Pop superstar Taylor Swift is set to pay homage to an icon of modern pop, George Michael, on her forthcoming new song titled “Father Figure.” Billboard has confirmed that this track, the fourth on her anticipated album “The Life of a Showgirl,” will specifically interpolate Michael’s enduring 1988 hit of the same name. This confirmation follows weeks of swirling rumors about the late artist’s influence on Swift’s new work, establishing that Swift will integrate elements of Michael’s evergreen smash rather than directly sampling it. The revelation comes just three days ahead of the album’s release on October 3.

Fan excitement, dubbed by many as 'Swifties', has been palpable across social media, particularly concerning the possibility of George Michael being credited as a songwriter on “Father Figure.” This speculation is now confirmed. Adding to the sentiment, Michael’s ex-partner, Kenny Goss, had previously indicated to TMZ in August that he was aware of a potential interpolation and believed Michael would have been delighted for Swift to incorporate “Father Figure” into her music.

George Michael’s original “Father Figure” was a cornerstone hit from his critically acclaimed 1987 debut solo album, “Faith.” The song soared to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the position for two weeks in 1988. More recently, the track has enjoyed a significant resurgence in popularity, largely propelled by its viral presence on TikTok. Swift’s current tribute is not her first acknowledgment of Michael's musical legacy; she previously honored the Wham! star by covering the duo’s “Last Christmas” for her 2008 Christmas album. Aside from this notable interpolation, Sabrina Carpenter is slated to be the sole featured artist on “The Life of a Showgirl,” contributing to the album’s title track.