Taylor and Phoebe’s rendition of “Smelly Cat” had fans beaming with joy

Celebrity collaborations and joint performances aren’t a new concept. They have been occurring for many years, especially during global arena tours where fans are thrilled by surprise guest appearances and exclusive songs. Occasionally, memorable moments like the one featuring Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow from Friends take place.

On August 26th, 2015, at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, attendees had no idea they would witness a highly rare and impromptu performance. Lisa Kudrow – best known as Phoebe Buffay – reprised her character to perform a live acoustic rendition of the comedic Friends song “Smelly Cat,” featured in the video below:

Before Lisa Kudrow made her appearance, Taylor Swift hinted at the identity of her special guest. “This artist has only played in coffee houses until now,” she said. “She’s never performed on such a large stage, so we want to make sure she feels comfortable.” When fans realized it was a main star from Friends, their excitement surged, particularly upon discovering they would hear a unique version of “Smelly Cat”.

“Smelly Cat” quickly became a cult comedic hit from the Friends TV show shortly after its first appearance in the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” The song appeared in multiple episodes featuring Phoebe, becoming a key part of her character’s identity. This running joke became a cherished favorite among fans and continues to be one of Friends’ most memorable features to this day:

During their unexpected duet at the Los Angeles Staples Centre, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began the Smelly Cat song together. When Taylor Swift began her solo verse, Kudrow quickly interrupted, encouraging her to ‘feel the lyrics.’ After some playful exchange, the duo continued the song, ending with the whole arena participating in the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global success, with arenas sold out around the world celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. This album represented a major shift from her country music origins, highlighting her significant growth as an artist. It features some of her biggest hits, including the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which rapidly climbed to the top of international charts soon after its release.

“Smelly Cat” has grown beyond being a Friends-related cult comedy classic, with numerous artists covering it. Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even co-star Courtney Cox (Monica Geller) have honored this quirky song about an unkempt cat with a bad smell. Moreover, in 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the famous American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.