50 photos that show Taylor Swift's meteoric rise from a Nashville country singer to the most famous musician in the world

Gabbi ShawApr 23, 2024, 03:24 IST

Taylor Swift performs onstage.Fernando Leon/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," on Friday.
In the 18 years since she released her debut album, Swift has become a billionaire.

In the 18 years since Taylor Swift released her first album, she's been a country star, a pop star, and a voice of a generation.

She's a four-time album of the year winner, a billionaire, and the first person with a tour grossing $1 billion. She also rocked the music industry when she decided to re-record her first five albums so she'd own the rights to her own music.

Plus, her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department," is set for a massive debut on the charts after it was released on Friday.

But she wasn't always this juggernaut. Here's a look at her impressive career, from her 2006 debut to her 2024 superstardom.

Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album in 2006. At the time, there was no telling that this 16-year-old country singer would become one of the most iconic musicians in history.

Swift sings the National Anthem as the Detroit Lions host the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving.Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album in 2006. At the time, there was no telling that this 16-year-old country singer would become one of the most iconic musicians in history.

But by May 2007, Swift was already playing to large crowds. At the time, her aesthetic consisted of flowy dresses, acoustic guitar, curly hair, and cowboy boots.

Taylor Swift performs in Kansas City.Jason Squires/WireImage/Getty Images

Her guitar has been a constant companion from 2007 to 2024.

Swift performs onstage during the first-ever Academy Of Country Music New Artists' Show Party for a Cause in Las Vegas, Nevada.Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Swift's debut single was "Tim McGraw," named, of course, after the country star. In May 2007, she performed the song to him and his wife, Faith Hill, at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, and Tim McGraw during the 42nd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards.Kevin Winter/ACMA/Getty Images for ACMA

Swift's debut single was "Tim McGraw," named, of course, after the country star. In May 2007, she performed the song to him and his wife, Faith Hill, at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

An EP, “Beautiful Eyes,” was released in July 2008, just two months after she performed at Stagecoach Music Festival — essentially, country music's Coachella.

Swift performs during day 2 of Stagecoach, California's Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California.John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

An EP, “Beautiful Eyes,” was released in July 2008, just two months after she performed at Stagecoach Music Festival — essentially, country music's Coachella.

Even as her star was rising, Swift made time to take selfies with fans — on digital cameras!

Swift greets fans before her performance during the 18th annual Chicago Country Music Festival in Chicago, Illinois.Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

By August 2009, her second album "Fearless" had been released and she was headlining Madison Square Garden.

Taylor Swift performs at Madison Square Garden in New York City.Theo Wargo/WireImage for New York Post/Getty Images

A turning point in her career came during the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2009, when Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to declare Beyoncé deserved the award.

Kanye West jumps onstage after Taylor Swift won the best female video award during the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.Christopher Polk/Getty Images

A turning point in her career came during the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2009, when Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to declare Beyoncé deserved the award.

In December, she performed with one of her then-musical idols, John Mayer. The two would go on to briefly date, inspiring her song "Dear John."

John Mayer and Taylor Swift perform onstage during Z100's Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden.Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Clear Channel Radio New York/Getty Images

At the 2010 Grammys, Swift performed with Stevie Nicks — 14 years later, Swift referenced their connection in the song "Clara Bow."

Musicians Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center Los Angeles.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Later that night, the "You Belong With Me" singer was gobsmacked to win album of the year. She'd later write about this night in "Long Live."

John Legend presents Taylor Swift the award for the album of the year during the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Her third album, "Speak Now," was released in October 2010. The world tour began in February 2011.

Taylor Swift performs during her "Speak Now" tour at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

It sold over 1 million copies in its first week, the highest single-week sales for a female country artist. She also became the first female artist to have 11 songs on the Hot 100 simultaneously.

Taylor Swift played to a sold-out crowd of over 51,000 fans when she took her Speak Now World Tour to Lincoln Financial Field in her home state of Pennsylvania.Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

It sold over 1 million copies in its first week, the highest single-week sales for a female country artist. She also became the first female artist to have 11 songs on the Hot 100 simultaneously.

She continued to collaborate with musical legends. She brought James Taylor out at her Madison Square Garden show in November 2011.

James Taylor and Taylor Swift perform onstage during the Speak Now World Tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City.Larry Busacca/Getty Images

In 2012, she made her first jump away from country music to more straightforward pop. The cowboy boots were nowhere to be found.

