Taylor Swift's Unbreakable Bond with Celeb BFFs: A Fascinating Journey Through the Years

Not a lot of bad blood here! Taylor Swift has built up an impressive list of celebrity friends since starting her music career in 2006.

The Grammy winner, who once confessed that her childhood insecurity was not being popular, formed connections with Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss in the early 2010s. As time has passed, her inner circle has changed to become a closer-knit group of loyal friends. Some have remained, while others have drifted away.

"In my twenties, I was embraced by a group of girls who eagerly wanted to be my friends," expressed the singer of "Shake It Off" in an Elle essay published in May 2019. "Without fully comprehending that others may still experience the same loneliness I once felt, I enthusiastically proclaimed my newfound inclusion in a sisterhood, flaunting it on social media and detailing it with pictures."

Within the same essay, Swift emphasized the significance of distinguishing between enduring friendships and what she referred to as "situationships."

People in their early 20s often form close-knit groups that feel like a chosen family. These connections can endure for a lifetime or perhaps only last through a significant phase. It's unfortunate, but sometimes as we grow, we outgrow certain relationships. We may leave behind friendships, but the memories will always remain.

As time went on, the country-pop star came to appreciate her true friends - those who stood by her side through both the good and the bad times.

"I have a supportive circle of friends and fans who remain unaffected by any attempts to discredit me," she expressed. "They have stood by me during difficult periods and continue to stand by me."

In her 2015 music video for "Bad Blood," Swift featured a number of her closest companions, such as Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham.

In a January 2020 interview with WSJ. Magazine, she described her friendship with Gomez as having a strong sense of sisterhood, emphasizing that it was not a superficial bond. She confidently stated that she always had Gomez's back from the moment they met.

The "Rare" singer expressed a similar sentiment about the actress from Cats, acknowledging that they both faced difficult experiences simultaneously. She credited Gomez for teaching her valuable lessons about how she should be treated, particularly during her youth.

Scroll down to get the rundown on Swift’s A-list BFFs through the years!

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Taylor Swift's Celebrity BFFs Through the Years

Since debuting in 2006, Taylor Swift has cultivated an extensive network of famous acquaintances. Initially, she bonded with the likes of Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss during the early 2010s. As time went on, her inner circle changed, and Swift formed a closer-knit group of loyal companions. While some friendships endured, others faded away.

"In my twenties, I was surrounded by girls who desired my friendship," expressed the renowned singer of "Shake It Off" in a heartfelt essay for Elle in May 2019. "I enthusiastically proclaimed it to the world, sharing pictures and reveling in my newfound inclusion within a sisterhood, oblivious to the fact that others might still experience the same loneliness I once felt."

Within the same essay, Swift emphasized the significance of distinguishing between enduring friendships and what she dubbed as "situationships."

Being in our early twenties often brings people together in a way that creates a sense of chosen family. These connections may endure for a lifetime or merely serve as comrades during a significant period. Unfortunately, it's a bittersweet reality that as we grow, some relationships may no longer fit. Despite this, the memories will always remain. With the passage of time, the country-pop star began to recognize her true friends - those who stood by her side through both the good times and the bad.

"I have a supportive group of friends and fans who remain unaffected by my #cancellation," she expressed. "They have consistently stood by me during difficult moments and continue to do so."

Swift enlisted some of her most reliable companions, such as Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham, to feature in her 2015 "Bad Blood" music video.

“There has always been a strong sense of sisterhood between us, and I mean that sincerely,” she expressed in a January 2020 interview with WSJ. Magazine, referring to her friendship with Gomez. “From the moment I met her, I knew I would always support her.”

The talented singer of the hit song "Rare" also shared a similar sentiment about the actress from Cats, stating, "We both faced challenging experiences simultaneously. She taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of being treated with respect from a young age."

Scroll down to get the rundown on Swift’s A-list BFFs through the years!

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Suki Waterhouse

The actress from Daisy Jones and the Six has been a close friend with Swift since the mid-2000s. In October 2016, Waterhouse was seen with Swift's group attending a Kings of Leon concert. It was confirmed in June 2019 that Swift and Waterhouse went on a double date with Joe Alwyn and Robert Pattinson in Hollywood. (Swift and Alwyn ended their relationship in April 2023.)

In August 2023, Swift expressed her admiration for Waterhouse's singing talent and praised her for being a loyal friend. "Suki has always appeared as if she stepped out of another era. Her music is incredibly genuine and filled with romanticism because that's how she perceives the world," Swift told Ssence. "Whenever we hang out, I can't help but marvel at how she can be both spontaneous and uninhibited, while also being incredibly wise beyond her years. She is the most adventurous person I know and the one I trust the most with keeping my secrets."

