Are Taylor Swift’s Vocals on Lady Gaga’s New Album Mayhem?
The Origins of the Rumor
Speculation has arisen among fans that Taylor Swift contributed background vocals to Lady Gaga’s latest album, Mayhem, particularly on the track titled “How Bad Do U Want Me?” However, a reliable source has confirmed to Rolling Stone that these claims are unfounded.
Initial Reactions to the Track
Upon listening to “How Bad Do U Want Me?”, it’s understandable why some might draw parallels between Gaga’s sound and Swift’s musical style. The track features enticing synth elements reminiscent of Swift’s reputation, particularly echoing her song “Gorgeous.” Interestingly, “How Bad Do U Want Me?” also incorporates the 1982 classic “Only You” by Yazoo, adding another layer to its sound.
Fan Theories Explode on Social Media
Theories surrounding Swift’s alleged involvement gained traction on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter). One user shared a side-by-side image of Gaga’s album art and a promotional image of Swift from her reputation era, claiming, “THERES TAYLOR SWIFT BACKGROUND VOCALS ON HOW BAD DO YOU WANT ME BY LADY GAGA #MAYHEM.” Another user echoed this sentiment, expressing confusion over the similarities in sound.
The Role of AI in the Speculation
Compounding the rumors, a fan account created an AI-generated version of the song, suggesting it featured Swift’s voice. Responses to this post ranged from skepticism to acceptance of the idea that Swift might have sung on the track—highlighting the intense fandom dynamics at play.
Analyzing the Collaboration Possibility
Some fans have theorized about how a potential collaboration could have come to be. One user remarked, “My theory is Taylor secretly wrote How Bad Do You Want Me for Gaga… the production? the vocal style? the lyrics?? it’s screaming 2014-2019 Taylor so bad.” Despite these theories, no official credits list Swift as a contributor to the song.
Historical Context of Similar Rumors
This isn’t the first instance of fans speculating about uncredited appearances by major artists. A previous example occurred when Beyoncé released her track “Bodyguard,” leading fans to erroneously suggest that Swift had lent her vocals to the song—these rumors were also dispelled.
Recent Statements from Gaga
Furthermore, Gaga has recently addressed other rumors surrounding her personal life, notably those about speculation of her pregnancy. In a TikTok video, she clarified, “Not pregnant. Just down bad cryin’ at the gym.” Swift publicly supported Gaga’s statement, advocating against unsolicited commentary on women’s bodies.
