Music Hiatus
2016 – 2017
From April 2016 to August 2017, Taylor took her first extended hiatus since launching her career in 2006. After years of near-constant visibility, touring, promotion, and album cycles, she initially intended to use this period to rest, recharge, and experience life outside the relentless pace of celebrity and creative output. At first, the break appeared relatively casual: an off-cycle year defined by fashion experimentation and a noticeably looser approach to fame than before. Over time, however, the break evolved into something far more emotionally significant and transformative than she had anticipated. A wave of public controversies and intense online backlash profoundly altered both Taylor’s relationship with the public and her perception of herself within the music industry. What began as a temporary step back gradually turned into a period of deep personal retreat, creative uncertainty, and reassessment, during which she questioned not only her public image, but whether she still wanted to exist within the spotlight at all.
Beginning of Hiatus
Taylor’s hiatus began on April 3, 2016 after the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which marked her final appearance tied to the 1989 era campaign. The break was initially framed as a deliberate retreat from public life to step away from constant visibility and media attention.
End of Hiatus
On August 18, 2017, on the third anniversary of the announcement of 1989 and the release of “Shake It Off,” Taylor wiped her social media accounts, immediately fuelling speculation about a new project. Shortly afterwards, she released “Look What You Made Me Do,” which officially marked the beginning of the reputation era.
Aesthetic
During her 2016–2017 hiatus, Taylor was no longer anchored to a formal album cycle, which allowed her public image to exist outside the tightly defined aesthetics that had characterised earlier eras. Following her Vogue makeover, she began experimenting with a looser visual language rooted in rock and grunge influences.
Style
During her 2016–2017 hiatus, Taylor’s style took on a raw, rock-grunge direction defined by her bleached “Bleachella” hair and a noticeably darker, more experimental edge. Leather jackets, chokers, leopard print, and chunky platform boots became recurring staples, creating a deliberately undone aesthetic that contrasted sharply with her earlier polished pop image.
Speaking about her break from music, Taylor famously said in her documentary Miss Americana (2020) that “nobody physically saw me for a year.” While not entirely literal, the statement reflected a very real shift in how she approached fame and public visibility after officially wrapping up the 1989 era in April 2016. Throughout the spring and summer of that year, Taylor was still frequently photographed in New York City and Los Angeles, continuing to navigate celebrity life in public view. Yet even this transitional off-cycle period carried a distinct atmosphere of its own. Her image shifted noticeably toward a more grunge-inspired, fashion-forward aesthetic—an in-between phase now closely associated with “Bleachella,” late-night outings, and the feeling of someone both overwhelmed by fame and quietly beginning to retreat from it.
After November 2016, however, that retreat became far more deliberate. In many ways, the beginning of 2017 marked the true transformation in Taylor’s relationship with fame, coinciding with her move to London to be closer to her new boyfriend, actor Joe Alwyn. For the first time in her adult life, she began actively prioritizing privacy over visibility, building a quieter existence away from paparazzi culture and constant online presence. From late 2016 through the release of reputation in November 2017, Taylor was largely absent from public appearances by choice, creating a level of distance that felt unprecedented for an artist of her stature:
After November 2016, however, that retreat became far more deliberate. In many ways, the beginning of 2017 marked the true transformation in Taylor’s relationship with fame, coinciding with her move to London to be closer to her new boyfriend, actor Joe Alwyn. For the first time in her adult life, she began actively prioritizing privacy over visibility, building a quieter existence away from paparazzi culture and constant online presence. From late 2016 through the release of reputation in November 2017, Taylor was largely absent from public appearances by choice, creating a level of distance that felt unprecedented for an artist of her stature:
«I was happy. But I wasn’t happy in the way I was trained to be. It was happiness without anyone else’s input.»
1989 Era
In 2014, Taylor relocated to New York City. The 1989 era catapulted her into global superstardom, fully transitioning to pop.
Karma
During Taylor’s disappearance from public life in 2016, fans theorized about a (non-existent) scrapped album titled Karma.
reputation Era
During the reputation era, Taylor confronted public backlash while reclaiming her narrative.
Looking Forward to a Break
The conclusion of the 1989 campaign came in December 2015, when Taylor wrapped “The 1989 World Tour,” the year’s highest-grossing tour. At 26, she had cemented herself not only as one of the most successful recording artists of all time, but also as a formidable industry figure, capable of reshaping corporate policy—as seen in her widely publicized standoff with Apple Music earlier that year.
