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On Tuesday, September 30, the pop superstar made Recording Industry Association of America history by becoming the first and only female artist to surpass 100 million certified album sales.
The RIAA confirmed the achievement in an Instagram post writing, "Congrats to Taylor Swift on becoming the first and only female artist in history to surpass 100 million RIAA Certified Album Units."
According to the organization's website, Swift has now sold more than 105 million albums. Her 2014 release 1989 leads the way with 14 million units, while her 2008 album Fearless has moved 11 million. Other standout records include 2012's Red, her 2006 self-titled debut, and her 2024 project The Tortured Poets Department, each selling around 8 million units.
Swift's accomplishment places her among the best-selling acts of all time. The Beatles top the list with 183 million units, followed by Garth Brooks with 162 million, Elvis Presley with 146.5 million, and the Eagles with 120 million.
In August, Swift surprised fans by announcing her 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl during an appearance on her fiancé Travis Kelce and brother Jason Kelce's podcast New Heights. She explained that the album reflects the energy and emotions of her recent Eras Tour.
"It feels like how my life has felt," she said. "This album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during the tour, which was exuberant, electric, and vibrant. I wanted to glamorize all the different aspects of how that tour felt, especially at the end of the night when everything had come together."
Swift has been building excitement for the project with special edition releases and appearances. Earlier this month she announced The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, a three-day cinema event taking place from October 3 to 5. Fans will see the exclusive premiere of her new single's music video The Fate of Ophelia, along with behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos, and commentary from Swift herself.
Encouraging her fans to join in the fun, she wrote, "Looks like it's time to brush off that Eras Tour outfit or orange cardigan. Tickets are on sale now. Dancing is optional but very much encouraged."
