After an extraordinary two-year journey with her Eras tour, which grossed a staggering US$2 billion (S$2.7 billion) and captivated audiences worldwide, Taylor Swift stands at a crossroads. The tour not only shattered attendance records but also set off literal earthquakes due to the immense energy of her performances. So, what could possibly come next for the planet's biggest star?

Andrew Mall, an ethnomusicologist at Northeastern University, advises, "It's time for Taylor Swift to take some much-deserved rest." At just 35, Swift has already accomplished more than most artists dream of, with nine albums released in just five years and a concert film showcasing her artistry.

Swift's Eras tour boasted 149 shows, often exceeding three hours each, drawing millions of fans. Some tickets were sold at exorbitant prices, and those unable to attend would join in from nearby parking lots, singing along in solidarity.

As Mall aptly points out, it may be difficult for Swift to immediately top this monumental achievement. The cultural and economic impact of her tour resonates far and wide, and her next artistic endeavor will certainly face high expectations.

However, according to Kristin Lieb, a pop culture expert at Emerson College, questioning what's next is somewhat misguided. "In our culture, there's an insatiable drive to move onto the next big thing, even when someone has just achieved something monumental. It’s a societal flaw we need to examine," she states.

Fans, affectionately known as Swifties, are eagerly anticipating more "Taylor's Version" albums as part of her effort to re-record her earlier works and regain ownership of her music. Currently, she has two more albums left to re-record: Reputation and Taylor Swift. The next few months will also see her in the limelight with six Grammy nominations, including three in top categories for her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department.

Swift has also teased fans with possibilities of a new album in her Grammy acceptance speeches, hinting at surprises that could be in store.

Beyond these immediate projects, a deeper question emerges: How does an artist consider success after achieving global recognition and wealth? For Swift, the world’s biggest star, the possibilities are endless: live albums, a Vegas residency, or even the expansion of her brand into new products.

Several years ago, it was announced that she was working on an original screenplay, hinting at a future directorial debut with Searchlight Pictures. Could her aspirations someday lead her to the Oscars?

Interestingly, Swift now enjoys a loyal and self-sustaining fan community. Much like the Grateful Dead's devoted followers, the Swifties have cultivated a unique relationship with her that allows for moments of quiet. Lieb notes, "I believe her fans would respect her need for time and space after such an extensive tour."

The Eras tour was a culmination of years of hard work and relationship building with her audience. Many experts, including Mall, suggest Swift might take her time to create new music before embarking on another massive undertaking. As Lieb wisely puts it, she may want to reflect on what challenges and fulfillments she seeks in her next steps.

As Taylor Swift pauses to take stock of her career, there’s no doubt fans worldwide are excitedly waiting to see what this iconic artist will do next.