Swift’s new video for “Opalite” dropped on February 6, just days before the Super Bowl, and quickly captivated fans with its nostalgic homage to the 1990s. The song is part of her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which was released on October 3, 2025. The album arrived after months of cryptic social media teasers and an announcement on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce.
The “Opalite” video showcases Swift’s love of storytelling and her willingness to experiment with different eras. She wrote and directed the video herself, creating a plot that follows a quirky 90s‑style romance. The visuals include MTV references, mall hangouts, kitschy commercials, and a photo shoot that cleverly lampoons retro fashion. Actor Domhnall Gleeson joins Swift on screen, embodying the male protagonist she first pitched during her October 2025 appearance on the Graham Norton Show. Gleeson had jokingly suggested he’d love to appear in one of her videos, which spurred Swift to invite him and other talk‑show guests to participate; she called the collaborative project a “school group project” for adults.
Humor and fantasy drive the “Opalite” storyline. Swift uses a magical “opal spray” to transform inanimate objects into people, turning her character’s beloved rock into a companion while changing Gleeson’s cactus into Swift herself. The narrative nods to opal being the birthstone of her fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce. The video is only available on Apple Music and Spotify Premium through February 8, making it a limited‑time treat for fans.
Beyond her artistic flair, Swift has consistently backed up her success with philanthropy. In December 2025 she donated $1 million to Feeding America, building on a previous $5 million contribution during Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The food bank’s CEO, Claire Babineaux‑Fontenot, said Swift’s donation reminds people what’s possible when communities unite to end hunger. That same month, Swift also gave $1 million to the American Heart Association in honor of her father’s quintuple bypass surgery. According to AHA CEO Nancy Brown, the gift will create “lasting change far beyond its financial value”. Swift continued her generosity by supporting MusiCares and the Academy of Country Music’s charitable arm, with both organizations applauding her contributions.
Even as she launched the The Life of a Showgirl era, Swift remained committed to using her platform for good. She has a long history of donating to fans in need and supporting food banks during her tours. During the Eras Tour in 2023, she provided tens of thousands of meals to the Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver. Such actions have reinforced her reputation as a superstar who prioritizes generosity over lavish personal spending.
Taylor Swift’s latest creative venture highlights why she continues to be a cultural force. By blending a playful 90s aesthetic with heartfelt storytelling and coupling her artistic endeavors with meaningful philanthropy, she exemplifies what it means to be a remarkable woman in 2026. Her ability to evolve while staying rooted in her values ensures that every release—whether it’s a new album, a nostalgic music video, or a charitable act—adds another chapter to her enduring legacy.