Listeners were overjoyed as Taylor and Phoebe belted out Smelly Cat together
Celebrity collaborations and joint performances have long been a staple in the entertainment industry. They frequently occur during global arena tours, where audiences are delighted by unexpected guest appearances and exclusive songs. A notable instance of this was the unique collaboration between Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role in Friends.
On August 26th, 2015, at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, during Taylor Swift’s fully booked 1989 World Tour, fans were in for an extraordinary surprise. Lisa Kudrow, reprising her iconic character Phoebe Buffay, joined Swift for a live acoustic performance of the humorous Friends song “Smelly Cat,” which is featured in the video below:
Before Lisa Kudrow took the stage, Taylor Swift teased the identity of her special guest. “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before,” Swift remarked. “She’s never played in a big venue like this, so we’ve got to please make her feel welcome.” The revelation that a major star from Friends was joining the concert thrilled fans, especially when they learned they would witness a live rendition of “Smelly Cat.”
“Smelly Cat” became a beloved comedic song from the Friends series shortly after its debut in the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” The song was featured in multiple episodes, becoming a defining trait of Phoebe’s character and a favorite among fans. Its recurring presence has made it one of the most memorable elements of Friends:
During their surprise duet at the Staples Centre, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began performing “Smelly Cat” together. When it was Swift’s turn to sing a solo verse, Kudrow playfully interrupted, advising her to “feel the lyrics.” After some light-hearted back-and-forth, they restarted the song, with the entire arena joining in for a final verse.
Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global sensation, with sold-out arenas worldwide celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. This album marked a significant departure from her country roots, showcasing her evolution as an artist. It includes some of her biggest hits, such as the chart-topping pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly soared in global rankings upon its release.
“Smelly Cat” has transcended its origins as a Friends-related comedy classic, being covered by numerous artists. Notable renditions include those by Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even Courtney Cox, who plays Monica Geller. In 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the iconic singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.