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Phoebe Bridgers

Bridgers was featured on the song "Nothing New" from Swift's rerecorded album Red (Taylor's Version), which was released in November 2021.

Phoebe's lyrics are incredibly specific and the vulnerability she expresses through her voice when she performs them deeply impacts and moves me as a fan, a "Maroon" musician expressed to the Los Angeles Times in their April 2022 profile of Bridgers. Bridgers, among other artists, opened for Swift on her Eras tour.

Furthermore, in March 2023, the "Motion Sickness" singer presented Swift with the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. During her introduction, Bridgers effusively praised Swift's authenticity as a fellow songwriter.

"Taylor has consistently been a beacon of honesty and authenticity in her journey. Her lyrical narratives arise from her current experiences and perspectives. Just like life's constant evolution, her music effortlessly transitions between genres, much like the transformation from 16 to 18, 22, 25, and 28. Having the privilege of growing up in a world that includes Taylor Swift is something I deeply appreciate. Or, 'The World (Taylor's Version),'" she expressed.

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Lana Del Rey

The singer, known for her hit "Summertime Sadness," makes a special appearance on Swift's Midnights album, contributing to the track titled "Snow on the Beach." Not only does she lend her vocals, but she also played a role in writing the song.

During Swift's Eras Tour concert in Las Vegas, she took a moment to acknowledge her friend before performing a live rendition of "Snow on the Beach." In March 2023, she expressed her admiration for Del Rey, proclaiming, "I truly believe she is the best in the business. As a collective, let's make it a priority to stream, purchase, and support both the album and this incredible artist."

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John Early

The comedian landed a role in Swift’s “Anti-Hero” music video in October 2022 as one of Swift’s future children.

 

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Mike Birbiglia

The Orange Is the New Black actor plays one of the singer’s children in her music video for “Anti-Hero.” Birbiglia is also friends with Swift’s frequent collaborator, Antonoff.

 

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Mary Elizabeth Ellis

The “Anti-Hero” music video features the talented actress from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, who plays the role of Swift’s future daughter-in-law. In 2021, Ellis was prominently cast in the film Licorice Pizza, alongside Alana Haim, a close friend of Swift.

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Kelsea Ballerini

During an interview with E! News at the 2022 Grammys, the singer behind the hit song "Hole in the Bottle" couldn't help but express her admiration for her close friend. She enthusiastically stated, "She constantly inspires people, whether you're familiar with her or not. She's a relentless advocate for progress and pushes the boundaries for everyone." Although Swift had the opportunity to set a new personal record by winning her fourth Album of the Year award, she ultimately lost to Jon Batiste. Nevertheless, Ballerini assured everyone that she will always support Swift, saying, "I'm forever part of [Taylor's] team."

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Antoni Porowski

Accompanied by his boyfriend, Kevin Harrington, the Queer Eye star (renowned for his appearance in Swift's music video for "You Need to Calm Down") enjoyed a delightful evening with Swift in New York City during March 2022. Sharing a photo of the trio unwinding on a sofa, Harrington humorously questioned, "Was I the only one captivated by the show Big Comfy Couch, or was it just a figment of my imagination?" while slyly referencing the "I Bet You Think About Me" artist who photobombed them.

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Dylan O'Brien

The "All Too Well" music video was a collaboration between Taylor Swift and Teen Wolf alum,

Dylan O'Brien

, who was Swift's top choice for the starring role. As they worked together on the project, their bond grew stronger. Swift expressed her confidence in

Dylan O'Brien

, stating that she believed he would excel in improvisation and add depth to his character, ultimately enhancing the story. She was blown away by his performance and considered herself fortunate to have gained such an amazing friend during the process.

Dylan O'Brien

also spoke highly of Swift, applauding her for her trust and allowing him and co-star Sadie Sink to contribute creatively to the post-dinner party argument scene. Despite Swift's meticulous nature, she gave them freedom to explore and play out the scene with dialogue. It was during this moment that Swift recognized the intensity and authenticity they brought to the scene, deciding to incorporate it into the music video. This demonstrated Swift's confidence in her instincts and her ability to build strong relationships.

The "All Too Well" short film star made a discreet appearance on Swift's Midnights album in October 2022. In the song "Question...", there is the sound of clapping, and the album's credits disclose that O'Brien, Swift's brother Austin, music producer Jack Antonoff, and his sister Rachel provided the sound effect. Additionally, the actor played the drums on the track "Snow on the Beach."

