Taylor Swift’s forthcoming album will in fact feature “an interpolation” of George Michael’s 1987 hit “Father Figure.”
The fourth song on the tracklist for The Life of a Showgirl, which is due Friday, is notably entitled “Father Figure.” Speculation that Swift could potentially sample the 80s hit sparked and was seemingly confirmed when the late singer was credited as a writer on the song.
On Thursday, following much speculation from Swifties and eagle-eyed fans online, Michael’s estate officially confirmed that Swift’s new track is “an interpolation of George Michael’s classic song.”
“We were delighted when Taylor Swift and her team approached us earlier this year about incorporating an interpolation of George Michael’s classic song ‘Father Figure’ into a brand new song of the same title to be featured on her forthcoming album,” they wrote on Instagram. “When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same. George Michael Entertainment wishes Taylor every success with The Life of a Showgirl and Father Figure.”
“Father Figure” was one of Michael’s eight Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits. The track was released as the fourth single on his debut solo album Faith. The record won album of the year at the 31st Grammys, while “Father Figure” earned Michael’s a nod for best pop vocal performance.
Swift’s 12th studio album is met with much anticipation, as the record will be released with a joint film. The Life of a Showgirl movie is anticipated to draw in $25 million to $35 million at the Oct. 3-Oct. 5 box office, and will feature the world premiere of “The Fate of Ophelia” music video and behind-the-scenes footage.
Elsewhere, the record will feature Swift’s first official collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, on the project’s titular track.