Relive the Astonishing Moment Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow Sing “Smelly Cat”
Unexpected celebrity collaborations have long been a staple of major concert tours, thrilling audiences with once-in-a-lifetime moments. Whether it’s a legendary musician popping in for a surprise set or a beloved actor taking the stage, these surprises often become unforgettable highlights. One such standout happened in 2015 during Taylor Swift’s massive 1989 World Tour, when she brought out none other than Lisa Kudrow—beloved for her role as Phoebe Buffay on the sitcom *Friends*—for a performance that had fans roaring.
On the night of August 26th, 2015, Los Angeles’ Staples Center was buzzing with energy. Taylor Swift’s sold-out crowd had already been treated to a series of guest appearances throughout the tour, but this one was different. With no warning, Lisa Kudrow walked onstage and, to the crowd’s delight, launched into a performance of “Smelly Cat,” the offbeat folk tune that became an iconic part of her *Friends* persona. What followed was a joyful, quirky moment that merged nostalgia with musical whimsy.
The set-up for the moment was pure Swift. Teasing the crowd, she introduced her guest by saying the performer had only played in intimate venues before and would need a warm welcome. As Kudrow emerged, the realization swept through the crowd, leading to a chorus of laughter and cheers. And when the unmistakable opening of “Smelly Cat” began, fans were treated to a full-circle pop culture experience—*Friends* and Swifties united in giddy appreciation.
The comedic track “Smelly Cat” originally appeared in *Friends* during the 1995 episode “The One With the Baby on the Bus,” instantly becoming a fan-favorite moment. Kudrow, in character as Phoebe Buffay, performed the song in Central Perk with her trademark mix of awkward sincerity and humor. Over time, “Smelly Cat” would reappear throughout the series, evolving into a kind of unofficial anthem for Phoebe and a symbol of the show’s quirky charm.
Though many classic sitcom moments fade with time, “Smelly Cat” has endured in pop culture. Fans still reference it, quote it, and cover it decades after the show’s finale. The enduring love for the song stems not just from its humor, but from how it captured Phoebe’s oddball spirit—offbeat, authentic, and completely unbothered by convention. That same energy filled the Staples Center when Kudrow and Swift took it live.
As the duet began, Lisa Kudrow picked up the guitar, and the familiar melody drifted across the venue. Taylor Swift joined in, harmonizing as they traded verses. Halfway through the song, Kudrow jokingly interrupted Swift, insisting she put more feeling into the lyrics—drawing laughter from the audience. This moment of playful correction mirrored Phoebe Buffay’s typical humor, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the performance. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it felt like Phoebe had truly stepped onto the tour.
With the crowd still buzzing, the two stars wrapped up the song together, inviting thousands of fans to sing the final verse. The blend of nostalgia and spontaneity made for an atmosphere unlike any other on the tour. Fans swayed, laughed, and sang along to every word, recognizing the rarity of what they were witnessing: a sitcom character from the ‘90s coming to life at the height of a modern pop icon’s global tour.
Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour marked a major turning point in her career, as she transitioned from her country music roots to full-fledged pop stardom. The tour featured elaborate staging, dazzling visuals, and a parade of special guests, from models to musical legends. Yet among all those moments, the duet with Kudrow stood out because of its warmth, humor, and cultural crossover appeal—a perfect blend of two very different worlds that clicked effortlessly onstage.
“Smelly Cat” continued to find life beyond that one night. Years later, Lisa Kudrow reunited with the *Friends* cast for a reunion special, where she once again performed the song—this time joined by Lady Gaga. That moment, like the one with Swift, underscored the enduring appeal of Kudrow’s character and the iconic tune. From sitcom roots to sold-out stadiums and superstar collaborations, “Smelly Cat” has somehow grown from a quirky joke into a legitimate pop culture artifact.
It’s rare for a fictional song to find such lasting appeal, let alone one associated with a comedic storyline. Yet “Smelly Cat” has managed to do just that, in large part thanks to the charm and sincerity Kudrow brings to every performance. Whether strumming on a Central Perk stage or standing beside Taylor Swift in a roaring arena, the song brings people together. And that’s exactly what it did that unforgettable night in L.A.