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Zoë Kravitz

Kravitz and Swift were part of the same pandemic pod while shooting The Batman in London during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. According to Jake Silverstein, the editor of NYT Magazine, Taylor aided Kravitz with a virtual photoshoot.

Silverstein confirmed that Zoe was particularly strict about the matter due to her involvement in a movie shoot. Additionally, Taylor Swift was present and ready to help in her assigned area. Notably, Taylor Swift received a "special thanks" acknowledgment in the December 2021 edition. Furthermore, during the film's opening weekend in March 2022, she expressed her approval of Kravitz's performance.

Swift took to her Instagram Story to celebrate and praise @zoeIsabellaKravitz as the ultimate embodiment of Catwoman, sharing a photo of Kravitz on the big screen. Swift also expressed her admiration for the critically acclaimed film The Batman, describing it as "PHENOMENAL!" Surprise information emerged in October 2022, revealing that Kravitz, who stars in The Batman, had collaborated with Swift by co-writing and contributing background vocals to the opening track "Lavender Haze."

 

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Avril Lavigne

Swift and Lavigne weren’t always close friends. In fact, in August 2015, the "Sk8er Boi" singer seemed to subtly criticize the "Blank Space" artist on Twitter after Swift seemed to show support for a Tumblr post that unfavorably compared their meet and greet experiences. However, the two singer-songwriters quickly resolved any tension a few days later when Lavigne joined Swift on stage during the 1989 tour to perform "Complicated." At that time, Swift referred to the 2000s hit as a "brilliant pop song"—and she still speaks highly of the Canadian guitarist even after almost seven years. Following the release of Lavigne's album, Love Sux, in March 2022, the "I'm With You" singer flaunted a bouquet of flowers from Swift on Instagram. The attached note expressed, "Avril, Been dancing around my kitchen to your fabulous new album!! It's AMAZING, like you. Your forever fan, Taylor."

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Sadie Sink

In November 2021, the Stranger Things star took on the role of a younger Swift in the short film accompanying the 10-minute version of "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)." Sink also demonstrated her support for the Miss Americana star during her Saturday Night Live performance that same month.

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Dylan O'Brien

O'Brien played the role of Jake Gyllenhaal in the "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" short after supporting Swift's music over the years.

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Olivia Rodrigo

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, known for her hit song "Déjà Vu," has openly expressed her lifelong admiration for Taylor Swift. Their friendship blossomed when Rodrigo released her debut single, "Drivers License," in January 2021. Swift was so moved by the track that she penned a heartfelt letter to Rodrigo and even gifted her one of her cherished rings. During an interview with Billboard for their May 2021 cover story, the former Bizaardvark star hinted at the content of Swift's letter, emphasizing the importance of creating one's own luck in the world. Rodrigo humbly admitted that her attempts to convey Swift's eloquent words were not as impressive. The two talented artists met at the 2021 BRIT Awards in May, an encounter that Rodrigo enthusiastically shared with Variety in August 2021. She expressed her gratitude for the warm reception in the music industry, highlighting the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other.

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Camila Cabello

Swift has been a supportive companion to the former Fifth Harmony member throughout their friendship, celebrating her 18th birthday with a party and subsequently offering her the opportunity to perform as an opening act on the Reputation tour. Cabello expressed in August 2021 that she views Swift as her "amazing godmother" due to the valuable guidance that aided her professional growth.

"I was just a teenager, around 18 or so, when I first encountered her. She constantly offered me invaluable guidance," the renowned "Havana" vocalist disclosed to Entertainment Tonight during that period. "She consistently showed unwavering support towards me and exhibited a nurturing and kind disposition. Therefore, within the realm of the industry, I would designate her as the individual who impacted me the most."

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Swift began socializing with the former cast member of Gossip Girl and the actor known for their role in Deadpool in 2015. In her song "Gorgeous" released in 2017, she incorporated the voice of James, the couple's daughter, and in a track from 2020, she revealed the name of their third child, Betty. The subsequent year, Lively took on the role of director for the music video of Swift's reimagined version of "I Bet You Think About Me."

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Cara Delevingne

Swift and the actress formed a bond of friendship after their encounter at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2013. Delevingne subsequently accompanied the pop star during her 1989 tour and at the 2015 MTV VMAs.

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Gigi Hadid

The model has been a close friend of Swift for many years, making appearances in her videos and attending her 4th of July parties in Rhode Island. After giving birth to her and Zayn Malik's daughter in 2020, Hadid proudly displayed a pink blanket that was specially made by "auntie @taylorswift."

