In a groundbreaking moment for podcast listeners, Taylor Swift has officially surpassed former President Donald Trump’s record for the most listeners within the first hour of a podcast episode's release. On Wednesday, Swift made a highly anticipated appearance on the podcast "New Heights," hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his brother, Jason Kelce, a former player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The episode featuring Swift was a lengthy two-hour interview that was released at 7 p.m. According to reports from The Daily Beast and confirmations from Swift's representatives, an astonishing 1.3 million people tuned in to watch the podcast live on YouTube during its first hour. This impressive statistic highlights not only Swift’s immense popularity but also sets a new benchmark in the world of podcasting, eclipsing Trump's previous record.
Donald Trump previously held the record for the most listeners tuning in during the first hour of a podcast episode. In October 2024, he appeared on the widely popular "Joe Rogan Experience," where approximately 800,000 viewers watched during the first hour, as reported by CNN analyst Harry Enten. Swift's episode was so popular that the surge of viewers caused the YouTube stream to crash around the 1-hour and 44-minute mark, a testament to her overwhelming fanbase.
During this historic episode of "New Heights," Swift unveiled the cover and tracklist for her highly anticipated upcoming album titled "The Life of a Showgirl." She also discussed her journey of regaining control over her music masters and shared personal insights about her relationship with Travis Kelce. The episode was filled with meaningful conversations, making it a must-listen for fans of both the artist and the podcast.
Interestingly, Swift's achievement comes just three months after Donald Trump made headlines by claiming, via Truth Social, that her popularity was declining due to his criticisms. In a post made in May, he stated, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT’?” This comment followed Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, prompting Trump to express his disdain for her publicly.
Despite Trump's ongoing jabs at Swift, which included comments made during a speech in April when the Eagles visited the White House after their Super Bowl LIX victory, Swift has never publicly acknowledged his remarks. Her ability to draw in massive audiences and dominate the podcasting scene further solidifies her status as a cultural icon.