In early 2016, she finally slowed her pace. At the Grammys that February, she debuted a sharp bob haircut, a look reminiscent of Anna Wintour. The night proved historic, as Taylor closed the 1989 era by winning “Album of the Year,” becoming the first woman in history to receive the honor twice. The haircut also foreshadowed her third Vogue US cover, published in May, for which a journalist shadowed her during her rare time off. The feature included a reflective visit to her childhood home in Reading, Pennsylvania, and offered a glimpse into her state of mind as she entered her first true period of rest in a decade:
In early 2016, she finally slowed her pace. At the Grammys that February, she debuted a sharp bob haircut, a look reminiscent of Anna Wintour. The night proved historic, as Taylor closed the 1989 era by winning “Album of the Year,” becoming the first woman in history to receive the honor twice. The haircut also foreshadowed her third Vogue US cover, published in May, for which a journalist shadowed her during her rare time off. The feature included a reflective visit to her childhood home in Reading, Pennsylvania, and offered a glimpse into her state of mind as she entered her first true period of rest in a decade:
«This is the first time in ten years that I haven’t known [what's next]. I just decided that after the past year, with all of the unbelievable things that happened…I decided I was going to live my life a little bit without the pressure on myself to create something. [...] Honestly, I never relax, and I’m excited about being able to relax for the first time in ten year.»
During her time off, Taylor said she hoped to accomplish some “short-term goals,” such as learning CPR and mastering cocktail-making. “I would really like to take a little time to learn things,” she explained. “I have lots of short-term goals. I do things like this. [One time] I got it in my head that I couldn’t do a split, and I was really upset about it. And so I stretched every single day for a year until I could do a split. Somehow I feel better knowing that I can.”
Although her plan was to take an extended break, Taylor noted that she wasn’t ruling out the possibility of returning to the studio sooner than expected. “I’m always going to be writing songs,” she said. “The thing is, with me, I could very well come up with three things in the next two weeks and then jump back into the studio, and all of a sudden the next record is started. That’s an option, too.”
Before that could happen, however, a vacation was on the horizon. Over the previous year, Taylor had been dating Scottish DJ-producer Calvin Harris. In early March, they marked the one-year milestone of their relationship. Soon after, they shared photos from a tropical getaway, with “TS+AW” written in the sand (Harris’s given name is Adam Wiles). “I’m just taking things as they come,” Taylor told Vogue. “I’m in a magical relationship right now. And of course I want it to be ours, and low-key…this is the one thing that’s been mine about my personal life.”
Although her plan was to take an extended break, Taylor noted that she wasn’t ruling out the possibility of returning to the studio sooner than expected. “I’m always going to be writing songs,” she said. “The thing is, with me, I could very well come up with three things in the next two weeks and then jump back into the studio, and all of a sudden the next record is started. That’s an option, too.”
Before that could happen, however, a vacation was on the horizon. Over the previous year, Taylor had been dating Scottish DJ-producer Calvin Harris. In early March, they marked the one-year milestone of their relationship. Soon after, they shared photos from a tropical getaway, with “TS+AW” written in the sand (Harris’s given name is Adam Wiles). “I’m just taking things as they come,” Taylor told Vogue. “I’m in a magical relationship right now. And of course I want it to be ours, and low-key…this is the one thing that’s been mine about my personal life.”
Timeline of the Music Hiatus
Explore some of the defining moments of Taylor’s hiatus and dive into the stories behind them in more detail below.
April 3, 2016Beginning of Hiatus
Wrapping up 1989
At the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Taylor marked the beginning of her hiatus by announcing that it would be her last awards show for some time. The moment signalled a clear step back from her usual two-year album cycle as she prepared for a break following the 1989 era.
May 2, 2016Bleachella
MET Gala
At the 2016 MET Gala, Taylor debuted a striking platinum-blonde “bleached” look that became central to her so-called “Bleachella” era. Styled in a sleek, futuristic Louis Vuitton ensemble, the appearance marked a sharp departure from her earlier polished aesthetic.
October 22, 2016F1 US Grand Prix
Greatest Hits Concert
At the 2016 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, Taylor delivered her only live performance of the year, headlining a post-race show for an audience of over 80,000 people. The set, presented as a “greatest hits” performance, stood out as a rare public appearance during a transitional period.
August 18, 2017End of Hiatus
Social Media Blackout
In August 2017, Taylor initiated a full social media blackout by wiping her accounts and removing all visible posts, instantly sparking widespread speculation about new music. The move marked a deliberate reset of her public image and served as the opening signal of the reputation era rollout.
Bleachella
In Taylor’s career, cutting her hair has often marked the beginning of a new chapter. In late 2011, she swapped her signature curls for straight hair with bangs following her breakup with Jake Gyllenhaal, while simultaneously working on RED and preparing for her first Vogue cover. In 2014, she cut her sleek bob behind the scenes after finishing the European leg of “The RED Tour,” just weeks before moving to New York City and soft-launching 1989.
