So much for talk that the Taylor Swift-Katy Perry feud is fake.
So much for the belief that these two singers have played up their rivalry with a mutual understanding that it will help boost record sales and keep both relevant year-round.
Because Swift just made an announcement aimed at bringing Perry’s career down.
Are we being overly dramatic here?
Not really. But you can decide for yourself…
On Thursday, a rep for Taylor confirmed that the record-breaking solo artist will make ALL OF HER SONGS available on Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Amazon and other streaming platforms.
The rep explained Swift’s decision as follows:
“In celebration of 1989 selling over 10 million albums worldwide and the RIAA’s 100 million song certification announcement, Taylor wants to thank her fans by making her entire back catalog available to all streaming services tonight at midnight.”
Do you know what else went on sale at the exact same time?
Perry’s new album.
What a coincidence, right?!?!?
Or maybe not at all.
In 2014, Swift got into a very public fight with Spotify after she removed her full catalog from the streaming service, including 1989.
“I think there should be an inherent value placed on art,” she told Time Magazine at the time.
Other than Apple Music, no streaming service was able to feature the star’s pop album until now.
And Swift only permitted Apple to stream her fifth studio album after the company said it would pay artists royalties during its free three-month trial.
So, why the change of heart from Swift?
Come on. Must we really spell this out for you?
Swift and Perry have been feuding since the release of the former’s smash hit “Bad Blood.”
Taylor never cited Katy by name when asked whether the track was about her, but it was. Plain and simple. Everyone knows it.
We’re sure each singer would disagree with certain details behind their long-simmering feud, but Swift seems to think Perry tried to steal three backup dancers from her…
… while Perry thinks Swift acted inappropriately in the way she treated these backup dancers during their time with her foe.
“I tried to talk to her about it and she wouldn’t speak to me,” Perry recently told James Corden of this difference of opinion, adding that the ball is very much in Swift’s court.
“She started it, and it’s time for her to finish it.”
But this isn’t to say Perry won’t keep playing a role in it.
She’s basically come out and admitted that the first single off her new album, “Swish Swish” is all about how much Swift sucks.
Speaking to NME for the latest issue of that magazine, Perry made it clear she has no intention of letting this feud die.
“I wish that I could turn the other cheek every single time, but I’m also not a pushover, you know?” she says.
“Especially when someone tries to assassinate my character with little girls [her fans]. That’s so messed up!”
That seems a bit strong and harsh, no? Has anyone’s opinion of Perry’s character really changed due to Swift’s songs or comments?
But while Swift can’t really affect Perry’s character, she can most definitely have an effect on her enemy’s record sales.
By dropping all of her singles on as many streaming services as possible at the same time Perry drops a new album, does anyone doubt this is her plan?
We love it.
Your move, Katy. Make it a good one.