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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Lauren Del Fabbro

Taylor Swift makes Spotify history despite mixed reaction to new music

  • Taylor Swift has set two new Spotify records in 2026, becoming the most-streamed female artist in a single day this year following the release of her latest single Patient Zero .
  • The new track features alongside three additional compositions on her extended album Life Of A Showgirl: The Encore , marking her first musical releases since marrying NFL player Travis Kelce in July.
  • Critical reaction to the expanded record has been largely lukewarm, earning two-star ratings from publications including The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Guardian, alongside a four-star review from The Times.
  • The singer is set to debut the music video for Patient Zero featuring actors Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she will also be honoured with the inaugural MTV Artist Director award.
  • These accolades follow a landmark year in 2026 during which Swift was named Spotify's most-streamed artist of all time and became the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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