How 2024 became the year of Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's 2024 was nothing short of historic, cementing her position as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. From winning record-breaking Grammy Awards and releasing her eleventh studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department", to wrapping up her unprecedented Eras Tour, Swift dominated headlines and captured the hearts of fans worldwide.  

 

At the 2024 Grammy Awards in February, Swift claimed the coveted Album of the Year award for "Midnights". This marked her fourth win in the category, a feat unmatched in music history. Previously, she had won for "Fearless" (2010), "1989" (2015), and "Folklore" (2021).  

During her acceptance speech, she surprised fans by announcing her next album, "The Tortured Poets Department", set for an April release. Following the announcement, Swift unveiled the album's cover on Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy. 

Breaking records with 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Released in April, "The Tortured Poets Department" shattered records immediately. Initially teased with 16 main tracks and four bonus songs, Swift surprised fans again by releasing a staggering 31 tracks. The album became Spotify's most-streamed in a single day, amassing 300 million streams within 12 hours. Its lead single, "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone, broke the record for most single-day streams for a song. Within a week, the album had surpassed one billion streams, a Spotify first.  

'The Eras Tour': A global spectacle  

Continuing her record-breaking journey, Swift resumed her "Eras Tour" in May, starting in Paris. Originally launched in 2023, the tour incorporated songs from "The Tortured Poets Department" alongside fan-favorite classics. The shows featured updated setlists, surprise songs, and fresh arrangements, dazzling audiences across Europe and Australia.  

According to Forbes, the tour significantly boosted local economies. Swift's eight shows in London generated £300 million, while her stop in Melbourne contributed an estimated AUD $1.2 billion.

The tour grossed over US $2 billion in ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing concert tour in history. Its cultural impact was equally immense, with social media flooded with videos of Swift's theatrical performances, vibrant costumes, and fans trading friendship bracelets.

Swift's shows in Seattle even caused seismic activity, prompting a California Institute of Technology study into "concert tremors." Celebrities from Emma Stone to Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor also attended, underscoring the tour's universal appeal.

On December 8, Swift delivered an emotional final performance in Toronto, thanking her fans, band, and crew. "You've given us a moment we will never forget," she said to a standing ovation.  

A star-studded romance  

Taylor Swift's relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce also captivated the public throughout the year. The couple made numerous appearances together, from Swift attending Kelce's football games to him joining her onstage during a June concert in London. Their relationship added another layer of intrigue to Swift's already stellar year.  

Spotify's most-streamed artiste

Capping off her achievements, Swift became Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2024, a highlight to her unparalleled global influence.