Fans were thrilled by Taylor and Phoebe’s fun rendition of Smelly Cat
Collaborations and joint performances among celebrities are not new. They have been happening for many years, especially during arena tours worldwide where fans are thrilled by surprise guest appearances and unique performances. Occasionally, there are standout moments like the one featuring Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow from Friends.
On August 26th, 2015, at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, during Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated 1989 World Tour, concert attendees had no idea they would witness an exceptionally rare and spontaneous performance. Lisa Kudrow – famously known as Phoebe Buffay – returned to her character to perform a live acoustic version of the humorous Friends song “Smelly Cat,” as shown in the video below:
Before Lisa Kudrow took the stage, Taylor Swift hinted at the identity of her special guest. “This singer has only performed in coffee houses so far,” she remarked. “She’s never taken the stage in such a large venue, so we need to ensure she feels welcomed.” Once fans realized it was a prominent star from Friends, excitement erupted, especially upon hearing they would experience an exclusive rendition of “Smelly Cat”.
“Smelly Cat” quickly became a cult comedic favorite from the Friends TV series shortly after its debut in the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” The song appeared in several episodes featuring Phoebe, becoming a key aspect of her character’s identity. This recurring joke became a beloved favorite among fans and remains one of Friends’ most memorable elements to this day:
During their surprising duet at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began performing the Smelly Cat song together. When it was Taylor Swift’s turn to sing a solo verse, Kudrow quickly interrupted and encouraged her to ‘feel the lyrics.’ After some playful interaction, the pair resumed the song, culminating with the entire arena joining in for the final verse.
Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour achieved global success, with arenas selling out worldwide in celebration of her fifth studio album, 1989. This album marked a significant departure from her country music roots, showcasing her substantial evolution as an artist over time. It includes some of her most successful tracks, such as the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly soared to the top of global charts shortly after its release.
“Smelly Cat” has evolved beyond a Friends-related cult comedy classic, being covered by numerous artists. Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even co-star Courtney Cox (Monica Geller) have paid tribute to this quirky song about a neglected cat with a foul odor. Additionally, in 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the renowned American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.
