Charlie Puth Reacts to Taylor Swift Shout-Out: ‘I Just Cried’
Charlie Puth. Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Charlie Puth was filled with emotions when he found out that Taylor Swift mentioned him in her new album, The Tortured Poets Department.
The 32-year-old singer shared that a friend called him after hearing a leak of the album before its official release on April 19.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he shared his initial reaction to the lyrics, thinking about how it related to interviews and expressing his admiration for Taylor Swift. Following that, he pondered whether the lyrics were created by artificial intelligence.
Puth remembered feeling like it was all just a prank when he first heard about the shout-out. He thought someone was playing a joke on him because they didn't believe he should be a successful artist. He even joked that they got the biggest artist since the Beatles to support him. Ha ha ha.
After realizing that the shout-out on the album's title track was genuine, Puth was shocked.
When she said my name, my initial reaction was like, "Wow, she actually said it." She pronounced it as 'P-O-O-T-H.' And that just made me cry, man.
In her song "The Tortured Poets Department," 34-year-old Swift sings about smoking and eating seven bars of chocolate, and declares that Charlie Puth should be a more recognized artist.
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Puth mentioned that he hasn't had a chance to talk to the singer of "Fortnite" yet as she is currently touring in Europe. However, he has sent her a note. He feels that she has played a significant role in boosting his confidence to release new music.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Puth shared, "I felt that this newfound courage meant a lot to me, and it inspired me to put out this new body of work." Although he was already working on it, he was uncertain about it. He finds it amazing to receive approval from an artist he has admired for a long time and continues to do so.
Puth debuted his new song, "Hero," on Friday. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, May 21, he publicly thanked Swift for inspiring him.
"I'm thrilled to share my upcoming album with you, especially this song because it gives a glimpse of what's to come. This song is unlike anything I've released before - it's a new direction for me. I owe a big thanks to @taylorswift for pushing me musically and encouraging me to share this with the world," Puth expressed.
Editor's P/S:
Charlie Puth's elation upon being mentioned in Taylor Swift's album is a testament to the power of recognition and encouragement from an admired artist. Puth's initial disbelief and subsequent shock reveal the profound impact that Swift's words had on him. The shout-out has not only boosted his confidence but also inspired him to release new music, which he had been hesitant about. This highlights the significant role that validation from peers can play in an artist's journey.
Furthermore, Swift's gesture is a reminder of the importance of supporting and promoting fellow artists. By acknowledging Puth's talent and advocating for his recognition, Swift has demonstrated her commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the music industry. This spirit of encouragement and mentorship is essential for the growth and success of all artists, regardless of their level of fame or experience.