Taylor Swift made history at the Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for “Midnights” and securing her fourth win in the category.
During her acceptance speech, she seemingly shut down retirement rumors, expressed gratitude, and announced her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Despite facing backlash for an apparent snub of presenter Celine Dion, Swift later celebrated with Dion backstage.
Taylor Swift Squashes Rumors During Album Of The Year Win
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At this year’s Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift clinched the Album of the Year for her latest masterpiece, “Midnights,” solidifying her status as the unparalleled record-holder in the prestigious category with an impressive four wins.
Before winning her latest Album of the Year award, Swift shared the three-time honor with legends Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon.
During her acceptance speech, the pop superstar expressed her joy after receiving the award from the surprise presenter, Celine Dion, stating, “I would love to tell you that this is the best moment in my life, but I feel this happy when I finish a song or when I crack the code to a bridge that I love or when I’m shot listing a music video, or when I’m rehearsing with my dancers or my band or getting ready to go to Tokyo to play a show.”
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She continued: “For me, the award is the work. All I want to do is keep being able to do this. I love it so much. It makes me so happy. It makes me unbelievably blown away that it makes some people happy who voted for this award too.”
The “Out of the Woods” singer seemingly shut down retirement rumors in her speech by emphasizing how much she loves her work and wants to continue doing it. Some people had speculated that she would be retiring soon, mainly due to her romance with NFL’s Travis Kelce, but Taylor Swift is already ready for her next studio album.
The Singer Shocked Fans By Announcing A Brand New Album
Taylor Swift announces her new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ at the #Grammys. pic.twitter.com/uKCXm5RQbj
— Variety (@Variety) February 5, 2024
In a night already filled with excitement from having secured her 13th golden gramophone for Best Pop Vocal Album with “Midnights,” Swift dropped a bombshell announcement during the ceremony.
Revealing her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” set to release on April 19, the “Lover” singer expressed her gratitude to fans, stating: “I know the way the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the fans, so, I want to say thank you by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the past two years.”
She also teased the album’s release on social media with the caption, “All’s fair in love and poetry. Sincerely, The Chairman of the Tortured Poets Department,” along with sultry cover art, leaving fans eager for what’s to come.
The announcement of new material thrilled her fan base and fueled anticipation for the blockbuster “Eras tour” hitting Europe this summer. However, comments on the singer’s post have been limited.
The anticipated album follows the massive success of “Midnights,” which saw 1.6 million copies sold in its debut week two years ago and made history by dominating all top ten slots of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously in October 2022.
Taylor Swift Poses With Celine Dion After Being Slammed By Fans
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However, despite her big night, Swift faced some backlash after the ceremony for what appeared to be an awkward exchange between her and pop icon Dion, who made a rare appearance due to her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
Dion had presented the Album of the Year to Swift, and Swift, overwhelmed with excitement, accepted the gramophone from the “My Heart Will Go On” hitmaker but didn’t acknowledge her or even make eye contact, instead sharing her joy with a collaborator.
The interaction led to speculation on social media, with one user expressing disappointment, writing: “My biggest disappointment of the Grammys was Taylor Swift winning Album of the Year and hugging all of her people but taking the trophy from Celine Dion as if she was the hat-check girl, and not seeming to realize how very amazing it was that Celine was standing there at all.”
People are so quick to judge! Icons unite #TaylorSwift #CelineDion let’s love 💕 pic.twitter.com/rMOZCGc44S
— M (@JMofPopCulture) February 5, 2024
Another added: “Taylor Swift acting like Celine Dion isn’t up there or like she doesn’t understand the magnitude of Celine Dion being there to present her that award at a time like this, is the reason I cannot f— with her as a person. #GRAMMYs”
However, Swift later celebrated her win by hugging Dion backstage, dispelling any rumors of a snub.
The two stars posed together, showcasing their shared happiness. In the photo, Swift’s arm wrapped around Dion’s shoulder, capturing a genuine moment of joy between the “I’m Alive” singer and the “Lavender Haze” artist.