Singer Taylor Swift performs during the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel

The debut single from her fourth album, "Red," called "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," became her first No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Taylor Swift performs during Z100's Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden.D Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images

As her musical style changed, so did her style. She traded flowing dresses and cowboy boots for form-fitting dresses and high heels; gone was the curly hair, traded for sleek straight tresses.

Taylor Swift attends the NRJ Music Awards at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

As her musical style changed, so did her style. She traded flowing dresses and cowboy boots for form-fitting dresses and high heels; gone was the curly hair, traded for sleek straight tresses.

The Red Tour grossed $150.2 million, making it the highest-grossing country tour ever when it ended in 2014.

Taylor Swift wraps the North American portion of her "Red" tour.Larry Busacca/TAS/Getty Images for TAS

She became the first female solo artist in 20 years to perform a stadium tour in Australia. The last female artist to do it was Madonna in 1993.

Taylor Swift kicked off the Australian leg of her "Red" tour at Allianz Stadium, playing to a sold-out crowd of more than 40,000 fans in Sydney, Australia.Mark Metcalfe/TAS/Getty Images for TAS

In August 2014, she left behind country with the song "Shake It Off," a pure pop song.

Swift performs onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, California.Christopher Polk/MTV1415/Getty Images for MTV

Later that year, she performed at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show beside then-BFF Karlie Kloss.

Taylor Swift performs as model Karlie Kloss walks the runway during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in London, England.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

"1989," Swift's fifth album, remains a high point of her career. It elevated Swift to pop-icon status and spawned three No. 1 hits and two more top-10 singles.

Swift performs onstage during the 1989 World Tour Live at the Staples Center in Los Angeles/Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS

It was also the era of her "squad." People are still captivated by who is in Swift’s inner circle.

Swift performs onstage with Hailee Steinfeld, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, and Lena Dunham during The 1989 World Tour Live in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Larry Busacca/LP5/Getty Images for TAS

To top off the "1989" era, she won her second album of the year Grammy in February 2016.

Singer Taylor Swift accepts the award for the album of the year onstage during the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Her bleached blonde era — known as "Bleachella," since she debuted it at Coachella in 2016 — showed that people were obsessed with her every move.

Swift attends the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.Mike Coppola/Getty Images for People.com

But by July 2016, Swift had vanished. Her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had resurfaced, with many on social media turning against her.

A mural by Melbourne graffiti artist Lushsux is seen in Melbourne, Australia.Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

In 2017, she cleared her social media and told us: "There will be no explanation, just reputation." Her sixth album, "Reputation," was released in November.

Swift performs "Ready For It" in Studio 8H.Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

"Reputation" brought a new dark and gritty aesthetic. But the old Taylor, who loves interacting with her fans, was still in there.

Swift greets fans during her Reputation Stadium Tour at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.Gareth Cattermole/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

The Reputation Stadium Tour was her first all-stadium tour. Upon its completion in November 2018, it grossed $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing North American tour ever.

Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour at MetLife Stadium.Kevin Mazur/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

The Reputation Stadium Tour was her first all-stadium tour. Upon its completion in November 2018, it grossed $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing North American tour ever.

In a savvy move, she reclaimed the snake imagery that had been used against her by critics.

Swift performs onstage during the Reputation Stadium Tour at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.Kevin Mazur/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

But after her two years of all-black edginess, 2019 brought a complete aesthetic shift.

Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Christopher Polk/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Image

Her seventh album, "Lover," which was released in August 2019, is full of love songs, pastel rainbows, and bubblegum pop.

Taylor Swift performs onstage at 2019 iHeartRadio Wango Tango in Carson, California.Rich Fury/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

"Lover" was her sixth consecutive No. 1 album and the best-selling album of 2019. Her concerts for the album were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taylor Swift performs during the TIME 100 Gala Dinner at Jazz at Lincoln Center.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

In July 2020, Swift surprised fans with her eighth album, "Folklore." It would go on to win album of the year — she was the first woman ever to win three times.

Swift during the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

After a seven-year hiatus, she returned to her country roots. She performed the song "Betty" at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Swift performs onstage during the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry.ACMA2020/Getty Images for ACM

In November 2021, Swift released the 10-minute version of her song "All Too Well" from 2012. She also directed an accompanying short film starring Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink.

Taylor Swift attends the "All Too Well" premiere at AMC Lincoln Square.ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

In November 2021, Swift released the 10-minute version of her song "All Too Well" from 2012. She also directed an accompanying short film starring Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink.

"Red (Taylor’s Version)," her re-recorded version of the 2012 album "Red" was a huge hit. "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" became the longest No. 1 song in the chart's history.

