Taylor Swift – queen of Easter eggs – has sent her faithful fandom into a frenzy (yet again) after the penultimate episode of The Handmaid’s Tale opened to an extended sequence of Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version). The yet-to-be-released song is from the much-anticipated release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version) – that much we know already. But what’s really fuelling Swiftie speculators is what its debut means for the devotees waiting for the album to drop.
When fans first started theorising about it in 2023 following the re-record of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), initial predictions were set, stretched-out and eventually substituted as each possible date passed by. One hypothesis led to another, and so on, until the web of amateur analysis got so elaborate, it was hard to stay on top of. Or, at least it was for those of us yet to ascend to evangelical Swiftie-status (this writer included).
After all, she does have a cult-leader-like ability to convince her followers that every word, whisper, movement or wardrobe choice, is never as it seems. “What if I told you none of this was accidental?” she teases in the lyrics for Mastermind off her 2022 album, Midnights, and whether you subscribe to the sophistry, or you see nothing but red herrings, there’s no denying the gal loves to leave us languishing.
So, in light of recent episodic events, we’ve taken a deep dive into the clues, fan theories and ever-important Taylor Swift Easter eggs that (may or may not) point to the imminent release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version) – including what it means for that American Music Awards theory.
The Handmaid’s Tale Enters Its Reputation (Taylor’s Version) Era
We might only get two verses and a couple of choruses of Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version), but it was more than enough to send Swifties into a spiral during the opening episode of The Handmaid’s Tale on May 20.
The show’s producer and star Elisabeth Moss shared a statement calling its inclusion “a long time coming,” so it was hardly a surprise when it eventuated. “I’ve been wanting to use a Taylor song for many years on the show and we finally found the perfect spot for a track from her, and I’m so glad we waited because there could not be a more perfect song for a more perfect moment,” said Moss.
What This Means For The Reputation (Taylor’s Version) AMAs Theory
Reddit forums and group chats erupted with talk of the latest Easter egg, with many claiming it supported the popular belief that an announcement for Rep TV was all but confirmed to take place at the 2025 American Music Awards.
The AMAs theory began when fans noticed that Swift’s online store had been separated into four distinct (and curiously ordered) categories: apparel, music, accessories, sale. And what would that order suggest if we were to turn it into an acronym? Well, A-M-A-S, of course.
And while we know Swift loves to add a linguistic element to her Easter eggs, the theory gained legs when eagle-eyed hunters spied some rather specific discounts scattered throughout the sale section. Namely for 13 per cent and 26 per cent.
Still confused? Honestly, same. But stay with us. The American Music Awards take place this year on the May 26 (clock the percentages above). The Handmaid’s episode dropped 6 (!) days out from the awards. Reputation was the singer’s sixth studio album, and, Look What You Made Me Do just happens to be – you guessed it – the sixth track on it.
Call it what you want, but as the Reputation (Taylor’s Version) Easter eggs are put to the AMA theory test, we’ll be keeping our eyes – and ears – on the American Music Awards ground.
The July Theory
If not the AMAs, then when, you ask? Another theory circulating through the fandom is the July theory, which first kicked off after Swift walked the 2025 Grammys red carpet in a glittering Vivienne Westwood number, accessorised – most importantly – in rubies.
From the slinky chain spiked with a hanging ‘T’ (was it for Travis, or Taylor?) to her bejewelled fingers, all the way up to her earlobes dripping in garnet, she was the lady in red. Naturally, fans were quick to correlate her couture choice with July’s birthstone: ruby.
Not only is her outfit an ode to the month’s precious gem, July also happens to be the month in which – stay with us – World Snake Day is.. celebrated? That’s right, on July 16, serpentine lovers come together from around the world to pay homage to the slithering species, and in the Year of The Snake, no less.
Coincidence? Probably. But as Swiftie lore decrees, snakes are basically the unofficial mascots of the Reputation Era, meaning there might be more to this theory than most.
Related articles:
- Your Expert Guide To Taylor Swift’s Eras (And What Defined Each One)
- Inside The Real World Of Taylor’s Mighty Fandom
- Taylor Swift Confirmed These ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ Theories