In 2016, Vogue once again gave her a transformative look, crafted by hairstylist Shay Ashual, which Taylor debuted at that year’s Coachella. Her bob was now fully bleached platinum. She unveiled the new look on Instagram with the caption “BLEACHELLA,” showcasing an edgier, festival-inspired aesthetic featuring lots of black, chokers, and animal prints—a grungy, punk-rock contrast to the classic and feminine outfits she had worn in the weeks prior. In the photo, she wore a leather jacket with a lightning bolt motif on the back, a nod to “This Is What You Came For,” Calvin Harris’ latest song with Rihanna. As the public later learned, Taylor actually played a major role in the song, co-writing it under her pseudonym, Nils Sjöberg.
Throughout the Coachella weekend, Taylor was seen enjoying the festival with friends and attending Calvin’s headlining set, which included a surprise appearance by Rihanna. A couple of days later, she received the first-ever “Taylor Swift Award” and was named the “Pop Songwriter of the Year” at the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards. She joked:
In 2016, Vogue once again gave her a transformative look, crafted by hairstylist Shay Ashual, which Taylor debuted at that year’s Coachella. Her bob was now fully bleached platinum. She unveiled the new look on Instagram with the caption “BLEACHELLA,” showcasing an edgier, festival-inspired aesthetic featuring lots of black, chokers, and animal prints—a grungy, punk-rock contrast to the classic and feminine outfits she had worn in the weeks prior. In the photo, she wore a leather jacket with a lightning bolt motif on the back, a nod to “This Is What You Came For,” Calvin Harris’ latest song with Rihanna. As the public later learned, Taylor actually played a major role in the song, co-writing it under her pseudonym, Nils Sjöberg.
Throughout the Coachella weekend, Taylor was seen enjoying the festival with friends and attending Calvin’s headlining set, which included a surprise appearance by Rihanna. A couple of days later, she received the first-ever “Taylor Swift Award” and was named the “Pop Songwriter of the Year” at the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards. She joked:
«I'm really super-relieved that BMI decided to give me the 'Taylor Swift Award' because if they had chosen someone else to give the 'Taylor Swift Award' to, I'd be kind of bummed about it.»
Taylor’s Street Style
In 2016, Taylor’s street style during the “Bleachella” phase leaned heavily into a rock-grunge aesthetic, defined by bleached hair, dark makeup, and a more undone, rebellious edge. Leather jackets, chokers, and bold statement pieces became recurring staples, often paired with unexpected elements like leopard print that added a sharper, more chaotic energy to her looks. The overall effect was a deliberately rougher, mood-driven style that stood in stark contrast to her earlier polished, preppy image.
MET Gala Co-Chair
In May, Taylor attended the MET Gala—her last appearance at the event to date. Notably, she was far more than just a guest that night: alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and actor Idris Elba, Taylor served as a co-chair for fashion’s most extravagant annual gala. The theme for the exhibition was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” a subject Taylor—one of the defining style icons of the social-media era—was uniquely equipped to engage with, given her understanding of technology’s influence on trends, creativity, and design. She embraced the theme fully, debuting a striking robotic-inspired look by Louis Vuitton and her newly bleached hair (she called herself a “futuristic gladiator”). Speaking to Vogue ahead of the event, she said:
«I can look back at an old photo and tell you roughly what year it’s from. Going through different phases is one of my favorite things about fashion. I love how it can mark the passage of time. It’s similar to my songs in that way—it all helps identify where I was at in different points of my life.»
The evening also proved pivotal in her personal life. Calvin had decided not to attend the event. So, on the dance floor, Taylor shared a memorable moment with actor Tom Hiddleston to T.I.’s 2004 hit “Bring Em Out.” It was also the night that she first met rising actor Joe Alwyn—two men who would soon play significant roles in her romantic life.
Breakup with Calvin Harris
“For the first time I had the most amazing person to come home to when the spotlight went out and the crowds were all gone. I want to thank my boyfriend Adam for that,” Taylor said in April while accepting the award for “Best Tour” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. So it came as a surprise when, shortly after the 2016 MET Gala, it was announced that she and Calvin had ended their relationship after 15 months.
The news broke on June 1, about a week after Calvin was hospitalized following a car accident. A source close to the couple stated, “there was no drama… things just don’t work out sometimes. No one cheated.” However, a friend of Taylor’s suggested to People that the breakup was partly due to Calvin feeling “intimidated” by Taylor’s success. “[Calvin] said on multiple occasions that he was intimidated by Taylor, which is why he would not attend events where she was being honored, or award shows unless he was nominated,” the source explained. Amid widespread media coverage, Calvin tweeted:
«The only truth here is that a relationship came to an end and what remains is a huge amount of love and respect.»
Taylor retweeted the message. A few days later, she was photographed leaving a New York City gym with a smile on her face. A source close to her said, “Of course, she’s sad about the breakup, but she’s leaning on her family and friends and looking forward. She’ll be just fine.”