Swift accepts the favorite pop album award for "Red (Taylor's Version)" at the American Music Awards.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp

"Red (Taylor’s Version)," her re-recorded version of the 2012 album "Red" was a huge hit. "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" became the longest No. 1 song in the chart's history.

But just re-recording wasn't enough for Swift. In August 2022, she announced her 10th album, "Midnights," which became yet another hit.

Swift accepts the video of the year award for "All Too Well" onstage at the MTV VMAs.Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

The year 2023 was the year of Swift, as she embarked on her globe-spanning Eras Tour. The setlist pays homage to her career. She brought out the gold fringe for the "Fearless" set.

Swift performs onstage at the opening night of The Eras Tour in Glendale, Arizona.Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

The year 2023 was the year of Swift, as she embarked on her globe-spanning Eras Tour. The setlist pays homage to her career. She brought out the gold fringe for the "Fearless" set.

Since "Lover" never got a tour of its own, it kicks off the show. Four years after its release, Swifties got "Cruel Summer" to the top of the Hot 100.

Taylor Swift performs at the Eras Tour held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.Christopher Polk/Penske Media/Getty Images

During her "Speak Now" set, she brings back her koi-fish guitar and the purple dresses.

Swift performs onstage at night one of The Eras Tour in Kansas City, Missouri.John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

During the "Red" set, she interacts with some of her youngest fans.

A young fan exchanges friendship bracelets with Swift during The Eras Tour in São Paulo.TAS2023/Getty Images

In the "1989" portion, we get taken back in time to when Swift loved a two-piece set.

Swift performs during night two of The Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.Fernando Leon/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

The "Reputation" era might be long gone, but the snakes are back for this portion of the show.

Taylor Swift performs onstage during The Eras Tour at Allianz Parque.Buda Mendes/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

She also pays homage to the woodsy, cottage-core vibes of "Folklore" and its sister album, "Evermore."

Swift performs onstage during The Eras Tour in Glendale, Arizona.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Swift ends the night with the "Midnights" set, which spawned two of her two most recent hits, "Karma" and "Anti-Hero."

Swift performs onstage for night one of The Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.ohn Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

The Eras Tour has become a global phenomenon. It's the first tour to ever surpass $1 billion in revenue ... and it's not over yet.

Swift performs onstage during The Eras Tour at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos.Buda Mendes/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

In February 2024, Swift became the first artist to win album of the year four times when she won for "Midnights." That night, she announced her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department."

Swift accepts the album of the year award for "Midnights" onstage during the 66th Grammys.Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In February 2024, Swift became the first artist to win album of the year four times when she won for "Midnights." That night, she announced her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department."

On its release, Swift surprised fans by announcing "TTPD" is a double album, and she dropped 15 more songs. It's set to be, once again, huge.

Swift performs during The Eras Tour at the National Stadium in Singapore.Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

In 18 years, Swift has released 11 albums, four re-records, won 14 Grammys, had 11 No. 1 hits, become a billionaire, and broken countless records. She's showing no sign of slowing down.

Taylor Swift performs during The Eras Tour at the National Stadium in Singapore.Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

In 18 years, Swift has released 11 albums, four re-records, won 14 Grammys, had 11 No. 1 hits, become a billionaire, and broken countless records. She's showing no sign of slowing down.

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50 photos that show Taylor Swift's meteoric rise from a Nashville country singer to the most famous musician in the world

Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album in 2006. At the time, there was no telling that this 16-year-old country singer would become one of the most iconic musicians in history.

But by May 2007, Swift was already playing to large crowds. At the time, her aesthetic consisted of flowy dresses, acoustic guitar, curly hair, and cowboy boots.

Her guitar has been a constant companion from 2007 to 2024.

Swift's debut single was "Tim McGraw," named, of course, after the country star. In May 2007, she performed the song to him and his wife, Faith Hill, at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

An EP, “Beautiful Eyes,” was released in July 2008, just two months after she performed at Stagecoach Music Festival — essentially, country music's Coachella.

Even as her star was rising, Swift made time to take selfies with fans — on digital cameras!

By August 2009, her second album "Fearless" had been released and she was headlining Madison Square Garden.

A turning point in her career came during the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2009, when Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to declare Beyoncé deserved the award.

In December, she performed with one of her then-musical idols, John Mayer. The two would go on to briefly date, inspiring her song "Dear John."

At the 2010 Grammys, Swift performed with Stevie Nicks — 14 years later, Swift referenced their connection in the song "Clara Bow."

