As far as Saturday nights go, it was an unusual one. It was spent standing outside Wembley Arena, facing its concrete walls, without a precious golden ticket (or barcode) to see the sequinned superstar, writes Sarah Newton.
But, despite being on the wrong side of the arena, even the ring of steel formed by men and women in don’t-hit-me-jackets couldn’t shake off the magic. Those of us on the outside were still lifted by the roar of the 92,000 fans as Taylor Swift’s voice transcended the physical boundaries of Wembley’s walls.
Despite not being in the crowd, there was still a shared experience that helped to make the evening special. There were hundreds of parents standing outside too and you had to smile at the countless dads sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the words, ‘It’s me. Hi. I’m the daddy it’s me.’
But for me, the real joy came from knowing my daughter and her friend were inside having the most magical evening of their lives – it really was her Wildest Dream.
Whether you like her music or not (and after wall-to-wall Taylor on the journeys up and down the M1 I can officially take it or leave it for a while) there’s something about Taylor Swift that is utterly wonderful.
Her fans make friendship bracelets to trade with strangers, they dress up in outfits inspired by her albums, they spend hours on apps trying to second-guess which outfits she will wear each night.
I can’t remember anything quite like it before. And Taylor Swift isn’t just a global music icon; she’s a public relations phenomenon too. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the turbulent waters of fame with finesse, transforming pitfalls into PR gold. Today she is untouchable and even those who don’t rate her music can’t argue with her success.
One of the reasons for this has to be her authenticity. She has cultivated an image that feels genuine and relatable, whether she’s penning a heartfelt ballad about personal heartbreak or taking a stand against greedy record companies.
This authenticity resonates with her audience, creating a deep emotional connection. Her transparency and vulnerability have been crucial in building trust and loyalty.
She is also a master at controlling her own narrative. She writes her own songs, drawing from personal experiences of love, heartbreak and growth. This vulnerability allows her fans to connect with her on a deep, emotional level.
By sharing her true self through her music, she shows that it’s okay to be open about your feelings and that your voice matters.
Of course, Taylor Swift has faced her share of controversies, from high-profile feuds to media scrutiny over her personal life – how dare she have so many boyfriends? Yet, she consistently turns these challenges into opportunities for growth and reinvention.
For instance, her very public spat with Kanye West led to her reclaiming the narrative with the album Reputation, where she addressed the controversy head-on, spinning a negative situation into a powerful statement of resilience.
Throughout all her controversies, Taylor has maintained her All American, wholesome, girl next door vibe. Every teenage girl wants to be her – and not just because she’s a talented multimillionaire, who can rock a bejewelled leotard like no one else – but because she is normal, fun and fallible.
But she also uses her platform to advocate for causes she believes in – becoming vocal about social and political issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to voter registration campaigns. By aligning herself with causes she believes in she has associated herself with positive social change. This not only enhances her image but also endears her to fans who share similar values.
She is generous too. With the audience, putting her 22 hat on one special child’s head each night, and never missing an opportunity to express gratitude for the love hitting her on stage in waves. But also to the community, she makes mammoth donations to food banks in every city she plays in.
Taylor Swift’s success isn’t just about managing her image—it’s about mastering the art of connection, authenticity, and evolution. She has shown that good PR goes beyond damage control; it’s about building a narrative, engaging with your audience, and staying true to your values while evolving with the times.
Brands and individuals alike can learn a great deal from her approach to public relations. And there is no two ways about it – even as Taylor says So Long, London the memories of that special night will live for Evermore.
