We march to the beat of our own drum, Taylor Nation.
There is always something extra about going to a Taylor Swift concert in California. The Sparkly Dressed played the Rose Bowl for the first time, with 60K people attending. I know for a lot of fans, this means celebs in attendance. I’ve always tried to downplay celeb worship (or “star power” if you prefer) because fame doesn’t equal talent and neither equals wisdom. That’s why I was a bit iffy on the whole 1989 tour thing during “Style” where T would bring out a star parade (for the record I still love the song). I prefer when the talent actually performs on stage.
On Friday, May 18, Taylor brought back another secret (or surprise) song with “Red”. In my range of favorites, it doesn’t rank too high or too low. It’s mostly a mid-tier song with a some good lines but it’s really a Red Era track. Good memories, but it doesn’t need to stay in the setlist (and now I have Stay stuck in my head. So it goes. Oh, now it’s that one).
Taylor also brought out a special guest and former tour opener, Shawn Mendez. They took to the stage together for “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”.
Saturday night, May 19, brought along several surprises. “All Too Well” was the secret song, deservedly so.
Taylor also welcomed to the stage two special guests. Troye Sivan took the stage to sing “My, My, My” with the songstress.
She also brought out BFF Selena Gomez who joined Taylor to perform her hit “Hands To Myself”.
Selena also took the moment to embarrass her friend with a thank you speech.
I have to say thank you to my best friend of 12 years, almost 13. And the reason why she’s been one of my best friends is because this person has never ever judged a single decision I’ve made. She’s always met me where I’ve been, she’s encouraged me when I have had nothing to be encouraged about and I don’t know if I’d be as strong as I am if I didn’t have you and your family because you’ve changed my life.
And… She’s going to kill me after… But honestly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting someone who I know is the most beautiful, strong and independent woman I’ve ever met. So thank you, as her best friend.
Selena Gomez at the Rose Bowl during the rep tour concert. May 19, 2018.
Yes, some might say that was rehearsed and I’m falling the trap of celeb worship regardless. I found it nice that two people can remain friends like that.
Also, one bonus tweet+pic from Chris Willman from the Friday show. Love this one.
Coming up on the Calendar!
- May 22: CenturyLink Field. Seattle, WA.
- May 25: Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver, CO.
- May 27: Taylor headlines BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend in Swansea, Wales.
(Sources: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Featured Photo: Christopher Polk for Getty Entertainment)
The Swift Agency 