Beyoncé and Taylor Swift: Debunking the Myth of Their Rivalry
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's alleged rivalry is debunked as they showcase mutual admiration through concert films, onstage collaborations, and a symbolic gesture of flowers Their relationship signifies a larger conversation on erasure and ethnicity
The comparison between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift goes beyond the two singers and sparks a broader conversation about erasure and ethnicity. Both artists have achieved success over the years and have publicly supported each other's work. However, their careers, and how their work is perceived and recognized, are still widely compared by their fans and cultural critics.
Swift being named Times 2023 Person of the Year received a mixed reaction, with acclaimed author and cultural critic Luvvie Ajayi Jones pointing out the omission of Beyoncé from the list of nominees. Ajayi Jones took to Instagram to express her surprise at the decision, noting that Beyoncé had a similarly impactful year to Swift.
"Both of them had sold out world tours that broke records, with a significant impact on economies and documentary releases," she explained. "One was even named Person of the Year, while the other wasn't even in the running."
During Swift's "Eras Tour," it's estimated to have grossed over $1 billion, while Beyoncé's "Renaissance" tour reportedly grossed an estimated $570 million. However, the latter only had 56 tour dates compared to Swift's 146.
"Whether you're a dedicated fan of Beyoncé or can't stand her, it's undeniable that there is an obvious erasure," stated Ajayi Jones. "The only main difference between her and Taylor is that, even as one of the most influential women in the world, being Black can still result in being locked out." Journalist Cari Champion and other notable figures responded with support to Ajayi Jones' comments on the post.
Champion emphasized, "When I tell you that you always have the time and you are punctual."
TV personality and author Nicole Waters observed, "She has won everything and still can't win. We thank God she doesn't measure her worth by accolades given by others. And that's the lesson."
For some, the selection of Swift is a continuation of the debate about industry disparities between Black and white artists and how their work is valued.
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Getty Images
In 2017, allegations of racism surfaced when Adele beat out Beyoncé in the album of the year category at the Grammy awards.
However, it can be argued that instead of letting racial issues hinder her, Beyoncé has channeled it to inspire her art (as evident in "Lemonade," "Black Is King," and "Renaissance"). It's also important to note that despite not winning an album of the year Grammy, Beyoncé holds the record for most Grammy wins by a single artist with 32.
So while comparisons between the two artists may continue, the women themselves have only shown each other love.
Taylor Swift pushes back on comparing tours
During her Time interview, Swift criticized those who tried to create a rivalry between her and Beyoncé. She pointed out that the media and fan culture profit from pitting women against each other, despite the fact that neither she nor Beyoncé want to be part of that narrative.
She also praised Beyoncé, describing her as "a truly remarkable person, kind, approachable, and hilarious."
"And she's a formidable force in challenging the traditional norms of the music industry," Swift stated. "She's shown every artist how to revolutionize the industry and stand up against outdated business practices."
Concert films
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift attend the "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" movie premiere.
John Shearer/Getty Images
Both artists have recently released films documenting their tours and attended each other's film premieres. In October, Swift expressed her excitement about Beyoncé attending the premiere of her "Eras Tour" concert film in Los Angeles.
"I am grateful to have been influenced by @beyonces. She has taught me, and many other artists, to break rules and defy industry norms," Swift wrote in the caption of a social media video featuring the two of them inside a theater. "Her generosity of spirit, resilience, and versatility have been a guiding light throughout my career. Having her show up tonight was like a fairytale come true."
The following month, Swift returned the gesture when Beyoncé's film premiered in London.
Beyoncé literally gives Swift her flowers
In 2021, both women had a big night at the Grammys.
Taylor Swift won the album of the year award for "Folklore" and Beyoncé achieved her 28th Grammy, making her the most Grammy-winning female artist in history.
Beyoncé sent Taylor Swift a lovely bouquet of flowers along with a note that said, "Congratulations on your Grammy. It was wonderful seeing you on Sunday night. Thank you for always being so supportive. Sending love to you and your family. B."
Beyoncé shares the stage with Swift
Swift took to social media to share a photo of the flowers and a note, expressing her gratitude towards Beyonce. She wrote, "Woke up to flowers from the queen of grace & greatness @beyonce and suddenly its the best Friday EVER. Thank you B and congratulations on your epic achievement Sunday night!!"
In 2009, Kanye West's infamous interruption of Taylor Swift's win for best female video at the MTV Video Music Awards has become a significant moment in pop culture history. West famously took the microphone to proclaim, "Yo Taylor, Im really happy for you. Imma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!"
The camera panned to Bey in the audience, looking flabbergasted.
Later, when Beys "Single Ladies" won for video of the year she brought Swift out to have the moment she had earlier been denied.
"I have fond memories of being 17 years old and nominated for my first MTV Award with Destinys Child, it was truly one of the most exhilarating moments of my life," Beyoncé shared. "So I'd love for Taylor to come out and have her moment."
Taylor Swift speaks after Beyonce allowed her to finish her speech, that was cut short by Kanye West at the 2009 MTV VMAs.
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Afterwards, Swift offered nothing but praise for Beyoncé's actions. "They told me to stand by the side of the stage and I didn't really know what was going to happen, but I thought it was so wonderful and gracious of her to do what she's always done," Rolling Stone reported Swift as saying at the time. "She's always been a great person before anything else. Before the talented artist, the superstar, she's always been a great person and I just... I thought I couldn't love Beyoncé more tonight, and then tonight happened and it was just wonderful."
That love clearly couldnt be more mutual.
