The Evolution of Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter’s Friendship

From fan to friend, the journey of Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift’s relationship showcases one of music’s most heartwarming friendships. Before Carpenter became the chart-topping artist behind hits like “Nonsense” and “Espresso,” she was simply a young Swift admirer posting covers of “Picture to Burn” and “White Horse” on her YouTube channel. As a longtime fan who attended multiple Swift concerts, Carpenter finally got her dream meeting backstage during the Reputation tour. Recalling that first encounter to Who What Wear in January 2024, Carpenter shared a touching detail: “She had her cats with her. I have older sisters, so if anything, it felt like that type of relationship.” This initial meeting laid the foundation for what would become a genuine friendship between two generations of pop stars, bridging the gap between Swift’s established career and Carpenter’s rising star status.

Their relationship truly began to blossom in 2021 when Swift sent Carpenter a special Red (Taylor’s Version) package ahead of the album’s release, prompting Carpenter to post, “Thank you blondie. Being 22 is hitting very different right now.” The following year marked more public appearances together, with the pair posing for photos at the 2022 VMAs after-party, attending the American Music Awards, and later connecting at the 2023 Grammys afterparty. Their friendship reached a significant milestone in June 2023, when Swift announced that Carpenter would join her as an opener for the South American leg of the Eras Tour. Carpenter couldn’t contain her excitement, writing, “Trying to process this but alas I shant. CANT WAIT TO JOIN THE ERAS TOUR IN LATIN AMERICA. Thank u @taylorswift13 u the 1 :’) this is the dreamiest dream come true.” This professional collaboration cemented their personal bond, with Carpenter later joining Swift in Australia for additional Eras Tour dates and even being invited to Swift’s 34th birthday celebration in New York City.

The friendship took center stage in February 2024 during Swift’s Sydney shows, where a beautiful full-circle moment occurred. When Carpenter had to cancel her opening set due to weather conditions, Swift brought her on stage during the acoustic portion of her show to perform a special mashup of “White Horse” and “Coney Island”—particularly meaningful since “White Horse” was one of the very songs Carpenter had covered as a young fan. After completing her tour duties, Carpenter expressed profound gratitude to Swift, writing, “And the most thank-you’s I’ve ever thank-you’d to Taylor. 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.” The nickname “Taybrina” encapsulated the duo’s relationship that fans had grown to adore, reflecting both their professional collaboration and personal friendship.

Their bond demonstrated resilience when faced with industry complications. In June 2024, Carpenter raised eyebrows by appearing in a campaign for SKIMS, Kim Kardashian’s brand—notable given Swift’s well-documented history of conflict with Kardashian. Addressing the potential awkwardness in a Rolling Stone interview, Carpenter revealed the depth of their friendship: “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.” The transparency between them showcased a mature friendship built on understanding and direct communication. As Carpenter’s career soared with hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” dominating charts, Swift publicly celebrated her friend’s success, commenting on Instagram, “Summer of Sabrina and may it continue forever.” This public display of support from one of music’s biggest stars helped solidify Carpenter’s moment in the spotlight.

By August 2024, Carpenter spoke candidly about their relationship, dismissing rumors that she needed Swift’s “permission” for career moves: “She’s one of my best, best friends, and we grab dinner or text and catch up like you would with your best friend.” She praised Swift’s resilience and grace under pressure, calling her “a rock star” and “such a gangster with all of it.” Their relationship had evolved into a genuine mentorship alongside friendship, with Carpenter explaining, “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.” When Carpenter released her album Short n’ Sweet that month, Swift enthusiastically promoted it on Instagram, writing, “Short ✔️Sweet✔️Has made an extraordinary album✔️. GO SUPPORT OUR GIRL!!” This public encouragement demonstrated Swift’s commitment to lifting up fellow female artists, particularly those she has personal connections with.

Their friendship reached new creative heights in August 2025 when Swift announced her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, revealing that Carpenter would feature on the title track. Though Carpenter remained tight-lipped about details of their collaboration during a CBS Mornings interview, her excitement was palpable: “I have to let her give it all away. It’s her baby, and I’m just so thrilled and honored.” Reflecting on her journey from fan to collaborator, Carpenter shared a touching memory: “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.” In the same interview, Carpenter congratulated Swift on her engagement to Travis Kelce, saying, “I’m so happy for them.” From YouTube covers to Grammy stages, from concert audiences to performing duets, the evolution of Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter’s friendship represents a beautiful narrative of mentorship, mutual respect, and authentic connection in an industry often characterized by competition. Their “Taybrina era,” as Carpenter affectionately called it, demonstrates how meaningful relationships can flourish between artists at different stages of their careers, creating space for both professional collaboration and genuine personal support.