What Is Debutation? Taylor Swift Theory Explained

The Swifties have long speculated that Taylor Swift will release two separate albums at the same time, but the “Debutation” theory has a lot of evidence to support the idea.

As Swift, 34, wraps up The Eras Tour, fans are still waiting for her to rerelease 2017’s Reputation, the last record she recorded under her previous label, as well as her 2006 debut album. Though she never explicitly said as much, many Swifties assumed that they’d have Taylor’s Version of every album by the time The Eras Tour ended. After all, the tour revisited nearly every significant era of her career, so it seemed fitting.

With only weeks to go before the tour concludes on December 8, a new theory speculates that the singer will drop both her debut and Reputation rerecords on the same day — and they even think Swift hinted at the release date. Scroll down for all the “Debutation” evidence and theories.

The Surprise Songs

It seems as though Swift is playing into these theories with her surprise song mashups. While she didn’t play much of her early work previously, debut era songs have been popping up more and more. On her second night in Miami, she chose “Should’ve Said No” from her debut era and “I Did Something Bad” from her sixth album.

On her first night in New Orleans, she played a combination of “Our Song” (from the self-titled album) and “Call It What You Want” (from Reputation).

​​Other nights did not have direct “Debutation” mashups, but she included tracks from both albums. Her Miami night one mashup included her first single, “Tim McGraw,” while her third night in Louisiana included Reputation‘s “Dress.”

The New Costumes

Frankly, consider Us shocked that Swift didn’t announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version) after debuting her new bodysuit during her Rep set — the first in 131 shows — in Miami. However, it’s not just the golden snakes that fans noticed.

Teal is the color most associated with the debut era (the only album without a designated segment on The Eras Tour), and Swift wore a new teal ballgown for “Speak Now” in Miami.

The singer has also been wearing new dresses during the surprise songs portion. “I got a new dress for you and everything,” she told the October 18 crowd in the Sunshine State while wearing a pink and teal gown. “I love that you guys notice these things, it’s the most rewarding thing in the world.”

She said similar statements as she donned new dresses each night in Florida and Louisiana, which has fans wondering if she’s trying to point out the garments. After all, “Dress” is a song from Reputation.

The December 13 of It All

It’s no secret that Swift loves the number 13, and this date just so happens to be her 35th birthday. It also falls on a Friday, the day that new music is typically released.

Then, while performing “22” at her second Miami concert, Swift flashed the number 55 with her hands, sending Swifties down the rabbit hole. The prevailing theory? She was subtly referring to 55 days from that night — which just so happens to be December 13.

This December 13 date has long been thought to be of importance, with speculation swirling after her Tortured Poets Department pop-up in April. Spotify organized the Los Angeles experience, which included a day clock set to Friday, December 13.

The Final Cities

The final Eras Tour stops are Toronto and Vancouver. That’s right, they start with a T and V — just like Taylor’s Version. This is, admittedly, one of the less-impressive pieces of evidence.

Pre-Show Photos

A slightly more believable clue, however, came in Swift’s preshow. Photos from her first album cycle were seen on the big screen. The snaps were a new addition for the last U.S. leg of her tour.