As Taylor Swift gears up for the final leg of her record-shattering Eras Tour, the superstar is reflecting on what has been nothing short of a transformative chapter in her career. With just three shows left before the curtain falls on December 8 in Vancouver, Swift, 34, bids adieu to a tour that’s made history in ways that few could have predicted.
Describing the experience as “the most exhausting, all-encompassing, but most joyful, most rewarding, most wonderful thing that has ever happened” in her life, Swift has taken her fans on an unforgettable journey. From reintroducing the trend of friendship bracelets to breaking box-office records with the highest-grossing concert film of all time, the Eras Tour has transcended mere performances and become a cultural phenomenon.
It’s not just the scale of the tour that has left a mark, but the personal evolution that Swift has undergone. Since kicking off in March 2023, Swift has not only poured her heart out on stage—healing from heartbreak and navigating a high-profile relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce—but she’s also achieved something unprecedented. In August, Swift became the first musician in history to become a billionaire, a milestone achieved solely through performing and songwriting, according to Forbes.
Journalist Rob Sheffield, author of Heartbreak Is the National Anthem, has explored the profound influence Swift wields on pop culture. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he reflects on how Swift’s art resonates so deeply with her audience. “Her songs are incredibly personal to her,” Sheffield says, “yet they feel so relatable to anyone listening. It’s why her music has had such a lasting impact. The Beatles are the closest thing we have to a Taylor Swift in terms of influence and transformation of pop music.”
This kind of influence isn’t just felt in the charts, but behind the scenes as well. Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, who has collaborated with Swift on four music videos—including her recent “Fortnight”—sheds light on the meticulous artistry Swift brings to everything she does. Prieto recalls his first encounter with Swift during the making of the music video for “The Man,” released in 2020. Despite her massive success, Prieto was struck by Swift’s commitment and vision.
“She’s not a musician pretending to be a director,” says Prieto. “She’s a director who just happens to be an amazing musician. I was talking to someone who had deep experience in the role.” Swift’s ability to bring such passion to every creative endeavor is part of what sets her apart, and that’s especially true in her recent collaboration with Prieto.
Fans got a glimpse of Swift’s personal life during the making of “Fortnight” when she revealed that her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was on set cheering her on. Prieto notes that Swift’s energy during the shoot seemed even more electrified with Kelce’s presence. “I think she felt very supported by him,” Prieto says, “and probably also proud to show him the leader she is. She makes her own touchdowns.”
And it’s not just Kelce who’s been a part of Swift’s world. Her family and close friends have remained steadfast supporters throughout her journey, often spotted at her Eras Tour shows. Her parents, Andrea and Scott, along with her brother Austin, have been fixtures in the VIP tents, mingling with fans and showing unwavering enthusiasm for Swift’s success. One of Swift’s long-time friends, actor Tyler Hilton (known for his role in One Tree Hill), has witnessed the tight-knit support system firsthand. “They treat her like she’s still just killing it at a talent show,” Hilton says, “their excitement for her is so real and so endearing.”
Despite all the accolades and accomplishments, Swift remains humble, constantly teasing her fans with cryptic Easter eggs that hint at what’s to come. In her newly released Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book, she left a tantalizing message: “See you next era…”
Cinematographer Prieto sums it up perfectly: “She is unstoppable. Her creativity knows no bounds, and I know she will keep giving us incredible music. But it wouldn’t surprise me if she branched out into other creative realms soon.” Fans are eagerly waiting for what’s next, but one thing is for sure—Swift’s reign is far from over.
For more on Taylor Swift and her groundbreaking journey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, available everywhere Friday.
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