Swifties all over the world geared up for midnight on July 24th like it was New Years as they anxiously awaited the release of Taylor Swift’s 8th studio album. This album, however, was unlike any other release she had done because she only announced the albums creation and release date the day before. The secret record came as both a shock and present to us all and I, personally, cannot wait to dive in.

Taylor Swift is arguably the biggest singer in music today. Her following ranges from country to pop and to people of all ages. For her most recent album releases, she had filled her social media with “easter eggs” for her fans to overanalyze. She usually would release a few album tracks and music videos to those songs and litter them with clues. This time however, the album announcement came just hours before the release, sending Taylor Swift fans over the edge with excitement. The album is called Folklore and she announced it to have 15 songs with 1 bonus track. Along with the post about Folklore’s release was some black and white album art of Taylor in a forest. She also announced that a song would feature Bon Iver, an indie folk band, leading people to imagine the dreamy style of the album. Unlike any of Swift’s previous seven records, this one is categorized as alternative. This is the third major genre she has released an album in, the other two being pop and country, which she had tremendous success in. This album was written during quarantine from the coronavirus. It released the same day that she was supposed to set out to LA for her first of 4 stadium shows for her album “Lover.” There is speculation that this release was to make up for the missed tour and to bring some light into the fairly dim reality we are living in. She sure knows how to give her fans what they need.

Taylor Swift is an artist who keeps her fans on their toes. From hidden clues in singles to secret album releases, Swifties never know what to expect next from their icon, and wouldn’t want it any other way. Folkfore was an amazing surprise and an album overflowing with talent. Taylor is shining bright and we all are so happy to watch her succeed!

The month of June is recognized worldwide as pride month in support of the LGBTQ community. All throughout the entertainment world we have representation from the queer community who have advanced us with their talent and it is important that they are recognized. One singer who has made waves in her career as well as with her platform is Halsey and today we recognize her for it.

Halsey first started her singing career with videos she posted on social media of her singing covers of popular songs. One of her most famous was her cover of “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Soon after she got discovered and started to gain notoriety with her duet with the Chainsmokers with the song “Closer,” even though he had already had a studio recorded first album. This song earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duet/ Group Performance in 2016. In 2017 she released her song album called “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom” with songs that were viewed as “much more radio friendly.” This album focuses on Halsey’s bisexuality and other bisexual characters. The second single off the album “Bad at Love” which peaked at 5th in the US, spoke about her sexual orientation and relationship history.

Halsey was able to use her new platform in 2016 to speak out in support of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. In July of that year, she performed at an event called “Hands” with 26 other artists in order to pay tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. She had struggled with mental illness in the past and in 2017 she participated in the mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaign called “I’m Listening.” Halsey is a self proclaimed feminist and was active in the Women’s March 2018. At this March, she delivered a powerful poem to over 200,000 protesters in which she told personal stories of sexual assault and violence throughout her life. Halsey has continued to be an activist for the causes she believes in and In June 2020, she launched The Black Creators Fund, which will provide financial support, resources and a platform to black creators.

Halsey is an incredible talent and uses her platform to deliver a powerful message to all who will listen. She is never concerned about the backlash she might get and continues to back the causes she supports. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and stands as a role model for all. Her catchy songs deliver an undeniable source of entertainment while her lyrics provide a much needed message in this world today.