Super Saturday Night
Super Saturday Night featured Taylor as a performer in 2017, marking one of her few live appearances during her hiatus.
Taylor Swift NOW
AT&T launched the Taylor Swift NOW channel in 2016 as part of its partnership with Taylor, offering exclusive content.
The 2016 Concert
At the 2016 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, Taylor delivered a rare live “greatest hits” set to a crowd of over 80,000 fans.
Summer Romance with Tom Hiddleston
On June 15, 2016, the media erupted when Taylor and Thor star (and MET Gala dance partner) Tom Hiddleston were photographed kissing, holding hands, and cuddling on the beach at her Rhode Island mansion—just two weeks after her split from Calvin Harris was confirmed. The pair quickly embarked on a whirlwind romance that lasted 90 days, with fans following their every move across the United States, Europe, and Australia during the summer of 2016.
Their first stop was Nashville, where Taylor supported close friend Selena Gomez on her “Revival Tour.” The couple was seen dancing in the crowd alongside friends including Abigail Anderson, Austin Swift, and country singer Kelsea Ballerini. While in Tennessee, Taylor introduced Tom to her parents. The couple then traveled to England, where Tom introduced Taylor to his mother, Diana, and other family members. They were spotted walking the streets of Ipswich and along the Suffolk coastline. A Hiddleston family source later told People that Tom’s mother “thinks Taylor is the loveliest” and that Taylor was “almost immediately part of the family.”
Next, the couple enjoyed a brief Roman holiday, including a private tour of the Colosseum and a helicopter ride above the city. Shortly after returning to the U.S., Taylor hosted her annual Fourth of July party at her Rhode Island home. Tom famously wore an “I [heart] T.S.” tank top and sported a faux heart tattoo with a “T” on his right tricep. Days later, the pair traveled to the Gold Coast in Australia, where he was preparing to film Thor: Ragnarok. Amid widespread speculation about whether the relationship was genuine or a publicity stunt, Tom clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:
Their first stop was Nashville, where Taylor supported close friend Selena Gomez on her “Revival Tour.” The couple was seen dancing in the crowd alongside friends including Abigail Anderson, Austin Swift, and country singer Kelsea Ballerini. While in Tennessee, Taylor introduced Tom to her parents. The couple then traveled to England, where Tom introduced Taylor to his mother, Diana, and other family members. They were spotted walking the streets of Ipswich and along the Suffolk coastline. A Hiddleston family source later told People that Tom’s mother “thinks Taylor is the loveliest” and that Taylor was “almost immediately part of the family.”
Next, the couple enjoyed a brief Roman holiday, including a private tour of the Colosseum and a helicopter ride above the city. Shortly after returning to the U.S., Taylor hosted her annual Fourth of July party at her Rhode Island home. Tom famously wore an “I [heart] T.S.” tank top and sported a faux heart tattoo with a “T” on his right tricep. Days later, the pair traveled to the Gold Coast in Australia, where he was preparing to film Thor: Ragnarok. Amid widespread speculation about whether the relationship was genuine or a publicity stunt, Tom clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:
«The truth is that Taylor Swift and I are together, and we’re very happy. Thanks for asking.»
He later added, “That’s the truth. It’s not a publicity stunt.”
Hiddleswift Fashion
During the summer of 2016, while travelling through Europe and Australia with Tom Hiddleston, Taylor’s style briefly shifted back into a more preppy, classic aesthetic. This phase contrasted with her darker red-carpet “Bleachella” era, instead recalling the timeless elegance and romantic sensibility associated with her style from 2011-2013. The styling reinforced a more traditional, composed public image during a highly visible and widely discussed chapter of her personal life.
The Apocalypse
From mid-July to the end of August 2016, Taylor’s world was turned upside down. It began when her publicist, Tree Paine, confirmed to People that Taylor had written the summer hit “This Is What You Came For.” TMZ had earlier reported that she “wrote the song, sat down at a piano, and did a demo into her iPhone,” which she then sent to Calvin Harris. After recording a full demo, they had agreed to keep the collaboration private. Taylor was reportedly hurt, however, when Calvin told Ryan Seacrest he couldn’t see himself working with his then-girlfriend again: “You know, we haven’t even spoken about it. I can’t see it happening, though.”
Calvin later defended his role on Twitter, praising Taylor as an “amazing lyric writer” and confirming that she contributed vocals to the track. At the same time, he took an unprovoked a jab at Taylor amid her ongoing feud with Katy Perry: “I figure if you’re happy in your new relationship you should focus on that instead of trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do. I know you’re off tour, and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy etc. but I’m not that guy, sorry. I won’t allow it.” In the months that followed, Calvin apologized for his earlier comments, telling GQ that “it was completely the wrong instinct.”
