Experience the Unforgettable “Smelly Cat” Performance by Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow

Celebrity crossovers and joint performances have been a staple of the entertainment world for years, often surprising audiences during arena tours with guest appearances and special songs. One memorable instance of this occurred between Taylor Swift and Friends star Lisa Kudrow.

On August 26th, 2015, at Los Angeles’ Staples Center during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, the audience was unaware they were about to experience a rare and unexpected performance. Lisa Kudrow, best known as Phoebe Buffay from Friends, reprised her role for a live acoustic rendition of the comedic song “Smelly Cat,” which can be viewed in the video below:

Before Lisa Kudrow took the stage, Taylor Swift hinted at her 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 went wild, especially upon hearing they would get an exclusive performance of “Smelly Cat.”

“Smelly Cat” quickly became a cult comedy song from Friends following the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” It recurred throughout multiple episodes featuring Phoebe and became a significant part of her character’s personality. This running gag became a fan favorite and remains one of the most iconic aspects of Friends to this day:

During their unexpected duet at the Staples Center, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began singing “Smelly Cat” together. When it was Taylor’s turn to sing a solo verse, Kudrow humorously interrupted her, correcting her and insisting she needed to ‘feel the lyrics.’ After some playful back-and-forth, the duo restarted the song, with the entire arena joining in for the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global success, with sold-out arenas 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 most successful songs to date, including the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly topped global charts.

“Smelly Cat” has become a cult comedy classic, covered by numerous artists including Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even Friends co-star Courteney Cox (Monica Geller). In 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special one-off reunion, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” with the iconic singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.