed out that Swift’s website has just been redesigned, which is a sign of a big announcement.

“Remember, earlier this week, Taylor changed his website. That usually points to something far away,” said one TikTok user.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Swifties have been waiting Reputation (Taylor’s Version) months now, with many false speculations leaving them longing for a new album from the artist.

It wouldn’t be the first time Swift enlisted her inner circle to help her break down plans for an upcoming album.

“When I was 15 years old and putting together my first album, I wanted to recreate the experience I had for my fans in a reimagined way. I decided to write letters in hidden messages using capital letters,” she said The Washington Post in 2022. “That’s how it started, and my followers and I got down to coloring, numerology, word searches, detailed hints and Easter eggs. It’s about responding to new music and making it an event for my fans and trying to entertain them in a playful, brutal, intelligent way.”

What People Say

“This is true though Harry [Styles] or taylor not doing well,” one X user wrote about the announcement that Mendes and Jonas have delayed the release of their albums.

While some fans quickly joined the conversation in the hope that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is coming, some predict something different may be on the horizon.

“Just imagine this: It’s October 18. Miami. Taylor will start the final leg of the Eras Tour. During the surprise songs, he talks about how much this tour means to him, to the fans, and to everyone watching the live stream,” said one TikTok user in a video that now has more than 100,000 views. “He’s announcing a live recording of the Eras Tour album that drops that night, the 18th, at midnight. … What better way to celebrate the first night of the last leg of the tour than with the tour album we all love so much?”

What we mean

When it comes to Swiftie’s opinions, Us he doesn’t like to get our hopes up. However, something about the delay of both Jonas and Mendes’ albums and Swift’s subtle nod to Florida Us feeling “… You’re Ready For It.” But even if it is the most expected decline Reputation (Taylor’s Version)an Eras Tour compilation album or something else entirely, only time will tell.

What’s Next

All you have to do is keep an eye on Taylor Nation’s social media for any more hints and get ready for October 18. In Swift’s words, “Take me to Florida …”