Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow Stun Fans with “Smelly Cat” Duet

Celebrity crossovers and joint performances are nothing new, especially during arena tours where audiences are often treated to surprise guest appearances and special songs. One such memorable occurrence happened between Taylor Swift and Friends star Lisa Kudrow.

At Los Angeles’ Staples Centre on August 26th, 2015, during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, the audience was in for a rare and unexpected treat. Lisa Kudrow, best known as Phoebe Buffay, reprised her role for a live acoustic rendition of the comedic Friends song “Smelly Cat,” as seen in the video below:

Before Lisa Kudrow took the stage, Taylor Swift teased the special guest, saying, “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before. 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 erupted in excitement, especially when they learned they would hear “Smelly Cat” live.

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

During their unexpected duet at the Staples Centre, 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, emphasizing that she needed to “feel the lyrics.” After some playful back-and-forth, they resumed the song, with the entire arena joining in for the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global sensation, with sold-out arenas worldwide celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. The album marked a significant departure from her country roots, showcasing her growth as an artist. It featured some of her biggest hits, including the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly topped global charts.

“Smelly Cat” has become more than just a Friends-related comedy classic; it has been covered by various artists, including Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and co-star Courtney Cox (Monica Geller). 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.