Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Friendship Timeline

In 2023, both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift went on tour and dominated the musical landscape with their sold-out shows and passionate fandoms. They also each released hugely popular films about those tours and attended one another’s premieres. As titans of their industry, these musical icons crossed paths for years while becoming the supportive friends they are today.

Here’s the complete history of their friendship.

September 2009

The 2009 MTV VMAs were a big one for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, as Kanye West gave their relationship its first public moment due to his scandal. West took over the stage when Swift won for best female video for “You Belong with Me.”

That same year, Beyoncé’s video for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” was also nominated, and West was unhappy with the results. He took Swift’s mic and told the audience, “Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!”

It was a memorable scene. The crowd did not receive it well, and Beyoncé didn’t seem too pleased either. She also went on to win video of the year for her work and invited Swift to come up and finish her acceptance speech.

“This is amazing,” Beyoncé said. “I remember being 17 years old, up for my first MTV award with Destiny’s Child, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life, so I would like for Taylor to come out and have her moment.”

Swift took her up on her offer and they embraced. The Midnights singer told reporters afterward, “It was so wonderful and gracious of her…She’s always been a great person…I thought I couldn’t love Beyoncé more, and tonight happened, and it was just wonderful.”

December 2014

In 2014, Swift celebrated her 25th birthday in New York City and had a guest list that included Beyoncé, her husband Jay-Z, and a huge number of other celebs. Selena Gomez, Jaime King, Emma Roberts, Kelly Osbourne, Nick Jonas, Chrissy Teigen, Justin Timberlake, Sam Smith, Charli XCX, and the Haim sisters were also at the party.

The Carters were photographed leaving the venue.

February 2015

Once again, the pair was pitted against one another at an award show, this time the 2015 Brit Awards. But there was far more admiration than rivalry between them. E! reported at the time that Swift told KissFM U.K., “It’s like, normal for everyone to love Beyoncé, but I love her more than that amount, like more than the normal amount. I try really hard not to let it get creepy. I just really like, channel it into a joyous admiration and appreciation.”

She continued, “I’m nominated usually against lots of my friends, so you have to—just for the sake of humanity and for the sake of having a good time—legitimately be happy for other people…The only way that I’ll be upset, is if we don’t get to see Beyoncé. I won’t be upset because I didn’t win. I’ll just be like, ‘I wish that we could see her all the time.’”

Swift ultimately took home the International Female Solo Artist that year, her first Brit Award win.

February 2016

The pair met again at the 2016 Grammy Awards and then embraced backstage.

May 2016

Swift co-chaired the 2016 Met Gala, and she and Beyoncé were photographed together talking and posing in front of a flowered-covered wall.

June 2019

In her video for “You Need to Calm Down,” a number of ​​RuPaul’s Drag Race stars showed up as pop icons, including one drag queen representing Beyoncé. There was also an Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Katy Perry.

March 2021

Swift shared in her Instagram Story that Beyoncé sent her a bouquet of flowers following her wins at the Grammys, including a handwritten note that read, “Taylor, Congratulations on your Grammy. It was great seeing you on Sunday night. Thank you for always being so supportive. Sending love to you & your family. B.”

Over the photo, Swift wrote, “Woke up to flowers from the queen of grace & greatness @beyonce and suddenly it’s the best Friday EVER. Thank you B and congratulations on your epic achievement Sunday night!!”

February 2023

They were filmed hugging again at the 2023 Grammy Awards in the audience.

October 2023

Swift’s Eras Tour concert film was released in Los Angeles on October 11, and Beyoncé made a surprise appearance on the red carpet.

Swift also shared a boomerang of them in the theater playfully tossing popcorn with a gushing tribute to Beyoncé in the caption.

“I’m so glad I’ll never know what my life would’ve been like without @beyonce‘s influence,” Swift wrote. “The way she’s taught me and every artist out here to break rules and defy industry norms. Her generosity of spirit. Her resilience and versatility. She’s been a guiding light throughout my career and the fact that she showed up tonight was like an actual fairytale. ????????.”

November 2023

On November 30, Swift attended the London premiere of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.

She shared a carousel of pictures from the event, including photos with Beyoncé and her friend Blake Lively.

“Got invited to London by The Queen…,” Swift wrote in the caption.