Taylor and Phoebe’s Smelly Cat duet left fans grinning from ear to ear

Collaborations between celebrities and joint performances are by no means a recent phenomenon. They have been taking place for years, particularly during global arena tours where fans are delighted by unexpected guest appearances and unique songs; occasionally, rare moments like the one featuring Taylor Swift alongside Friends actress Lisa Kudrow.

At Los Angeles’ Staples Centre on August 26th, 2015, during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, the audience was unaware that they were about to witness a highly uncommon and spontaneous performance. Lisa Kudrow – best known as Phoebe Buffay – returned to the stage for a live acoustic rendition of the humorous Friends song “Smelly Cat,” which you can watch in the video below:

Before Lisa Kudrow takes the stage, Taylor Swift hints at her special guest. “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before,” she mentions. “She’s never played in a big venue like this, so we’ve got to please make her feel welcome.” When fans realize it’s one of Friends’ main stars, excitement erupts; their enthusiasm heightens upon hearing they’re about to experience an exclusive performance of “Smelly Cat.”

“Smelly Cat” quickly became a beloved comedic song from the Friends TV show shortly after the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus” aired. It was featured in multiple episodes featuring Phoebe, becoming a significant part of her character’s identity. This recurring joke became a favorite among fans and remains one of the most memorable elements of Friends to this day:

During their unexpected duet at the Los Angeles Staples Centre, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift share a guitar and begin performing “Smelly Cat” together. When it’s Taylor Swift’s turn to sing a verse alone, Kudrow interrupts her, reminding her to ‘feel the lyrics’. After a playful exchange, the duo resumes the song, with the entire arena joining in for the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global sensation, with arenas sold out worldwide in celebration of her fifth studio album, 1989. The album marked a significant departure from her country roots, showcasing her growth as an artist over the years. It includes some of her most successful tracks, such as the pop hit “Blank Space,” which quickly soared to the top of global charts following its release.

“Smelly Cat” has evolved beyond a Friends-related comedic favorite, being covered by numerous artists. Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even co-star Courtney Cox (who portrays Monica Geller) have paid homage to this quirky song about an overlooked cat with an unpleasant odor. Additionally, in 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the iconic American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.