Later that night, the "You Belong With Me" singer was gobsmacked to win album of the year. She'd later write about this night in "Long Live."

Her third album, "Speak Now," was released in October 2010. The world tour began in February 2011.

It sold over 1 million copies in its first week, the highest single-week sales for a female country artist. She also became the first female artist to have 11 songs on the Hot 100 simultaneously.

She continued to collaborate with musical legends. She brought James Taylor out at her Madison Square Garden show in November 2011.

In 2012, she made her first jump away from country music to more straightforward pop. The cowboy boots were nowhere to be found.

The debut single from her fourth album, "Red," called "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," became her first No. 1 on the Hot 100.

As her musical style changed, so did her style. She traded flowing dresses and cowboy boots for form-fitting dresses and high heels; gone was the curly hair, traded for sleek straight tresses.

The Red Tour grossed $150.2 million, making it the highest-grossing country tour ever when it ended in 2014.

She became the first female solo artist in 20 years to perform a stadium tour in Australia. The last female artist to do it was Madonna in 1993.

In August 2014, she left behind country with the song "Shake It Off," a pure pop song.

Later that year, she performed at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show beside then-BFF Karlie Kloss.

"1989," Swift's fifth album, remains a high point of her career. It elevated Swift to pop-icon status and spawned three No. 1 hits and two more top-10 singles.

It was also the era of her "squad." People are still captivated by who is in Swift’s inner circle.

To top off the "1989" era, she won her second album of the year Grammy in February 2016.

Her bleached blonde era — known as "Bleachella," since she debuted it at Coachella in 2016 — showed that people were obsessed with her every move.

But by July 2016, Swift had vanished. Her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had resurfaced, with many on social media turning against her.

In 2017, she cleared her social media and told us: "There will be no explanation, just reputation." Her sixth album, "Reputation," was released in November.

"Reputation" brought a new dark and gritty aesthetic. But the old Taylor, who loves interacting with her fans, was still in there.

The Reputation Stadium Tour was her first all-stadium tour. Upon its completion in November 2018, it grossed $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing North American tour ever.

In a savvy move, she reclaimed the snake imagery that had been used against her by critics.

But after her two years of all-black edginess, 2019 brought a complete aesthetic shift.

Her seventh album, "Lover," which was released in August 2019, is full of love songs, pastel rainbows, and bubblegum pop.

"Lover" was her sixth consecutive No. 1 album and the best-selling album of 2019. Her concerts for the album were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2020, Swift surprised fans with her eighth album, "Folklore." It would go on to win album of the year — she was the first woman ever to win three times.

After a seven-year hiatus, she returned to her country roots. She performed the song "Betty" at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards.

In November 2021, Swift released the 10-minute version of her song "All Too Well" from 2012. She also directed an accompanying short film starring Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink.

"Red (Taylor’s Version)," her re-recorded version of the 2012 album "Red" was a huge hit. "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" became the longest No. 1 song in the chart's history.

But just re-recording wasn't enough for Swift. In August 2022, she announced her 10th album, "Midnights," which became yet another hit.

The year 2023 was the year of Swift, as she embarked on her globe-spanning Eras Tour. The setlist pays homage to her career. She brought out the gold fringe for the "Fearless" set.

Since "Lover" never got a tour of its own, it kicks off the show. Four years after its release, Swifties got "Cruel Summer" to the top of the Hot 100.

During her "Speak Now" set, she brings back her koi-fish guitar and the purple dresses.

During the "Red" set, she interacts with some of her youngest fans.

In the "1989" portion, we get taken back in time to when Swift loved a two-piece set.

The "Reputation" era might be long gone, but the snakes are back for this portion of the show.

She also pays homage to the woodsy, cottage-core vibes of "Folklore" and its sister album, "Evermore."

Swift ends the night with the "Midnights" set, which spawned two of her two most recent hits, "Karma" and "Anti-Hero."

The Eras Tour has become a global phenomenon. It's the first tour to ever surpass $1 billion in revenue ... and it's not over yet.

In February 2024, Swift became the first artist to win album of the year four times when she won for "Midnights." That night, she announced her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department."

On its release, Swift surprised fans by announcing "TTPD" is a double album, and she dropped 15 more songs. It's set to be, once again, huge.

In 18 years, Swift has released 11 albums, four re-records, won 14 Grammys, had 11 No. 1 hits, become a billionaire, and broken countless records. She's showing no sign of slowing down.