Swift’s 'Encore' EP Draws Sharp Criticism for Diluting 'Showgirl' Amid Award Season Push
Taylor Swift released a four-track EP, 'The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,' on September 25, 2026, adding to her 2025 album. Swift stated the songs were written in Sweden with Max Martin and Shellback as a thank-you to fans for the original album's record-breaking sales. Critics and fans have reacted negatively, with many outlets arguing the release feels like a strategic move to influence Grammy voters rather than a genuine artistic evolution. The EP includes 'Patient Zero,' 'Cleveland!,' 'Pink Clouding,' and 'Babylon.' While 'Babylon' and 'Pink Clouding' received some praise for their songwriting, 'Cleveland!' was widely criticized for its perceived smugness and focus on Swift's marriage to Travis Kelce. The 'Patient Zero' music video, featuring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, premiered at the 2026 MTV VMAs on September 27.
Key points
- Swift released 'The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore' on September 25, 2026, adding four tracks to her 2025 album.
- Swift stated the songs were written in Sweden with Max Martin and Shellback as a thank-you to fans for the original album's record-breaking sales.
- Critics and fans have reacted negatively, with many outlets arguing the release feels like a strategic move to influence Grammy voters rather than a genuine artistic evolution.
- The EP includes 'Patient Zero,' 'Cleveland!,' 'Pink Clouding,' and 'Babylon.'
- While 'Babylon' and 'Pink Clouding' received some praise for their songwriting, 'Cleveland!' was widely criticized for its perceived smugness and focus on Swift's marriage to Travis Kelce.
- The 'Patient Zero' music video, featuring Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson, premiered at the 2026 MTV VMAs on September 27.
Background
Swift's 2025 album 'The Life of a Showgirl' had the biggest US opening week ever, but was critically panned. Swift had previously promised the album would not be expanded, but released 34 variants to boost sales. The 'Encore' EP is the latest in a series of deluxe editions Swift has released for her albums.
How outlets are covering it
Vulture's Jasmine Vojdani and her colleagues argue that the EP feels like a strategic move to influence Grammy voters, with Zach Schiffman suggesting Swift is 'clinically addicted to songwriting' and Fran Hoepfner noting that the songs don't feel like they were written recently. The Guardian's review criticizes the EP for diluting the original album's premise and calls 'Cleveland!' a 'cut-and-shut of two of her worst songs ever.' Defector's Alex Sujong Laughlin calls the EP a 'cry for help' and argues that Swift is 'doubled down ahead of award season just to make sure she got her message across.' Variety's Isabelle Farina focuses on Dakota Johnson's role in the 'Patient Zero' music video, highlighting the friendship between the two actresses.
Why it matters
The 'Encore' EP highlights the tension between Swift's commercial success and critical reception, and the impact of award season on her release strategy. It also raises questions about the sustainability of Swift's prolific output and the impact of her 'haters' narrative on her songwriting.
What to watch
Swift is set to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV VMAs on September 27. The 'Patient Zero' music video will also premiere at the ceremony. Swift's next album, No. 13, is expected to be a significant departure from the 'Showgirl' era, with some critics suggesting she needs a break to find new inspiration.
- Taylor Swift Is Losing Us: Encore Reactions Vulture
- Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore review – flashes of humanity and bafflingly vindictive love songs The Guardian
- ‘Patient Zero’ and 9 More Songs We’re Talking About The New York Times
- This Is A Cry For Help Defector
- Dakota Johnson on Being in Taylor Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ Music Video: ‘We Respect Each Other’s Creative Minds’ Variety
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