Taylor Swift Performs New Song at Academy Museum Gala

The pop star sang her new single and other hits at the museum’s sixth‑annual fundraiser, with Conan O’Brien introducing her set.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 19:32:23 GMT

Taylor Swift performed her 2025 track “The Fate of Ophelia” live for the first time at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ sixth‑annual gala in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2026, according to Billboard.

What happened

The gala, a fundraiser for the Academy Museum, took place on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at the museum’s Los Angeles venue. Swift arrived in a custom Dior gown designed by Jonathan Anderson and accessorised with Chopard diamond jewellery, as reported by Billboard. After a brief introduction by Conan O’Brien, she sang “The Fate of Ophelia,” followed by “I Knew It, I Knew You” from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack, and classic hits “Blank Space” and “Love Story.”

What the reports add

Billboard’s first article highlighted the red‑carpet look, noting the gown was strapless and blue, and that the diamond earrings contained 32.40 carats of stones, a detail taken from The Hollywood Reporter. The second Billboard piece focused on the performance, describing the gown as shimmery dark‑blue and floor‑length, and noting that “The Fate of Ophelia” spent ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Swift’s longest‑running chart‑topper. Both pieces agree that the track originates from her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.”

What was said

Conan O’Brien, who introduced Swift’s set, called her “John, Paul, George and Ringo all in one,” as quoted by Billboard. The outlet also reported Swift’s comment that performing at the gala was “an insane, unprecedented honor,” though the quote was truncated in the source.

How it came about

Felo News previously covered the Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 18, noting the event’s co‑chairs and award recipients, and that Swift was slated to perform. The gala’s schedule, announced earlier in the month, listed Swift as a headline act, linking her appearance to the museum’s broader fundraising and award‑presentation program.

Key facts

Taylor Swift performed "The Fate of Ophelia" live for the first time at the Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 17, 2026. (billboard.com)
She wore a custom Dior strapless blue gown designed by Jonathan Anderson. (billboard.com)
"The Fate of Ophelia" spent ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. (billboard.com)
Conan O’Brien introduced Swift’s set, describing her as "John, Paul, George and Ringo all in one." (billboard.com)