Taylor and Phoebe’s rendition of “Smelly Cat” had fans beaming with joy.
Collaborations between celebrities and joint performances have been a staple in the entertainment industry for many years. These partnerships, especially during large-scale arena tours, delight fans with unexpected guest appearances and unique musical renditions.
One particularly memorable instance was the unexpected collaboration between pop sensation Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends. This rare moment left fans both surprised and thrilled.
On August 26th, 2015, at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre, Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour took an extraordinary turn. The audience had no idea they were about to witness a spontaneous and highly uncommon performance that would become a highlight of the evening.
Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, joined Taylor Swift on stage to perform a live acoustic version of the beloved Friends song “Smelly Cat.” This delightful rendition can be viewed in the video below:
Before Lisa Kudrow made her entrance, Taylor Swift teased the audience about a special guest. “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before,” Taylor remarked. “She’s never performed in a large venue like this, so we need to make her feel welcome.” The crowd’s anticipation soared as they realized that one of Friends’ main stars was about to take the stage.
The song “Smelly Cat” quickly became a fan-favorite comedic number from Friends, first introduced in the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” Featured in multiple episodes, it became an integral part of Phoebe Buffay’s character, endearing herself to fans with this recurring joke:
During their unexpected duet at the Staples Centre, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began performing “Smelly Cat” together. When it was Taylor’s turn to sing a solo verse, Kudrow playfully interrupted, encouraging her to truly connect with the lyrics. This lighthearted interaction added depth to the performance, and the duo seamlessly continued the song, culminating in the entire arena singing along for the final chorus.
Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global phenomenon, with sold-out arenas around the world celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. This album marked a significant shift from her country roots, showcasing her evolution as an artist. It features some of her most successful tracks, including the chart-topping pop hit “Blank Space,” which quickly soared to the top of global music charts upon its release.
“Smelly Cat” has transcended its origins as a Friends-related joke, being covered by numerous artists over the years. Musicians like Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even Courtney Cox, who portrays Monica Geller on Friends, have performed their own versions of this quirky song about a not-so-pleasant-smelling cat. Additionally, in 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the renowned singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.
These various covers and special performances have helped “Smelly Cat” maintain its status as an iconic and endearing element of the Friends series. It remains a beloved part of the show’s legacy, cherished by fans for its humor and the way it encapsulates Phoebe Buffay’s unique character.
