Update: Monday evening, Republic’s radio promotions website removed all references to Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood.”
Earlier in the day, the website reported that Swift’s “Bad Blood” would impact the hot adult contemporary radio format on May 18. A listing under the rhythmic radio section, meanwhile, confirmed that the song would be “available on iTunes” after this coming Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards.
Since the original version is already on iTunes, the announcement seemed to suggest that a new/remixed version was forthcoming.
The song is definitely Swift’s next single, but it appears Republic wants to keep a tight lid on the specific details of its launch.
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This past Thursday, Taylor Swift put an end to the speculation by officially confirming “Bad Blood” as the fourth single from her “1989.” In conjunction with that announcement, she began revealing promotional posters for the song’s celebrity heavy music video.
Monday, Republic’s radio promotions team added to the conversation by confirming that the song will impact hot adult contemporary radio on May 18.
May 18 comes one day after the annual Billboard Music Awards. The eagerly anticipated “Bad Blood” video will open the May 17 BBMA ceremony.
It also aligns with the song’s previously announced May 19 pop radio impact date.
Last month, a listing on Republic’s promotions website reported that a remix of “Bad Blood” would impact pop radio on May 19. That listing was quickly removed, and Republic has yet to offer an official update regarding the song’s pop radio push.
“Bad Blood” is the fourth official single from “1989.” Previous cuts “Shake it Off,” “Blank Space” and “Style” all reached #1 at pop and Hot AC radio.