It’s a story many dream of: starting as a dedicated fan, then becoming a cherished friend and collaborator with your idol. For Sabrina Carpenter, that dream became reality with superstar Taylor Swift. Their connection has blossomed over the years, growing from admiration to a bond that feels like family.
Before hitting the charts with hits like "Nonsense" and "Espresso," Carpenter was a huge fan of Swift. Her YouTube channel featured covers of Swift’s earlier songs, including "Picture to Burn" and "White Horse." She went to many of Swift’s concerts, soaking up every moment.
The big moment came in 2017. Carpenter finally got to meet the Grammy winner backstage during Swift’s Reputation tour. Carpenter later shared her memory of that first meeting in a January 2024 interview with Who What Wear. She recalled Swift having her cats there. Carpenter felt an instant comfort, saying it reminded her of hanging out with her own older sisters.
After that first encounter, their friendship deepened as Carpenter’s own music career took off. In 2023, Carpenter watched Swift perform on the Eras Tour. Soon after, Swift asked Carpenter to open for the international leg of the tour. This was a huge step for the former Disney star.
Looking back, their path has been marked by many sweet moments.
In November 2021, Swift sent Carpenter a special package of Red (Taylor’s Version) before it was released. Carpenter showed her excitement on Instagram, writing, "Thank you, blondie," and adding that turning 22 felt very different now.
Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for dcp
Their public appearances together started popping up more frequently. In August 2022, the singers were seen posing for a photo at a VMAs after-party. Three months later, in November 2022, they both went to the American Music Awards. The good times continued into February 2023, as Swift and Carpenter hung out at the Grammy Awards after-party.
Then came the big news. After Carpenter was spotted in the VIP tent at Swift’s Philadelphia Eras Tour show in May 2023, Swift made an exciting announcement a month later in June 2023. She shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Carpenter would join her for the Latin American leg of the Eras Tour. Swift called Carpenter a "cute angel princess" and said she’d be at all the shows. Carpenter, thrilled beyond words, posted that she couldn’t wait, calling Swift "the 1" and saying it was a "dreamiest dream come true."
Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift Don Arnold/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
The duo continued to share fun moments through late 2023. They posed together at the VMAs in September 2023. In October 2023, Carpenter joined Swift’s group outing to cheer on Travis Kelce as the Kansas City Chiefs played the New York Jets. By December 2023, Carpenter was spotted celebrating Swift’s 34th birthday in New York.
Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift Don Arnold/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Their time together during the Eras Tour’s Australian leg in February 2024 proved how close they’d become. They even spent a day at the Australia Zoo. When Carpenter’s opening set in Sydney was canceled due to weather, Swift invited her on stage for a special duet. They performed a mashup of "White Horse" and "Coney Island," a true treat for fans.
After finishing her part of the Eras Tour, Carpenter posted a heartfelt message in March 2024. She thanked Swift deeply, calling her "magic." Carpenter wrote there’s truly "no one like you and there never will be." She promised to cherish their "Taybrina era" forever.
Their friendship even extended into industry dealings. In June 2024, Carpenter gained attention for her SKIMS campaign, owned by Kim Kardashian. Given Kardashian’s past issues with Swift, some wondered about the situation. Carpenter cleared the air in an interview with Rolling Stone. She explained that she’s always busy working. Carpenter stressed her communication with Swift about the campaign, saying, "I truly love her so much and support her to the end." She added that any awkwardness was purely in the public’s imagination.
Swift has been Carpenter’s biggest cheerleader. In July 2024, as Carpenter’s songs "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" topped the charts, Swift celebrated her friend’s success. Swift commented on Carpenter’s Instagram post, declaring, "Sabrina’s summer and forever more."
In August 2024, Carpenter spoke warmly about her friendship with Swift in an interview with Variety. She praised Swift’s work ethic, calling her a "rockstar." Carpenter emphasized their genuine bond, stating, "She’s one of my best, best friends, and we go to dinner or text and catch up like you would with your best friend." Carpenter also highlighted Swift as a mentor, saying she values getting advice on tricky industry topics not found online. They constantly share new music with each other, and Carpenter often turns Twitter thoughts into songs instead. That same month, Swift cheered on Carpenter again, congratulating her on the release of her album Short n’ Sweet on Instagram. Swift shared a photo of them together, encouraging fans to "SUPPORT OUR GIRL!"
The milestones kept coming. In February 2025, Swift was quick to congratulate Carpenter when she won her first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.
The biggest collaboration news came in August 2025. Swift used her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s "New Heights" podcast to announce her twelfth album, The Life of a Showgirl. She revealed that Carpenter would be featured on the title track, which closes the album. Carpenter reacted on Instagram, humorously saying, "I know someone who is losing their mind, and it’s me."
Carpenter later spoke about the collaboration on CBS Mornings while promoting her own new album, Man’s Best Friend. She couldn’t share details about her work with Swift, stating, "I have to let her tell all of it. It’s her baby, and I’m so excited and honored." She shared that she’d admired Swift since she was eight years old. Carpenter also congratulated Swift on her recent engagement to Kelce, noting that the worldwide excitement was no surprise.
When The Life of a Showgirl dropped on October 3, 2025, fans eagerly listened to the title track featuring Carpenter. The song dives into embracing fame, even with the chaos that comes with the lifestyle. Swift sings in a chorus, "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." The track ends with live audio of Swift and Carpenter at a performance. Swift thanks the audience, the band, the dancers, and "of course, Sabrina." Carpenter then sweetly adds, "I love you, Taylor." It’s a fitting end to a song that celebrates their shared journey and strong connection.