Shortly thereafter, Taylor faced even more public scrutiny when Kim Kardashian reignited her decade-long feud with Kanye West. Kanye had written “Famous,” a song with vulgar lyrics about her, and claimed that Taylor had consented to it, which she denied; Kim, then Kanye’s wife, released a video of a conversation between him and Taylor that seemed to indicate that she had been on board with the song. The scandal was tabloid catnip; it made Taylor look like a snake, which is what people called her.
Taylor responded on Instagram, stating that the phone call had been “secretly” recorded and that West had never informed her the song would include the line calling her “that b—-.” But it was of no use. This was the moment, public sentiment about Taylor turned—sniping about everything from her perceived overexposure to conspiracy theories about her politics. “I had all the hyenas climb on and take their shots,” she reflected in an interview with Time in 2023. She felt it was “a career death,” saying: “Make no mistake—my career was taken away from me.” She retreated to her Rhode Island home during this bleak time:
Calvin later defended his role on Twitter, praising Taylor as an “amazing lyric writer” and confirming that she contributed vocals to the track. At the same time, he took an unprovoked a jab at Taylor amid her ongoing feud with Katy Perry: “I figure if you’re happy in your new relationship you should focus on that instead of trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do. I know you’re off tour, and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy etc. but I’m not that guy, sorry. I won’t allow it.” In the months that followed, Calvin apologized for his earlier comments, telling GQ that “it was completely the wrong instinct.”
Shortly thereafter, Taylor faced even more public scrutiny when Kim Kardashian reignited her decade-long feud with Kanye West. Kanye had written “Famous,” a song with vulgar lyrics about her, and claimed that Taylor had consented to it, which she denied; Kim, then Kanye’s wife, released a video of a conversation between him and Taylor that seemed to indicate that she had been on board with the song. The scandal was tabloid catnip; it made Taylor look like a snake, which is what people called her.
Taylor responded on Instagram, stating that the phone call had been “secretly” recorded and that West had never informed her the song would include the line calling her “that b—-.” But it was of no use. This was the moment, public sentiment about Taylor turned—sniping about everything from her perceived overexposure to conspiracy theories about her politics. “I had all the hyenas climb on and take their shots,” she reflected in an interview with Time in 2023. She felt it was “a career death,” saying: “Make no mistake—my career was taken away from me.” She retreated to her Rhode Island home during this bleak time:
«You have a fully manufactured frame job, in an illegally recorded phone call, which Kim Kardashian edited and then put out to say to everyone that I was a liar. That took me down psychologically to a place I’ve never been before. […] I was afraid to get on phone calls. I pushed away most people in my life because I didn’t trust anyone anymore. I went down really, really hard. I thought that moment of backlash was going to define me negatively for the rest of my life.»
On August 29, 2016, Taylor captured her feelings in her diary with a single line: “This summer is the apocalypse.” The culmination of the summer’s turmoil came on September 6, when it was reported that she and Tom Hiddleston had ended their relationship—a breakup that marked the final straw after months of public drama. Months later, reflecting on their time together, Tom spoke positively about Taylor in an interview with GQ in March 2017: “I only know the woman I met. She’s incredible. […] Of course it was real. Taylor is an amazing woman. She’s generous and kind and lovely, and we had the best time.”
Red Carpet Fashion
In 2016, Taylor’s red carpet style shifted into a darker, more experimental phase, marked by her bleached “Bleachella” hair and a noticeable move away from her earlier polished aesthetic. She frequently favoured black and silver palettes, incorporating sleek silhouettes, metallic detailing, and unexpected cut-outs that gave her look a sharper, more subversive edge.
Returning to Her Country Roots
During the fall of 2016, Taylor went largely quiet on social media and was only occasionally seen around New York City or at Hamptons parties. She also returned to Nashville for jury duty, underwent LASIK surgery, and spent a lot of time with her mother in Tennessee, quietly regrouping after a turbulent summer. Plus, she was falling in love with Joe Alwyn at that point, but the public wouldn’t find out about the couple until May 2017. Despite this, Taylor was reportedly not doing well.
Nashville and the country music community offered Taylor a brief refuge during this turbulent period. In November 2016, she returned to the CMA Awards for the first time in three years, where she was warmly welcomed with cheers and applause. That night, she presented the “Entertainer of the Year” award to Garth Brooks, a moment that underscored her enduring ties to country music—a welcome contrast to the hostility she was facing in the pop world.
