Taylor Swift Interpolates George Michael’s “Father Figure” in “The Life of a Showgirl”

Taylor Swift will incorporate elements of George Michael’s 1988 hit “Father Figure” into a new song on her forthcoming album. Billboard has learned that the pop superstar’s fourth track on The Life of a Showgirl interpolates — rather than directly samples — Michael’s classic.

The interpolation was confirmed ahead of the album’s release on October 3, 2025. Fans had circulated rumors for weeks that Michael would receive a writing credit on the track; those reports are now substantiated.

In August, Michael’s former partner Kenny Goss told TMZ that he had heard about the interpolation and that he believed Michael would have been pleased to see his work reimagined by Swift.

“Father Figure” originally appeared on Michael’s 1987 album Faith and spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. In recent years the song has enjoyed renewed attention thanks to viral usage on platforms such as TikTok.

Swift’s incorporation of Michael’s composition marks a notable tribute nearly two decades after she previously covered Wham!’s “Last Christmas” for her 2008 holiday release.

Aside from the “Father Figure” interpolation, the only guest credited on The Life of a Showgirl is Sabrina Carpenter, who appears on the album’s title track.

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