Taylor Swift’s reputation literally precedes her; it’s only fitting that her latest studio album Reputation (Big Machine, 2017) toys with the notion. Having been in the spotlight since she was 14, Swift is no stranger to gossip, slander, and the rumors that come with fame (with lyrics that defensively cry out, “I swear I don’t love the drama, it loves me,” “my reputation has never been worse” and “maybe I got mine, but you’ll all get yours”). Known for capturing the highs and lows of her relationships in her songs, Swift effortlessly portrays the struggle of meeting and dating new people while battling her public perception on Reputation–it plays as a powerful and compelling melodrama.

In 2018, Swift began her Reputation Stadium Tour to great fanfare. On Friday night she kicked off her three-night run at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. As the lights dimmed in the stadium Joan Jett’s anthemic “Bad Reputation” came screaming down on some 50,000 plus “Swifties” who anxiously awaited the star. The perfect prelude to Swift’s show was met with an equally perfect opening song, literally asking, “…Ready for It?” As the epic two-hour set played on, flames, fireworks, snakes, and costume changes gave visual wonder to an altogether captivating show. Medlies of classics like “Style”/”Love Story”/”You Belong With Me” and “Bad Blood”/”Should’ve Said No” played well among new hits like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Delicate” (and interlude of “Shake It Off” with guests/openers Charli XCX and Camila Cabello came as a welcome surprise). After seeing Swift live and after understanding her relationship to her music and to her fans, it’s no wonder she’s known as one of the most talented artists of the generation, and generations to come–a reputation anyone could be proud of.

Be sure to check out Taylor Swift at taylorswift.com and on iTunes.