That same month, it was revealed that Taylor had written a song for country group Little Big Town. The track, “Better Man”, originated during the sessions for RED. Although released in October without Taylor’s name attached, the band later confirmed her as the songwriter at a press conference. “We didn’t want you to have any subtext there other than to hear the song,” Karen Fairchild explained, adding that Taylor had called the decision “the greatest honor.” In the aftermath, she began to wonder if she should step back from the spotlight entirely and focus solely on songwriting. For years, she had kept this as a backup plan, mindful of never wanting to “overstay her welcome.” Though the doubts were short-lived, this was a period when she seriously questioned her future as a performing artist.
“Better Man” went on to win “Song of the Year” at the 2017 CMA Awards, a trophy awarded directly to Taylor as its sole writer. In 2021, she released her own recording on RED (Taylor’s Version).
Nashville and the country music community offered Taylor a brief refuge during this turbulent period. In November 2016, she returned to the CMA Awards for the first time in three years, where she was warmly welcomed with cheers and applause. That night, she presented the “Entertainer of the Year” award to Garth Brooks, a moment that underscored her enduring ties to country music—a welcome contrast to the hostility she was facing in the pop world.
That same month, it was revealed that Taylor had written a song for country group Little Big Town. The track, “Better Man”, originated during the sessions for RED. Although released in October without Taylor’s name attached, the band later confirmed her as the songwriter at a press conference. “We didn’t want you to have any subtext there other than to hear the song,” Karen Fairchild explained, adding that Taylor had called the decision “the greatest honor.” In the aftermath, she began to wonder if she should step back from the spotlight entirely and focus solely on songwriting. For years, she had kept this as a backup plan, mindful of never wanting to “overstay her welcome.” Though the doubts were short-lived, this was a period when she seriously questioned her future as a performing artist.
“Better Man” went on to win “Song of the Year” at the 2017 CMA Awards, a trophy awarded directly to Taylor as its sole writer. In 2021, she released her own recording on RED (Taylor’s Version).
Taylor's First "Greatest Hits" Concert
In September, rumors had begun circulating that Taylor had returned to the studio. Close friend Gigi Hadid confirmed to ET during New York Fashion Week, “You know, she is starting to go back to work in the studio again.” Fans immediately speculated that Taylor might release a new album—commonly referred to as TS6—or perhaps a “Greatest Hits” compilation in October 2016, since she had always followed a two-year album release pattern.
In October 2016, Taylor marked the 10th anniversary of her self-titled debut album during one of the most uncertain periods of her career. Her first major performance that year was announced as the headline set for the Formula 1 US Grand Prix post-race show on October 22, where she performed her first-ever “greatest hits” concert to a crowd of 80,000 people. While many fans speculated that the occasion might lead to an announcement of new music, no new album materialized. Instead, Taylor acknowledged the milestone with a simple Instagram post two days later thanking fans for a decade of support:
«10 years ago today, my first album came out. I couldn't be more grateful today, thinking back on how much fun we've had and how you've encouraged me to change and grow. It’s been such an adventure, guys. Thank you for all of it.»
It was a remarkably restrained celebration for what could have been a monumental career moment, leaving an unusual sense of ambiguity around her future.
This Is What You Came For
“This Is What You Came For” explores the magnetic allure of a woman whose presence captivates everyone around her.
Better Man
“Better Man” is about leaving a relationship with someone who couldn’t be the partner you needed.
I Don't Wanna Live Forever
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” captures the emotional intensity of a breakup, focusing on regret and the inability to move on.
I Don't Wanna Live Forever
After celebrating Thanksgiving with friends in Rhode Island, Taylor felt the need for a major change. She decided to relocate to Joe’s hometown of London. Reflecting on that time, she later told Time in 2023, “I moved to a foreign country. I didn’t leave a rental house for a year.”
One of her first projects after the move to England was filming the music video for her sultry collaboration with Zayn, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.” Released by surprise in December as part of the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, the track thrilled fans who were going through a “Taylor drought.” In a behind-the-scenes video, Taylor spoke about the making of the song:
One of her first projects after the move to England was filming the music video for her sultry collaboration with Zayn, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.” Released by surprise in December as part of the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, the track thrilled fans who were going through a “Taylor drought.” In a behind-the-scenes video, Taylor spoke about the making of the song:
«I've known Zayn for a really long time. I think his voice is one of those that is really rare and I think he's really special and wonderful and it's really, really amazing to get to work together. It's amazing when you get to work with people who you hang out with because the question of 'Will we get along?' is already answered. 'Yeah, we'll get along. It's Zayn. We hang out, like, it's fine.' He's also incredibly talented and I feel really lucky to get to do this song that I'm really proud of with him.»
The duet went on to peak at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became and international hit.
Taylor's Social Media
Taylor’s social media presence underwent a dramatic shift. In the wake of the #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty backlash, she eventually disabled comments on her posts—a feature Instagram introduced in response to the scale of targeted harassment directed at her account.
