Taylor Swift can usually do no wrong in the eyes of her fans, but some have been left disappointed with the reveal of an alternate album cover.
Swifties were thrilled when Taylor announced her surprise new album, The Life of a Showgirl, on the New Heights podcast with her boyfriend Travis Kelce, but people are already pointing out ‘issues’ with the record.
It’s due for release on October 3, which many people are joking will no longer be Mean Girls Day.
The photos on the album artwork have caused controversy, with trolls calling them ‘disgusting’ and a ‘bad influence’.
Not only that, but some eagle-eyed fans have spotted a ‘spelling mistake’ on the artwork, thanks to the UK spelling of the word ‘cancelled’.
Ever the marketing genius, she had shared a countdown with a glittery purple background on her social media, and fans were very excited about what it could mean.
Fans have been left disappointed over the new artwork (Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
“Maybe we will get our lead single OMGGGGG,” suggested one.
“A video play sign just appeared so maybe it is the launch of the lead single’s video?” added another.
“THE LEAD SINGLE IS COMING EVERYBODY MOVE!” insisted another.
Ultimately though, it was revealed that the countdown was for the release of the vinyl version of the album with alternate album artwork, leaving some fans bitterly disappointed.
One wrote: “The way everyone thought we were getting a single release.”
“I wish we were even though I don’t think we’re going back to those days for a while,” added another dismayed fan.
Another replied: “Girlfriend really made a countdown to a new a** shot.”
All that fuss over a new album cover (Republic/Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott)
“All that build up for some vinyl?” grumbled another.
Fans clearly weren’t that disappointed as the new vinyl products sold out within an hour, but many made it known they would have preferred a single release.
“LEAD SINGLE WHERE?” added another with broken heart emojis.
“Girly is making sure she surpasses ttpd first week sales BY NOT RELEASING A PRE RELEASED SINGLE,” guessed another.
One joked: “She’s so ridiculously hot but I’m still mad she made me stay up.”
Many had hoped the countdown was for the first single (instagram/@taylorswift)
Not everyone was annoyed though, with some fans adoring the new colours of the records and praising the artwork.
“Good things come to those who wait!” insisted one.
“I NEED the purple” added another.
Taylor is known for intricate marketing campaigns, but had previously faced criticism for releasing so many versions of The Tortured Poets Department with bonus songs, after it kept some other artists from taking the top spot.
The video revealing the album also became the most watched video ever for the New Heights podcast, so it’s safe to say despite this disappointment, fans are still excited.