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💡 TLDR
Taylor Swift just dropped the first-ever live version of “The Fate of Ophelia” with her full band back in action! She served major icon energy at the Academy Museum Gala, rocking a full horn section and a killer setlist that’s already screaming Grammy winner.
Taylor Swift just gave us the ultimate musical reset, and honestly, we are still reeling. After her hiatus following the Eras Tour, she finally hit the stage for a four-song set at the Academy Museum 6th Annual Gala on Saturday night. She looked absolutely ethereal in a pale blue Dior gown on the red carpet before switching into a Ralph Lauren gown for her performance—total icon behavior.
A Setlist Built for Awards Season
The vibes were immaculate when Conan O’Brien introduced her as a “cherished member” of the Toy Story 5 family, calling her “John, Paul, George and Ringo all in one.” This set was basically an awards season preview. She delivered the first-ever live rendering of “The Fate of Ophelia,” which dropped Oct. 3, 2025, and is already a frontrunner for Record of the Year at the 2027 Grammys. Dancing is absolutely allowed. It’s not mandatory, but it’s more fun. She even got the black-tie crowd moving while performing “I Knew It, I Knew You,” her Oscar contender from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack. While she has performed that track before, this was its big debut with a full band rather than a mash-up.
💫 Dancing is absolutely allowed. It’s not mandatory, but it’s more fun.
The Band Is Back Together
Swifties definitely noticed the lineup shifts during this performance. While some familiar faces were there—including her long-time onstage partner Paul Sidoti, who celebrated playing together for the first time since the tour on Instagram—the arrangement was different. The set featured a unique horn section with two sax players, alongside four singers, a guitarist, bassist, keyboard player, and drummer. To round out the nostalgia, she opened with “Blank Space” and closed the night with “Love Story.” After the music stopped, she was spotted posing with an absolute powerhouse guest list, including Sabrina Carpenter, Cara Delevingne, Charlize Theron, and the Fanning sisters.
Which song from her recent era are you hoping she plays live next?
❓ People Also Ask
What songs did Taylor Swift perform at the Academy Museum Gala?
Taylor Swift performed a four-song set that included the hits Blank Space and Love Story. She also debuted a live version of The Fate of Ophelia, which was released on October 3, 2025. Additionally, she performed I Knew It, I Knew You, a track from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack that is considered an Oscar contender. This performance marked her first major appearance with a full band following the conclusion of her massive Eras Tour.
How did the Taylor Swift band lineup change for the Academy Museum Gala?
The band arrangement for this performance featured a unique configuration that included a horn section with two sax players. The full ensemble consisted of four singers, a guitarist, a bassist, a keyboard player, and a drummer. While long-time musical partner Paul Sidoti was present for the set, the overall lineup was a departure from previous arrangements. This new structure provided a full-band sound for her songs rather than the mash-up styles used in prior performances.
Which celebrities were seen with Taylor Swift after her performance?
Taylor Swift was spotted posing with an impressive group of high-profile celebrities following her musical set. The guest list included pop star Sabrina Carpenter and actress Cara Delevingne. She was also seen with Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and the Fanning sisters. These industry powerhouses joined her at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala, where she had just completed her highly anticipated return to the stage after her recent hiatus.
What was the significance of Taylor Swift's performance of I Knew It, I Knew You?
This performance marked the first time Taylor Swift played I Knew It, I Knew You with a full band rather than as a mash-up. The song is a significant track from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack and is currently considered an Oscar contender. Performing it at the Academy Museum Gala allowed her to showcase the song's full production to a black-tie crowd. This specific rendition helped set the tone for her highly anticipated awards season preview.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Variety