Beyoncé and Taylor Swift‘s surprise photo op at the “Eras Tour” movie premiere might shock some, but the two mega stars have been good friends for years. Despite fans that’ve pinned the two against each other amid the icons’ sweeping tours and concert film releases this year, their sweet reunion in Los Angeles on Oct. 11 is one of a few sweet friendship moments they’ve shared.
It’s hard to say when exactly the Grammy-winning superstars struck up a bond, but fans caught the first glimpse of it at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Since then, the two have rarely been seen together, which is understandable considering their successful careers keep them busy. But trust us, Beyoncé is definitely among Swift’s many celebrity friends, and vice versa.
From birthday and award show tributes to their latest red carpet appearance (again, super rare for Beyoncé), Swift and Queen Bey have a bond that stans can’t even break up. Swift said as much when she posted about how Beyoncé has supported and inspired her over the years. “She’s been a guiding light throughout my career and the fact that she showed up tonight was like an actual fairytale,” the “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” singer wrote on Instagram following her film premiere.
If you need a refresher, read ahead to catch up on Swift and Beyoncé’s friendship timeline.
Related: Can We Stop Comparing Beyoncé and Taylor Swift Now?
Getty / John Shearer
October 2023: Beyoncé Supports Taylor Swift at Her "Eras Tour" Movie Premiere
Considering Beyoncé rarely steps out for red carpet appearances, fans were understandably surprised to see the “Cuff It” star pop out for Swift’s “Eras Tour” movie premiere in LA. Especially after she had just wrapped up an uber-successful, multi-million-dollar world tour. But Swift seemed all the more grateful for the “fairytale” appearance, as she couldn’t contain her excitement in her Instagram post dedicated to their link-up.
“I’m so glad I’ll never know what my life would’ve been like without @beyonce’s influence,” Swift wrote alongside a cute theater boomerang of the two. She also credited Beyoncé for “the way she’s taught me and every artist out here to break rules and defy industry norms,” adding, in part, “Her generosity of spirit. Her resilience and versatility. She’s been a guiding light throughout my career.”
Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
September 2021: Taylor Swift Wishes Beyoncé a Happy 40th Birthday
For Beyoncé’s 40th birthday celebration, Harper’s Bazaar released a star-studded video tribute of celebrities sending their well wishes, including Swift. She told the “Renaissance” icon, “Happy birthday, Beyoncé, it’s Taylor,” and later added, “The fact that you have paved the road that every female artist is walking down now, then the fact that you’ve done so with such kindness and such grace. I just… To say I admire you – there’s just not a word for it.”
Getty / Kevin Mazur
March 2021: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift Celebrate Each Other's Grammy Wins
The 2021 Grammys was an epic night for both Swift and Beyoncé. The former’s “Folklore” won album of the year while Queen Bey took home a total of four awards – best music video, best R&B performance, best rap song, and best rap performance – that made her the most-awarded woman in Grammys history at the time. To celebrate the special occasion, Beyoncé sent Swift a bouquet of flowers along with a sweet handwritten note that read, “Taylor, Congratulations on your Grammy. It was great seeing you on Sunday night. Thank you for always being so supportive. Sending love to you & your family. B.”
Per People, Swift posted the kind gift to her Instagram Story and wrote back, “Woke up to flowers from the queen of grace & greatness @beyonce and suddenly it’s the best Friday EVER. Thank you B and congratulations on your epic achievement Sunday night!!”
Getty / Michael Kovac
February 2016: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Hang Out Backstage at the Grammys
Star link-ups at award shows are pretty common, but photographers caught some sweet snaps of Swift and Beyoncé’s backstage interaction at the 2016 Grammys. The two even shared a hug at the then-Staples Center in LA.
Getty / Michael Kovac
December 2014: Beyoncé Attends Taylor Swift’s 25th Birthday Party
Swift’s 25th birthday party was a Hollywood night to remember, as she had everyone from Justin Timberlake to longtime friend Selena Gomez in attendance at her New York City apartment bash, per ABC News. Beyoncé and husband JAY-Z were also among the guest list and even posed for photos with the “Midnights” singer. It’s certainly a Swift x Beyoncé moment fans still recall, as one X (formerly Twitter) user posted photos from that night in 2022 and wrote, “Remember when Beyoncé and Jay Z attended Taylor Swift‘s birthday party instead of Kanye and Kim’s wedding, still iconic.”
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
September 2009: Beyoncé Lets Taylor Swift Have Her VMAs Moment After Kanye West's Interruption
Who could ever forget the 2009 MTV VMAs, arguably one of the most memorable nights in pop culture history? Most notably recall that show as the start of Swift and Kanye West’s feud, as he argued that the “You Belong With Me” singer’s best female video award should’ve gone to Beyoncé for “Single Ladies.” Despite how disastrous and embarrassing that moment was, Beyoncé turned it around when she invited Swift back on stage to finish her speech uninterrupted after accepting her award.
She said, “I remember being 17 years old, up for my first MTV Award with Destiny’s Child, and it was one of the most exciting moments in my life. So, I’d like for Taylor to come out and have her moment.” The singer and Swift sealed the heartwarming moment with a hug.
