Harry Styles Wrote “Carolina” About *This* Woman — and It’s Not Taylor Swift

Talk about internet sleuthing! With Harry Styles’ new album coming out last week, there’s been a lot of talk about the singer’s love life and who may or may not have served as his muse. Rumors have been swirling that the singer has a new lady in UK food blogger Tess Ward (who is already being trolled online), further adding fuel to the fire. Now, thanks to some intrepid digging, the woman Styles is singing about in at least one of his songs, “Carolina,” has been found by fans, and it’s not Ward OR his famous ex Swift.

In an interview with UK radio station BBC1, Styles admitted that “Carolina” was about a specific person, saying, “It’s potentially about someone from Carolina.” That clue was one of the first things fans had to go on. He got a little more specific when he participated in an Apple Music Behind the Music documentary, admitting that the subject’s name is actually in the song, and that he is, “a bit f—ed with that one.”

Fans finally put it together that the name in the song belonged to former Carolina resident and current LA college student, “Townes,” who Styles met on a blind date in California a few years ago. While they didn’t end up dating, they had a good enough time that Townes left a major impression on the singer, and he penned the song about her moving from her home to California, singing, “She never saw herself a West Coaster, moved all the way cause Grandma told her, ‘Townes, better swim before you drown.'”

Styles’ RL inspo has yet to respond to the song, but her friends have been quoted as saying, “The story is as cute as the song is; she thinks it’s adorable, really sweet, but she was really surprised by the gesture.”

Whether or not she capitalizes on her newfound fame, however, her short-lived romance will live on in the form of this hit song. Um, best consolation prize ever for a blind date that didn’t work out in the end?

Have you ever gone on a blind date? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

(h/t Seventeen; photo via Emma McIntyre/Getty)

Taylor Swift has been teasing Reputation (Taylor's Version) for two years — or, at least, Swifties have been clowning over it for two years. When Tay showed up to the 2022 VMAs in a "Look What You Made Me Do"-inspired outfit, fans expected her to drop the first Rep (TV) single, but she announced Midnights instead. And history repeated itself at the 2024 Grammys, when Taylor showed up in black & white before announcing The Tortured Poets Department.

Even though some fans feel confused, NOT getting Reputation (Taylor's Version) in 2024 totally goes with the "2 re-recordings one year, 1 new album the next" pattern we've seen since 2021. But there's one huge Easter egg that's been pointing us to 2025 all along: it's the Year of the Snake.

Here's the one major Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date Easter egg that suggests Taylor Swift could drop it in 2025.

When is Reputation (Taylor's Version) coming out?

Let it be known we still don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but after the "I Can See You" music video featured the number 2.16 (February 16), everyone eagerly awaited February 2024 with baited breath...only to receive nothing. But now I've turned my eyes to February 16, 2025 because DUH, releasing Reputation (TV) during the Year of the Snake (the icon associated with the entire 2.5-year era) makes more sense than anything.

"Some of us have been saying this since like 2022," one TikTok user jokes, while another rationalizes, "We had fearless, red in 2021 then speak now, 1989 in 2023 so reputation and debut in 2025."

The Year of the Snake officially kicks off January 29, meaning we could be in for a late-January announcement, but some fans think Taylor will announce the album on New Year's Day 2025 in honor of the closing track on the album. In my opinion, it makes total sense to get Reputation (TV) for the first half of the year, and to wrap up the re-recording era with Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) for the second half of the year before transitioning to her new movie (and a potential TS12, of course).

Will there be a Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift announced she'd be re-recording all of the albums leading up to Lover after she was unable to buy the rights to her music. In addition to more modern versions of all our favorite Taylor Swift songs, she's also added brand new tunes (called "From the Vault" tracks) as bonus songs for each album. Tracks like "When Emma Falls In Love (Taylor's Version)", "Timeless (Taylor's Version)", and "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version)" quickly became fan favorites!

Reputation has always been my favorite Taylor Swift album, and I can't wait to see what kind of vault tracks we get. At its core, Rep is a love album that also address fear and hope, and Reputation (TV) is going to be the one re-recording you won't want to miss.

Check out All The Pics From Taylor Swift's Sweet Eras Tour Party for more!

