Music fans have started to speculate that Taylor Swift might be releasing a new album on October 18 – after it was confirmed that both Shawn Mendes and Joe Jonas had delayed the release of their records, which were set to drop that day.
On Wednesday, Shawn, 26, announced that he will be pushing his upcoming self-titled LP to November 15 because he and his team needed ‘a little bit more time.’
In addition, fans who had already pre-purchased Joe’s new album received an email saying the record had a ‘new ship by date’ in 2025.
People are now convinced that both singers made the decisions to push their releases back because Taylor, 34, will be dropping new music that day.
Immediately, X, formerly Twitter, erupted in theories, with many users wondering if the Cruel Summer songstress was going to ‘surprise release’ Reputation (Taylor’s Version).
Music fans have started speculating that Taylor Swift could be releasing a new album next week on October 18
Both Joe Jonas (left) and Shawn Mendes (right) have delayed the release of their new records, which were set to come out that date
Taylor has slowly been re-recording her first six LPs ever since the rights to them were sold by her former record label Big Machine Records to music manager Scooter Braun.
‘Taylor will be surprise releasing,’ one person claimed on X, while another said: ‘It would be the ultimate Easter egg if two artists delaying their albums is what got us to think she was gonna release Rep TV.’
‘She wouldn’t… surprise drop… no she wouldn’t…’ another fan said, while a fourth posted a GIF of Taylor and simply captioned it: ‘That’s suspicious…’
Other social media users speculated that it could also be Taylor’s ex-boyfriend Harry Styles that’s planning to release new tunes.
‘New Taylor? New Harry? New who?!’ one person asked, while another posted: ‘Now is it Harry or Taylor? Because who else has the power to make them both move their albums?’
A third claimed: ‘Harry Styles is coming,’ while someone else pondered: ‘Currently debating if Harry is insane enough to drop a full surprise album Folklore style.
A different person said: ‘HS4 is coming, there’s no other explanation for both of them to push their release date.’
Referring to Taylor’s ongoing Eras Tour, which kicks off again in Florida on October 18, another person tweeted: ‘[Shawn and Joe delayed their albums] because they know everyone is going to be focused on the Eras tour starting back up.’
Shawn took to X on October 9 to share the news that he had decided to delay his album
Fans began speculating that the delays could be related to Taylor or her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles preparing to release new music
One person questioned who else would have ‘the power’ to make Shawn and Joe shift their dates
Others theorized that Taylor could be preparing to release Reputation (Taylor’s Version) – a re-recording of her album Reputation
Harry, pictured here in February 2023, released his album Harry’s House in May 2022
Taylor’s Eras tour also kicks off again on October 18, with a show scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida
And a different fan suggested: ‘I honestly think Joe and Shawn’s albums got pushed back because they’re flopping not because of Taylor.’
Taylor’s most recent album release was The Tortured Poets Department, which dropped on April 19 and included the tracks Fortnight and So Long, London.
Meanwhile, Harry, 30, who dated Taylor briefly in 2012, released his album Harry’s House back in May 2022, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, and in various other countries.
Shawn’s self-titled fifth album will now be released on November 15, and in a statement on X, the Stitches singer said: ‘Hey guys, My team and I have decided to push the album release date to November 15.’
‘We just need a little bit more time to bring some new inspiration and ideas to life. I love you guys thank you for being so patient, I can’t wait to see you guys at the next few shows,’ he added.
Shawn’s fans were supportive of his decision as one person replied: ‘We waited four years, we can wait one more month, so excited.’
Another wrote: ‘It’s OK, take your time with it. I’m waiting eagerly and looking forward to November 15.’
Music for People Who Believe in Love is the upcoming second solo studio album set to be released by Jonas Brothers member Joe, 35, and serves as the follow-up to his previous solo album, Fastlife, which was released in 2011.
The album was preceded by the release of two singles, Work It Out, which came out on July 19, and What This Could Be, released on October 4.