Super Saturday Night
The Christmas break passed quietly. Taylor spent the holidays in Nashville with her family and Abigail, surprised a veteran and his family with a holiday visit, and then returned to London. She rang in the New Year with Joe and his friends before retreating back into her low-profile routine, quietly laying the groundwork for her next album.
In February 2017, she briefly resurfaced in the US for what would become her only full-length concert of the year. At the time, this was shocking news:
In February 2017, she briefly resurfaced in the US for what would become her only full-length concert of the year. At the time, this was shocking news:
«I have to be really honest with you about something: As far as I know, I'm doing one show in 2017. And as far as I know, this is that one show. So what I'm trying to tell you is, by coming here tonight, you're essentially attending 100 percent of my tour dates for the year, so thank you! You're the crowd in my most recent daydreams, when I'm thinking about being onstage.»
She was headlining the Super Saturday Night pre–Super Bowl LI concert in Houston, Texas—an event hosted by AT&T and DirecTV, who had launched the channel Taylor Swift NOW in her honor just months earlier. During the show, she performed a greatest hits set alongside her more recent collaborations: “This Is What You Came For,” “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” and “Better Man.” Then, just as quickly, she vanished again.
Taylor's Diary
In diary entries from 2016 and 2017, Taylor described stepping back from public life partly as an act of protection, aiming to shield her new relationship from what she perceived as a harsh and intrusive media environment. She framed this retreat as a way of preserving something private and fragile from a culture that, in her view, often seeks to scrutinize and dismantle happiness once it becomes visible.
Complete Disappearance
Afterwards, Taylor’s silence was absolute. No red carpets, no strolls through New York, no paparazzi shots outside the gym. Even her once-bustling social media accounts went dark. For a superstar who had long lived at the center of pop culture, her sudden disappearance was striking. Her publicist, Tree Paine, told the press at the time:
«Taylor made the conscious choice to disappear. She was feeling overexposed and like things were almost spiraling out of control. She’s being low-key and secretive because it makes her happy.»
The statement never directly addressed the deeper reasons behind the retreat: that Taylor had become pop culture’s Enemy No. 1…for no good reason. But by January 2017, even a simple tweet by her acknowledging the Women’s March on Washington had sparked backlash.
Behind the scenes, Taylor’s security team treated invisibility like “a military mission,” shielding her from photographers as she quietly lived in London or traveled to Nashville to visit her mom for Mother’s Day. There were rumours going around that she hid in giant suitcases carried by her bodyguards in order to avoid being photographed. Despite all her efforts, on May 16, almost eight months after they started dating, Taylor and Joe were captured by the paparazzi having coffee together on the balcony of her Nashville apartment for the first time. Also that spring, she had to start preparing for her sexual assault trial in Denver, Colorado.
Behind the scenes, Taylor’s security team treated invisibility like “a military mission,” shielding her from photographers as she quietly lived in London or traveled to Nashville to visit her mom for Mother’s Day. There were rumours going around that she hid in giant suitcases carried by her bodyguards in order to avoid being photographed. Despite all her efforts, on May 16, almost eight months after they started dating, Taylor and Joe were captured by the paparazzi having coffee together on the balcony of her Nashville apartment for the first time. Also that spring, she had to start preparing for her sexual assault trial in Denver, Colorado.
I Don't Wanna Live Forever
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” was released in December 2016 as part of the soundtrack for Fifty Shades Darker and marked Taylor’s first major musical release during her hiatus from public life. Its dark electropop production and themes of longing, insomnia, and emotional obsession subtly hinted at the sonic and emotional direction she would fully explore on reputation the following year.
Return to Streaming
On June 9, 2017, Taylor shook the music world by returning her entire catalogue to streaming services. For nearly three years, her music had been absent from Spotify and other free platforms, available only on Apple Music after her high-profile standoff with streaming giants. Suddenly, subscribers to Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music could once again access her full discography, including her blockbuster 1989. The timing marked a double milestone: 1989 had just crossed 10 million sales worldwide, and Taylor had been certified by the RIAA for 100 million songs sold. (In a twist of fate, Katy Perry released her album Witness that very same night.) The official statement released by Taylor Nation read:
«In celebration of 1989 selling over 10 million albums worldwide and the RIAA’s 100 Million Song Certification announcement, Taylor wants to thank her fans by making her entire back catalog available to all streaming services tonight at midnight.»
The move also reflected a major shift in the streaming landscape. Spotify, once adamant about offering identical terms to both free and paid subscribers, had finally relented to industry pressure, allowing new albums to be windowed behind paywalls. That policy had been the core of Taylor’s objection when she famously pulled her catalogue in 2014, arguing that artists deserved more control over their work. In the years that followed, Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek made multiple trips to Nashville in an attempt to mend the relationship. Taylor held her ground—and in doing so, helped reshape the conversation around fair compensation for artists in the streaming era.