I've been thinking about how much money I spent on things I didn't love — like overrated beauty finds — and I have a few hair products that met their untimely fate in my garbage. I wanted to love them because of the brand, but some of them were unnecessary based on price or the formula not agreeing with my coils. Regardless, there are a handful of products I definitely wouldn't buy again this year. And while some of them may work for you, here are all the overrated hair products I just cannot recommend.

Scroll to see all the overrated hair products I definitely regret buying.

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Overrated Prices

1. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

This is one of those hair products where the formula actually works well. I loved how silky it felt on my hands and it provided my hair with amazing shine. However, I also receive the same effect from Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend... without dishing out $30.

My hair's not super picky about oils I use, so I personally don't feel like I need to spend a certain amount just because one brand name is more popular than another.

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2. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner

I purchased this conditioner and fell in love with how soft it made my hair. All it took was two dime size amounts worked into my strands for my hair to let me know it truly appreciated it. The problem is that it costs $39.00! It was definitely a splurge at the time I bought it, but I can't see myself spending that amount every other month.

My alternative is 4U by Tia Moisturizing Conditioner.

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Overrated Performance

3. dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner left me wanting more because my hair absolutely hated it. It's meant for all hair types, but it just didn't do anything for mine. Instead of reducing frizz and dryness, my hair actually felt hard after using it. Before you think it was user error, I purposely didn't put anything else on my hair after washing it.

I don't think I need to say it, but my little test resulted in this being tossed in the trash. I'll just stick to my 4U by Tia Curl Refresher Mist Hair Spray if I want an extra boost of hydration and shine.

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4. Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer With Diffuser

This is going to be controversial because I've been talking about spending too much money on styling and conditioning products, but I actually prefer the T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System over this. I have thick natural hair that felt like it was being yanked whenever I used this dryer's comb attachment. I've experienced postpartum hair loss so I'd like to keep as many strands on my head as possible.

Personally, the T3 Aire Multi-Styler & Blowout System cuts my drying time in half while also providing a soothing experience.

Sephora

Overrated Fragrance — Yes, I'm Serious

5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliation Shampoo

Am I being picky about something like fragrance? Why yes, I am. I'm fully aware that I have allergies and asthma so it doesn't take much for something to trigger an itchy nose or claustrophobic airwaves. Also, at this point I know I probably should just stay away from Briogeo as a whole.

I digress... I tried this shampoo and should've known better than to use something that reminds me of the charcoal face wash I use sometimes. It also smells like it which is a huge turn-off for me. Hard pass on this!

Sephora

6. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume — Floral Edition

I think a part of me liked wasting money last year because this hair perfume gave me the ick last year. I don't even like floral scents so I'm not sure why I decided this purchase would be a great idea. I'm sure someone will love the blend of honey, wild rose, and vanilla, but I did not.

If you tried overrated hair products last year, stop by our storefront to see what I actually recommend using!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Taylor Swift's birthday (which any Swiftie will tell you is December 13, 1989) is always a reason to celebrate. But this year, considering her birthday came five days after wrapping the Eras Tour on December 8, Taylor's BF Travis Kelce took things to the next level by giving the popstar an Eras Tour-themed party! And according to Jo-Jo Edwards-Hilaire, it was a total surprise. Not only did the guest list include some of your favorite celebs, but they all dressed up asTaylor, wearing outfits inspired by each Era in the concert. There's only one thing to say: Long live all the memories we made!

Check out all the pictures from Taylor Swift's surprise 35th birthday party, thrown by Travis Kelce.

Patrick & Brittany Mahomes celebrated Taylor Swift (and the Eras Tour) with themed outfits.

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Patrick and Brittany Mahomes showed up to Taylor's birthday wearing two of the best outfits of the night (which you can see on Brittany's Instagram): Britt was dressed as Fearless-era Taylor with a silver dress, jacket, and long curls, while Patrick was dressed in a suit just like Travis wore when he showed up onstage during "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" in June 2024!

"My people🫶🏼," Brittany captioned the post, adding the heart hands Taylor has become known for. In addition to Britt's on-theme outfit, Taylor wore a black dress with red lipstick, Lyndsay Bell donned a Lover-approved pink sparkly outfit, and Ashley Avignone added some Reputation into the mix by wearing a plush snake around her neck, Voldemort style.

Ross Travis also posted photos from the event (including his incredible pink suit embroidered with ballerinas, heart sunglasses, and feather boa), showing off an epic dance floor. I want to belt "You Belong With Me" with Taylor and Travis!