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Emma Stone

Swift expressed her gratitude for her incredible friends, stating, "My friends are amazing and I'm extremely thankful to have them." However, two individuals, Selena Gomez and Emma Stone, hold a special place in her heart as they are like sisters to her. In an interview with PopSugar in August 2011, Swift explained, "They understand me so well that they can even anticipate my thoughts. We have been friends for such a long time, and it's truly remarkable to have such incredibly close friends."

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Lena Dunham

The ladies connected through Twitter in 2013 and have remained close friends ever since. Swift showed her support for the Girls star's debut as a host on Saturday Night Live in 2014 by attending an afterparty, and a month later, Dunham was spotted visiting Swift's apartment in NYC. In addition, the Grammy-winning artist shares a close bond with Dunham's former partner, Jack Antonoff, who lent his production skills to songs on her albums 1989 and Folklore.

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Lily Aldridge

Swift and the brunette model strolled together at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2013, radiating a strong bond. "[It was] an enchanting love fest," Aldridge joyfully recounted to Us. "[Taylor] is among my closest companions, so we had an absolute blast together."

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Kelly Osbourne

Baking buddies! The friends had a blast during the 2013 holiday season. Osbourne took to Instagram to share their "#GirlsNight baking with @taylorswift." She couldn't help but express her surprise at Taylor's amazing cooking skills, saying, "You guys have no idea how good Taylor is at cooking! #shocked."

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Karlie Kloss

The "Enchanted" singer and Kloss embarked on a memorable all-girls road trip in California back in 2014 and have been captured in various photographs together in the bustling streets of New York City. "I truly believe she's the epitome of cool," the model shared with Us during the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. "She serves as an amazing role model, and her music resonates with me." However, reports suggest that Swift and Kloss experienced a strained relationship in 2019 when the musician publicly criticized entrepreneur Scooter Braun, who had acquired her music catalog. Subsequently, fans speculated that the Grammy winner's song "It's Time to Go" from her album Evermore, which features the lyrics "When the words of a sister come back in whispers / That prove she was not in fact what she seemed," alluded to Kloss.

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Ed Sheeran

Romance speculation emerged when the singers formed a strong bond while collaborating. "Literally, we entered the space and exchanged the guitar, playing songs for one another," he disclosed in 2013 when describing their purely platonic relationship. Following this, the British vocalist joined Swift on stage during her Red tour in 2014, and eventually featured on her 2017 track "End Game."

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Ellie Goulding

The British singer teamed up with Swift for a special performance during her Red tour in London in 2014. On that memorable night, the duo also shared a candid polaroid backstage. "See you again soon! PS: rocking the short hair, no worries. (!!!)," she tweeted.

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Demi Lovato

The former X Factor judge has been friends with Swift for just as long as Gomez. In 2013, the trio had a blast FaceTiming each other. "Just a Saturday night. Taylor's tea, Demi's laughter. Honestly, no complaints," Gomez tweeted. Swift and Lovato gradually drifted apart over the years, particularly after the "Betty" songstress' altercation with her former pal's manager, Braun.

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Selena Gomez

The close friends attended the MTV Video Music Awards together in 2013, but their relationship faced difficulties. As reported exclusively by Us, Swift ended her friendship with the singer of "Come & Get It" in 2014, due to the latter's on-again, off-again involvement with Justin Bieber. However, they reconciled shortly after and even performed together during Swift's 1989 and Reputation tours.

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Sarah Hyland, Jaime King and Hailee Steinfeld

Swift, along with the trio, took the dance floor by storm at a 2014 Golden Globe Awards afterparty. According to an eyewitness, the atmosphere was electric as the ladies turned up the energy. Taylor, in particular, embraced the music with such fervor that she seemed to be in the midst of a heavy metal concert, thoroughly enjoying every moment.

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Lorde

The singer of "Team" disclosed in the January 2014 issue of Rolling Stone that they quickly developed a strong friendship after Swift sent them roses to celebrate the success of "Royals" reaching the top spot. "I was completely surprised," they expressed. Since that moment, the two women have enjoyed playful moments on an L.A. beach and have talked about being close friends who frequently text each other.

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Dianna Agron

Since 2012, Swift and the Glee actress have been captured in numerous photographs together. In March of that year, the duo attended a screening of The Hunger Games, and the following month, they celebrated Shirley MacLaine's 78th birthday by engaging in playful dress-up. Swift shared a snapshot on Instagram, captioning it, "We delighted in adorning ourselves in extravagant attire."

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Jessica Szohr

Szohr described her experience filming Swift's music video "22" in 2013 as amazing. She mentioned that Taylor had written a song about their shared experiences of breakups and invited a group of her girlfriends, including Szohr, to enjoy a fun day at the beach.