The surprise Smelly Cat duet by Taylor and Phoebe brought listeners instant joy

Collaborations and joint performances among celebrities are far from a recent trend. They have been a staple for years, particularly during global arena tours where fans are delighted by surprise guest appearances and unique song renditions. Occasionally, these moments are one-time events, such as the unexpected collaboration between Taylor Swift and Lisa Kudrow, known for her role in Friends.

On August 26th, 2015, at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre, during Taylor Swift’s sold-out 1989 World Tour, the audience was in for an extraordinary and spontaneous treat. Lisa Kudrow – famously portraying Phoebe Buffay – made a rare live acoustic appearance to perform the humorous Friends song “Smelly Cat,” which is showcased 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 added, “She’s never played in a big venue like this, so we’ve got to please make her feel welcome.” When fans realized a major Friends star was joining, excitement surged, especially with the promise of an exclusive “Smelly Cat” performance.

“Smelly Cat” quickly became a beloved comedic song from Friends, debuting in the episode “The One With The Baby On The Bus.” It reappeared in several episodes, becoming a key aspect of Phoebe’s character and a favorite among fans, remaining one of the most memorable elements of the show to this day:

During their surprise duet at the Staples Centre, Lisa Kudrow and Taylor Swift shared a guitar and began performing “Smelly Cat” together. When Taylor began a solo verse, Kudrow playfully interrupted, reminding her to “feel the lyrics.” After a brief exchange, they restarted the song, with the entire arena joining in for the final verse.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour was a global sensation, with sold-out arenas worldwide celebrating her fifth studio album, which marked a significant departure from her country roots and showcased her artistic evolution. The album includes some of her biggest hits, such as the pop anthem “Blank Space,” which quickly dominated global charts upon release.

“Smelly Cat” has transcended its origins as a Friends-related comedic piece, being covered by numerous artists. Notable renditions include those by Chris Isaak, James Michael Tyler, and even co-star Courtney Cox, who portrays Monica Geller. In 2021, the Friends cast reunited for a special Reunion Special, where Lisa Kudrow performed “Smelly Cat” alongside the iconic singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.