But an epic party wasn't the only way Taylor Swift spent her 35th birthday.

And Taylor Swift's surprise birthday party wasn't the only event on her calendar last week. On December 12, the singer spent time with patients at the Children's Mercy Kansas City Hospital, petting dogs, making TikToks, and signing Eras Tour books. It was such a sweet and memorable way to kick off her birthday!

One of my favorite things about this visit is that not only is Taylor writing each kid a personalized message on their Eras Tour book, but she gets down to their eye level and stops writing to look at them when they're talking. Just like her lyrics make us feel seen when we hear them, Taylor goes out of her way to make every single kid feel known and important, and it just makes us love her even more.

When one child said, "I like Travis now," Taylor immediately replies with, "Yes, me too. That's an absolute yes on that one." We'd have to agree, Taylor ;).

While you relisten to The Tortured Poets Department, check out why This Taylor Swift Karma Release Date Theory Is Too Good Not To Believe. And sign up for our weekend newsletter for even more pop culture news!

It was December 2020, right at the height of the COVID pandemic. Everyone was stuck at home in their sweatpants with nothing to do but scroll the never-ending sea of streaming content (or was that just me?). All of a sudden, viewers were swept from their homes to a world of the Regency-era elite. That is, the Shonda Rhimes remix, of course. Since then, everyone, and I mean everyone, has been obsessed with and captivated by the stories of those who walk 19th century Grosvenor Square in London, including myself. It doesn’t feel like it, but Bridgerton has reached its 4 year anniversary, and to celebrate I rewatched the season that started it all.

Here are 13 thoughts I had during my Bridgerton season 1 rewatch while Daphne and the Duke burned for each other.


1. Colin and Anthony have always been the best men on the show.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The Bridgerton family certainly knows how to raise ‘em. Colin is loyal to a fault and provides unwavering support to his sisters, and Anthony is an all-around genuine man that will go out of his way for anyone he loves. Need I say more?

2. ​Duke Hastings hating his dad is so fair.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

After a second rewatch, I hate the Duke’s dad more. You’re telling me he couldn't care less about his wife in the midst of delivering his child? The man is cold and heartless, and how could you not think so after a second round of viewing when they flashback to little Simon – particularly after gaining a deeper understanding of Simon?

3. Penelope as Lady Whistledown is not so surprising the second time around.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Excuse my ignorance, but I never saw Penelope dropping her secret that she is the Lady Whistledown, at least the first time around. After a second viewing, all the signs were there, and I was shaking my head at my past self.

4. Is this a feminist show?!

Netflix

We’ve got Sarah giving birth and dying to give a man what he wants, and then having a room full of women saddened by the very event, juxtaposed with a shot of the men cheering. After a rewatch, I have to say, the show portrays strong women all while highlighting the inequalities they faced at the time.

I didn’t catch it the first time around,, but the show truly leans on the women to drive the narrative and I never found myself particularly swayed by any one man. It’s refreshing to see how Bridgerton empowers its female characters, allowing them to challenge societal norms and assert their independence, which makes it feel like a modern feminist take on the past. Go Bridgerton!

5. ​I’ve learned quite a lot from Bridgerton.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

While the show may not be entirely accurate, it had me Googling things non-stop the second time around. I’d like to share my learnings: things get pretty spicy in Bridgerton (it’s a show about courtship after all) so I couldn't help but wonder, did women shave their legs in 1813? Well, I looked it up so you don’t have to, and the answer is no! It wasn’t common at all. Boxing, however, was a thing back then. Who knew? Not me. And Queen Charlotte having a Pomeranian? Totally normal, the real Queen Charlotte had many that she absolutely adored.

6. ​Simon is a man for the woman.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love Simon, there, I said it! He is so kind and understanding of Daphne and defended her furiously any chance he got, even during the time of their "fake" courtship, proving he’s everything and more for her. After a second rewatch, the flashback scene of his birth, and his mother’s death, destroyed me – it’s that very scene that reveals he’s burdened by childhood trauma. His guilt-stricken face highlights his determination to never become like his father. In the end, Simon’s struggles show a man who strives not to repeat his past – especially with Daphne. Sigh, Simon it was never your fault.

7. ​Simon and Daphne are a slowburn.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I’ll admit, I thought there was a lack of chemistry between Daphne and Simon the first go around. After my second time watching, their chemistry is impeccable and they compliment each other so well. I’m actually wondering how I ever thought the way I did beforehand?

