Another season of Bridgerton is nearly upon us, bringing with it the signature blend of Regency-era romance and modern pop sensibilities that has defined the series. Netflix recently rolled out the red carpet in Paris, France, on January 14 for the premiere of Season 4, offering a screening of the first episode. The new season, which centers on the love story between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), is set to release in two parts. The first four episodes will debut globally on Netflix on January 29.

A History of Modern Classics

Since its debut, the Shondaland series has become renowned for its musical identity—specifically, orchestral string covers of contemporary chart-toppers. The soundtrack serves as a key narrative device, weaving into the fabric of the show to underscore lavish balls, intimate encounters, and high-stakes emotional beats. Previous seasons have featured reimaginings of hits by artists ranging from Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish to Madonna and Alanis Morissette. Even the spinoff prequel, Queen Charlotte, continued the tradition with tracks by Alicia Keys, SZA, and Beyoncé. Season 4 is no exception, featuring a curated lineup of instrumental covers that span genres and decades.

The Season 4 Part 1 Tracklist

The musical selections for Part 1 have been officially confirmed, with the Vitamin String Quartet—a staple of the Bridgerton universe—returning to handle the heavy lifting. The first episode, titled “The Waltz,” opens strong with a cover of Coldplay’s “Life in Technicolor” by the Vitamin String Quartet. It also features a rendition of Usher and Pitbull’s club anthem “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Strings From Paris and Third Eye Blind’s “Never Let You Go.”

Later in the season, the needle drops continue to reflect the characters’ internal states. Episode 3, “The Field Next to the Other Road,” features Paramore’s emotional ballad “All I Wanted,” while Episode 4, “An Offer from a Gentleman,” brings in Olivia Rodrigo’s “Bad Idea Right?” covered by Caleb Chan. However, it is the selection for Episode 2, “Time Transfixed,” that provides a unique cultural crossover this winter: a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted,” performed by Joseph William Morgan.

From the Ballroom to the Ice Rink

While her music sets the mood for fictional romance in the Bridgerton ballroom, Taylor Swift is simultaneously making waves in the world of competitive winter sports. As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue in Milan, running from February 4 through February 22, the pop superstar has taken on an unexpected role in NBC’s coverage of the event.

On February 16, NBC Sports released a promotional video highlighting three American figure skaters—Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito—collectively known as “The Blade Angels.” The spot is set to Swift’s track “Opalite,” but her involvement goes beyond the soundtrack; she also serves as the video’s narrator. In a voiceover that frames the athletes as “American showgirls on ice,” Swift offers personal insights into their respective journeys, blending pop culture with the grit of Olympic competition.

Narrating the ‘Blade Angels’

Swift’s narration provides a distinct narrative arc for each skater. She describes Amber Glenn as a fighter who has navigated both victories and defeats, identifying her “superpower” as the ability to embrace the battle and constantly reaffirm her self-confidence. Turning to Alysa Liu, Swift highlights the skater’s decision to quit the sport at age 16, only to return on her own terms. She notes that for Liu, the focus is now on joy, with every jump serving as a celebration and every performance an expression of self-knowledge.

The narration takes a sentimental turn regarding Isabeau Levito, whom Swift describes as “destiny personified.” The segment points out a striking connection to the host city: Levito’s mother grew up in Milan, and her grandmother lived just minutes from the Olympic rink. Swift muses that when an athlete skates as if they were meant to be exactly where they are, history tends to write along with them.

Although the promotional clip, posted to the NBC Sports Instagram account, is currently geo-blocked in Germany, it marks a significant promotional push. It coincides with Swift’s release of a new music video for “Opalite” and follows a previous clip she filmed for the opening ceremony wishing the U.S. athletes luck. Whether through a string quartet on Netflix or a prime-time sports promo, Swift’s influence remains ubiquitous this winter.