From YouTube Covers to Eras Tour Duets Taylor and Sabrina's Friendship Evolution
The bond between Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter has strengthened considerably over time.
Before the two became the close companions they are today, Carpenter was a devoted admirer of Swift. Prior to releasing popular songs like “Nonsense” and “Espresso,” Carpenter had uploaded her versions of Swift’s tracks to her YouTube channel, including “Picture to Burn” and “White Horse.”
Beyond performing Swift’s music, Carpenter also attended numerous of Swift’s concerts. The former child star finally had the opportunity to meet the Grammy winner backstage during one of her Reputation era performances.
“She had her cats with her,” Carpenter recalled her initial encounter with Swift in a January 2024 interview with Who What Wear. “I have older sisters, so if anything, it felt like that type of a relationship.”
Taylor Swift’s Famous Best Friends Throughout the Years: Sabrina Carpenter and More
Following that first introduction, the pair developed a strong connection as Carpenter began establishing herself in the music industry. After attending the Eras Tour herself in 2023, Carpenter was announced as one of Swift’s opening acts for the international leg of the tour. Later, in August 2025, Swift revealed that Carpenter would be featured on her twelfth album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Continue reading to observe the progression of Swift and Carpenter’s friendship over the years:
2017
After attending several of Swift’s performances throughout the years, Carpenter finally had the chance to meet Swift.
November 2021
Four years later, Swift sent Carpenter a Red (Taylor’s Version) promotional package just before the album’s debut.
“Thank you blondie,” Carpenter wrote on her Instagram Story at that time. “Being 22 is hitting very different right now.”
August 2022
The vocalists posed together for a photograph at the 2022 VMA after-party.
November 2022
Three months subsequent, Swift and Carpenter both attended the American Music Awards.
February 2023
Swift and Carpenter spent time together at the 2023 Grammys afterparty.
May 2023
Carpenter was observed in the VIP area for Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Philadelphia.
June 2023
Swift announced that Carpenter would be joining her for the South American portion of the Eras Tour.
“Really thrilled to tell you this!! Mexico, Argentina and Brazil: We are bringing The Eras Tour to you this year!” Swift posted on X at the time. Sweet angel princess @SabrinaAnnLynn will be joining us on all of the shows!”
After the news broke, Carpenter discussed how significant the opportunity was, considering she had been a lifelong admirer of Swift.
“Trying to process this but alas I shant. CANT WAIT TO JOIN THE ERAS TOUR IN LATIN AMERICA,” she wrote. “Thank u @taylorswift13 u the 1 :’) this is the dreamiest dream come true.”
September 2023
Carpenter and Swift posed together while attending the 2023 VMAs.
October 2023
The “Skin” vocalist joined Swift’s group outing to support Travis Kelce as the Kansas City Chiefs played against the New York Jets.
December 2023
Carpenter was seen at Swift’s 34th birthday celebration in New York City.
February 2024
Following the Latin America performances, Carpenter also accompanied Swift on the Australian leg of the Eras Tour. While in the country, Swift and Carpenter visited the Australia Zoo.
At the inaugural show in Sydney, Swift invited Carpenter, who had to cancel her set due to weather, onstage to perform a duet during the acoustic portion. They sang a medley of “White Horse” and “Coney Island.”
March 2024
After Carpenter concluded her segment of the Eras Tour, she composed a heartfelt message for Swift to convey her appreciation for the chance.
“And the most thank-you’s I’ve ever thank-you’d to Taylor,” she exclaimed. “I feel so lucky to witness the magic that is you and this tour. There is truly no one like you and there never will be! I love you with all my heart and I will cherish this Taybrina era (and all the eras) till the end of time ♥♥♥”
June 2024
After Carpenter sparked curiosity with her SKIMS — a brand owned by Kim Kardashian — campaign, the “Feather” singer revealed that she spoke with Swift about it given her complicated past with the Kardashians personality.
“As much as people want to believe you’re tuned into every little thing, I’m not because I’m constantly working,” she told Rolling Stone. “In that scenario, I’ve been very, very communicative with her about that situation, and I just love her so much and support her till the end. So it was no weirdness for me, but I know people will just say things because that’s all they have time to do.”
July 2024
As Carpenter continued to dominate the Billboard charts with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Swift congratulated her friend on all her accomplishments.
“Summer of Sabrina and may it continue forever :),” Swift stated while responding to Carpenter’s Instagram post.
August 2024
Carpenter expressed her admiration for her strong connection to Swift and her work ethic.
“Well, Taylor is a rock star! She’s just such a gangster with all of it. No matter what people are saying, everything that I’ve ever seen her tackle, she’s done so with grace,” Carpenter said in an interview with Variety. “The posts about me having to ‘ask for her permission’ — no. She’s one of my best, best friends, and we grab dinner or text and catch up like you would with your best friend.”
The “Espresso” singer added that she knows she can rely on Swift for advice in the music industry.
“It’s so cool for me to get a perspective on this whole process from her and the community of artists that I feel I’m close to — to get advice from them on stuff that you can’t just ask the internet,” she continued. “We’re always playing each other our [music], and whenever I start to think, ‘Maybe I’ll get on Twitter and say something about this,’ I’m always like, ‘Maybe I’ll write a song instead.’”
That same month, Swift congratulated Carpenter on the launch of her latest album, Short n’ Sweet. “Short ✓Sweet✓Has made an extraordinary album✓,” Swift captioned a picture of herself and Carpenter via her Instagram Story. Sharing a link to stream Carpenter’s album, she wrote, “GO SUPPORT OUR GIRL!!”
February 2025
Swift affectionately embraced Carpenter soon after the “Espresso” singer secured her inaugural Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
August 2025
Swift announced her twelfth album, The Life of a Showgirl, during an appearance on boyfriend Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast. During the episode, Swift revealed that the title track, which is listed last on the record, features Carpenter.
“The Life of a Showgirl [is out] October 3,” Carpenter later wrote via her Instagram Story. “I know someone who’s freaking out, and it’s me.”
During a CBS Mornings interview about her own new album, Man’s Best Friend, Carpenter mentioned she couldn’t disclose any details about what her collaboration with Swift would be like. “I have to let her give it all away. It’s her baby, and I’m just so thrilled and honored,” Carpenter told Gayle King. “I mean, I’ve been looking up to her since — I remember the first time I heard a song by her. I was 8 years old on the school bus, and … my life was changed.”
The “Manchild” singer proceeded to offer her congratulations to Swift, who had recently announced her engagement to Kelce. “I’m so happy for them,” she said, noting that she was not at all surprised by the global response to the news.
October 2025
Swift released The Life of a Showgirl on October 3, 2025, featuring Carpenter on the album’s main track. The song primarily explores embracing fame, despite the chaotic nature of the lifestyle.
“I’m married to the hustle / And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe / And I’ll never know another / Pain hidden by the lipstick and lace / Sequins are forever / And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe,” Swift sings in one of the choruses.
The conclusion of the track includes live spoken audio from Swift and Carpenter as they wrap up a performance.
“Thank you for an unforgettable night. We will see you next time. Give it up for the band, and the dancers, and of course, Sabrina,” Taylor says.
Sabrina adds, “I love you, Taylor.”