Vogue Photoshoot
In May 2016, Taylor appeared on the cover of Vogue with newly bleached hair in what became one of the defining visual moments of the “Bleachella” phase. In the accompanying interview, she spoke openly about taking an extended break after years of nonstop work, hinting at a growing exhaustion with fame and the need to step away from the constant visibility that had defined the 1989 era.
Sexual Assault Lawsuit & Social Media Blackout
In August 2017, Taylor reemerged in the public eye when she took the stand in a high-profile trial against former Colorado radio DJ David Mueller, whom she had accused of groping her during a 2013 meet-and-greet. Mueller denied the allegation and claimed the fallout had cost him his job, prompting him to sue Taylor, her mother Andrea, and a radio station employee in 2015. Taylor countersued for assault and battery, seeking a symbolic $1 in damages.
The seven-day trial in Denver drew intense media attention. On the stand, Taylor was unflinching, testifying bluntly: “He grabbed my ass underneath my skirt.” In fact, her testimony reportedly set the record for the most uses of the word “ass” in a Colorado courtroom. Her resolve paid off: the jury sided with her, awarding the symbolic dollar she had sought. Following the verdict, Taylor released a statement in which she expressed gratitude to the judge and jury, as well as to her legal team and those who had supported her:
The seven-day trial in Denver drew intense media attention. On the stand, Taylor was unflinching, testifying bluntly: “He grabbed my ass underneath my skirt.” In fact, her testimony reportedly set the record for the most uses of the word “ass” in a Colorado courtroom. Her resolve paid off: the jury sided with her, awarding the symbolic dollar she had sought. Following the verdict, Taylor released a statement in which she expressed gratitude to the judge and jury, as well as to her legal team and those who had supported her:
«I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this. My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.»
True to her word, Taylor went on to make donations to organizations supporting sexual assault survivors, using her platform and symbolic victory to shine a light on a larger issue within the industry and beyond. In 2017, she was named Time’s “Person of the Year” as part of the “Silence Breakers,” recognizing those who spoke out about sexual assault. One year after being awarded the symbolic $1 in her countersuit against David Mueller, Taylor addressed the incident publicly for the first time during a “reputation Stadium Tour” stop in Tampa. “This exact day a year ago, I was not playing a sold-out stadium in Tampa. I was in a courtroom in Denver, Colorado…and this day a year ago was the day that the jury decided in my favor and said that they believed me,” she told the crowd, who held up $1 bills in solidarity. She continued, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry to anyone who ever wasn’t believed because I don’t know what turn my like would have taken if people didn’t believe me when I said that something had happened to me. So, I guess I just wanted to say that we have so, so, so much further to go, and I’m so grateful to you guys for being there for me during what was a really, really horrible part of my life.
Shortly after the trial, Taylor took the bold step of blacking out her social media accounts, wiping the digital slate clean. This sudden disappearance marked the dramatic beginning of her iconic reputation era, signaling a shift not only in her music and public image but also in how she would engage with fame and control her narrative moving forward. The blackout generated immediate buzz, leaving fans and media alike speculating about what was to come, and set the stage for one of the most transformative phases of her career.
Shortly after the trial, Taylor took the bold step of blacking out her social media accounts, wiping the digital slate clean. This sudden disappearance marked the dramatic beginning of her iconic reputation era, signaling a shift not only in her music and public image but also in how she would engage with fame and control her narrative moving forward. The blackout generated immediate buzz, leaving fans and media alike speculating about what was to come, and set the stage for one of the most transformative phases of her career.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Taylor Swift begin her music hiatus?
Taylor’s hiatus commenced in April 2016, following the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which was the last event she attended as part of the 1989 campaign. This period was intended to be a deliberate step back from the public eye.
What was the catalyst for Taylor Swift's decision to take a break?
After the success of 1989, Taylor wanted to take a break and live her life without the pressure of having to create for the first time in ten years. She also felt “overexposed” and sensed that things were “almost spiraling out of control.” After the events of summer 2016, a source close to her mentioned that she chose to “disappear” to regain control and find happiness in privacy.
Did Taylor Swift release any music during her hiatus?
Yes. In December 2016, she collaborated with Zayn Malik on the track “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. She was also revealed to be the songwriter for Calvin Harris’ hit single “This Is What You Came For” and the Little Big Town country ballad “Better Man.”
When did Taylor Swift make her first public performance during the hiatus?
Her first public performance during her hiatus was her “Greatest Hits” concert at the Formula 1 US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2016.
How did Taylor Swift re-enter the public scene after her hiatus?
In August 2017, Taylor blacked out her social media accounts, sparking speculation about new music. Shortly after, she released the single “Look What You Made Me Do,” which marked the beginning of her reputation era.