Watch Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow’s Memorable “Smelly Cat” Collaboration

Celebrity crossovers and joint performances are nothing new. They’ve been happening for years, especially during arena tours where audiences are surprised with guest appearances and special songs. A memorable instance of this occurred between Taylor Swift and Friends star Lisa Kudrow.

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

Before Lisa Kudrow entered the stage, Taylor Swift teased the audience about her special guest. “This singer, she’s only ever played in coffee houses before,” she said. “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” became a cult comedy song from Friends shortly after the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus” aired. The song recurred in 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 referred-to 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 verse solo, Kudrow humorously interrupted her, insisting she needed to “feel the lyrics.” After some playful back-and-forth, they 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 worldwide celebrating her fifth studio album, 1989. The record marked a significant departure from her country roots and showcased her growth as an artist. It features some of her most successful songs to date, including the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly topped global charts after its release.

“Smelly Cat” has become more than just a Friends-related cult comedy classic. It has been covered by many artists, including Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and co-star Courtney Cox (Monica Geller). In 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” with iconic singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.