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Taylor Swift announced the release of the new single “Patient Zero” on her social media platforms this Tuesday. Students across USC express their feelings about the upcoming release.
“I’m going to listen to [the new single] right when it comes out,” said Lauren Bessey, a senior studying business. “I don’t really know what to expect. I’m assuming it’ll be similar to the album’s vibe.”
While Bessey doesn’t consider herself a “diehard fan” she highlights the communal aspects of listening to Taylor Swift with friends, specifically highlighting a listening party that she attended during her freshman year.
“I definitely will continue to listen to her as long as she makes music. I honestly see her as one of the biggest stars ever,” said Bessey. “Especially going to her tour, seeing her in person and my friends being fans, I think all of that will always make me listen to her.”
The single is available for pre-sale for the first 24 hours following the announcement, and will be available to the public this Friday.
Earlier this week, her Instagram bio and Spotify lyrics for ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ were updated to replace O’s with zeros, teasing new music.
In addition, she announced the extended version of her previous album “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore” which came out in Oct. 2025.
“Being a major fan, I am excited, but also I am scared because I didn’t like her last album. It was really cringe. It would be cool if she could redeem herself with these new songs, but I doubt it,” said Jada Badareen, a junior studying communications and Taylor Swift fan.
“I hope [the single is] kind of different, just because I like her other stuff a little bit better than ‘Showgirl,’ but I’m still excited to listen,” said Ellie Donahue, a senior studying acting.
The project will come out two days before she is set to receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. By the end of the week, Taylor Swift will become the most awarded artist at the VMA’s.
Still, some students seem to remain immune to the Taylor Swift-craze.
“My reactions are, ‘I don’t really care.’ Maybe I’ll listen to one of the songs to still feel included,” said Emma Kacer, a sophomore studying behavioral economics and psychology.
After almost a yearlong off-the-grid bridal era, we can officially say that Taylor Swift is back in the showgirl life.
Edited by Leo Li and Fashion Castillo