8. This season perfectly sets up the forthcoming romance between Penelope and Colin.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The gestures, the flirting, and the little moments the writers gifted us, oh so well done.

9. ​The world build-up is so critical.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The first season of Bridgerton so beautifully captures the magical ride fans, unbeknownst to them at the time, are about to take in following seasons. We get acquainted with all of the Bridgerton kids, are introduced to the ensuing rivalry between the Featheringtons and Bridgertons, and last but certainly not least, we learn the rigid societal expectations of the 19th century, particularly through Daphne’s experience of finding a suitor. This season is so critical in laying it all out for viewers.

10. ​This is Eloise’s best season.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love Eloise, she says what everyone's thinking and isn’t afraid to stick up to men. Amen, sister. Dare I say her banter with her sisters and others carried this season?

11. ​The writing is *chef’s kiss.*

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The romance that gradually develops between Daphne and Simon allows viewers to not only connect with them, but provides a deeper look into the sibling dynamics within the Bridgerton family. The cherry on top of it all is the chaos of everyone and everything else ensuing while a mysterious gossip columnist generates tension throughout the entire season – what’s not to love?

12. ​There is no way no one caught on to Madame Delacroix.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The fake accent wasn’t fooling me even the first time around, but I guess kudos to her for not being caught by her important clients.

13. ​Jonathan Bailey. That's all.

Nick Briggs/Netflix

Kidding of course, I really do have something to say – After watching the later seasons he looks comparatively and especially young in the first. Maybe it’s because I’ve also watched Wicked (a few times) recently and he looks so much … older? Bailey was a cutie in the first season, and although he was a hard sell in the first two episodes, he sure did grow on me.

What's the wildest thought you had during a Bridgerton season 1 rewatch? Let us know on Facebook, and read up on the Bridgerton season 4 cast before it hits Netflix!

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck are officially divorced. Bennifer 2.0 gave both Ben and Jennifer a second shot at their love story after they got back together in July of 2021 (following the end of their previous engagement in 2003), but both TMZ and Page Six report that after just two years of marriage, the celebrity couple's divorce has been settled.

Keep reading for the latest news on Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck's divorce.

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck have settled their divorce with no prenup.

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- YouTube

In addition to confirming the settlement, TMZ reports that both Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will take what they earned individually throughout the time they were married — and neither will pay spousal support. Ben will also keep his stake in Artists Equity, the production company he created in 2022 with Matt Damon.

Divorce rumors first started swirling in May of 2024, when a source told InTouch Weekly that there was trouble in paradise. "The writing is on the wall – it’s over," the source says before adding, "They’re headed for a divorce – and for once, [Ben’s] not to blame!" Even though Ben and Jennifer love each other, the source believes they're just too different.

In June, the couple listed their home for sale(for $65 million), which only added to the rumor mill. And by the time August rolled around, TMZ reported that Jennifer Lopez had filed for divorce from Ben Affleck with no prenup. "The fairy tale she was promised turned out to be a nightmare in the end," a source told People. "She's in a really good place and just wants to close the door on this crazy chapter."

Jennifer Lopez also says she doesn't regret "one second."

In an conversation for Interview Magazine, comedian Nikki Glaser (who you'll recognize from her recent stint as this year's Golden Globes host) asked if she regretted any of the difficulties she experienced, and Jennifer Lopez responded with, "not one second." The 55-year-old also notes that growth is "a lifelong process."

"I think that’s what I love about life, that there’s no arrival point. There’s only getting better and growing if you want to," Jennifer continues. "It’s either growing or dying, and I don’t want to do the dying part. And yeah, there’s times when I thought I figured it out, and then life goes, 'Let’s send you another thing and see if you fall for it. Let’s see if you really have learned that lesson.' And I hadn’t."

But Jennifer Lopez adds that she'll only use those lessons to grow even more in the future. "I understand that now in a much deeper way, which doesn’t mean that I won’t make mistakes in the future, but again, when your whole house blows up, you’re standing there in the rubble going, 'How do I not ever let that happen again?' And then you start examining it little by little saying, 'Okay, I did this, this was my part in it, this was what I should have seen early on, this is what I didn’t look at.' Those things are what really are the lessons."

We're wishing Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck the best.