1989 (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift’s 4th of 6th recorded albums is due out October 27, 2023. And in true Taylor form where “known of it is accidental”, that is exactly 9 years after the original release superstar’s first full-blown pop album. 1989 gave us massive hits “Shake It Off”, “Blank Space”, “Wildest Dreams”, “Style”, and “Bad Blood”. It also gave Swift her 2nd Grammy for Album of The Year. So needless to say 1989 Taylor’s Version has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. And one of the most exciting parts of these re-records Taylor is doing, are the addition of the Vault Tracks. Each (Taylor’s Version) album so far has featured two collaborations on those vault tracks. So who will be featured on 1989 Taylor’s Version?
1989 (Taylor’s Version) Announcement
This question was posed to me by a dear friend and co-worker almost immediately after the announcement. For reference, I am the undisputed biggest Taylor Swift fan in our office. I anticipated the announcement and was watching on TikTok live. I would have bet money (and I’m not a gambler) that is was going to be announced at some point in LA. And once I saw the blue dress for the Speak Now set I knew. A blue Folklore dress further confirmed, and then when she walked out for the 1989 set in a blue outfit (for the first time all tour for all these costumes), the Swifties went feral. It was confirmed before it was confirmed.
And I would have said from day 1 that my two guesses for collaborators on 1989 (Taylor’s Version) would be two artists- Selena Gomez and Harry Styles. A good portion of the album is written about Styles, and how epic would a version of “Style” be featuring Swift’s ex. The two seem to be on good terms now, and share a lot of the same fan base. And whether or not it’s a version of that track or another I’d be shocked if he isn’t featured on 1989 Taylor’s Version. Selena Gomez has been a close friend of Taylor Swift’s since the Fearless days. And if there was ever to be a collab 1989 is the perfect album for that to happen on.
The other artist I’m starting to get suspicious of is Kelsea Ballerini. The country-pop star is close friends with Swift. She also wore the signature 1989 blue in multiple public appearances around the time of the announcement. Fans (it’s me, I’m “fans”) have been dying for a song from the two artists for years.
The Odds of Artists Featured On 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
Our friends at BettingExpert.com actually shared with us the betting odds of artists collaborating on this upcoming re-record. Previous collaborators have included Hayley Williams and Fall Out Boy (Speak Now Taylor’s Version), Maren Morris and Keith Urban (Fearless Taylor’s Version), and Chris Stapleton and Ed Sheeran (Red Taylor’s Version). So who does BettingExpert think could be featured? Let’s take a look at the 5 most likely suspects.
5. Lorde
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 25: Recording artists Lorde (L) and Taylor Swift attend the 56th annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Lucian Grainge at The Beverly Hilton on January 25, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.
Probability: 20 %
Decimal Odds: 5.00
American Odds: +400
I’d actually think Ballerini (who didn’t make this list) has a higher chance of being featured that Lorde. Though Swift and Lorde are friends, I don’t see the “Royals” singer being the best fit for a duet on 1989. I could see a possible feature on Reputation (Taylor’s Version) being more likely.
4. Halsey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: (L-R) Camila Cabello, Taylor Swift and Halsey perform onstage during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Probability: 25%
Decimal Odds: 4.00
American Odds: +300
Halsey has performed with Swift before (pictured above). The pop singer who vocally fit on 1989, but just isn’t the most obvious choice. I wouldn’t be surprised per say, but I certainly wouldn’t put my money behind this feature.
3. Ryan Adams
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 16: Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams performs at Music Is Universal presented by Marriott Rewards and Universal Music Group, during SXSW at the JW Marriott Austin on March 16, 2016 in Austin, Texas
Probability: 40%
Decimal Odds: 2.5
American Odds: +150
I can see why Adam made the list. He famously recorded 1989 in his own style (it’s a great listen if you’ve heard the project). I certainly think there is a better chance of Halsey being featured, however. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been much interaction between Switt and Adams. I don’t see her asking him to be included on the project. But I’ve been wrong before. (5 holes on the fence anyone- if you know you know).
2. Harry Styles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Harry Styles and Taylor Swift speak during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Probability: 50%
Decimal Odds: 2.00
American Odds: +100
I’d put Harry Styles first on the list. But as stated above I certainly expect him to be included on the re-record. The only debate is whether it’s a new track (presumably one about Styles) or a remix of “Style”. This has to be coming. There is no way it’s not. I will not be convinced otherwise. And full disclosure I enjoy listening to Styles on occasion but I’m far from a super fan, just a casual observer. So that is not clouding my judgment.
1. Selena Gomez
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Musicians Selena Gomez (L) and Taylor Swift attend The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
Probability: 75%
Decimal Odds: 1.33
American Odd: -300
BettingExpert sees the collaboration with BFF Selena Gomez as the most likely to come. And it does make perfect sense. The tracklist will probably be released sometime near the end of September or early October. Hayley Williams hinted at her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) feature. It will be interesting to see if Gomez or Styles does the same. And if Ballerini’s outfit choices just happened to be coincidences. I can’t wait to find out and certainly can’t wait to listen to the album!
