Don’t Miss Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow Singing the Iconic “Smelly Cat” Live

Celebrity crossovers and joint performances are nothing new; they’ve been happening for years, especially at arena tours where audiences are often surprised with guest appearances and special songs. One such memorable event occurred between Taylor Swift and Friends star Lisa Kudrow.

At Los Angeles’ Staples Center on August 26th, 2015, during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, the audience was unaware they were about to witness a rare and unexpected performance. Lisa Kudrow, best known as Phoebe Buffay, reprised her role for a live acoustic rendition of the comedic Friends song “Smelly Cat,” which can be viewed in the video below:

Before Lisa Kudrow took the stage, Taylor Swift teased the crowd about her special guest. “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before,” she said. “She’s never played in a big venue like this, so we’ve got to make her feel welcome.” When fans realized it was one of Friends’ biggest stars, they went wild, especially upon hearing they would get an exclusive performance of “Smelly Cat.”

“Smelly Cat” became a cult comedy song from Friends shortly after the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus” aired. The song appeared in multiple episodes, becoming a significant part of Phoebe’s character and a fan favorite.

During their unexpected duet at the Staples Center, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began singing “Smelly Cat” together. When it was Taylor’s turn to sing a verse solo, Kudrow humorously interrupted her, correcting her by saying she needed to ‘feel the lyrics.’ After some playful banter, they restarted the song, with the entire audience joining in for the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global success, with sold-out arenas celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. The album marked a significant departure from her country roots, showcasing her growth as an artist. It includes some of her most successful songs to date, such as the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly topped global charts after its release.

“Smelly Cat” has become a Friends-related cult comedy classic, covered by numerous artists. Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even co-star Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) have paid tribute to this peculiar song about a neglected, foul-smelling cat. In 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a one-off special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” with the iconic American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.