Pop superstar Taylor Swift recently tapped singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter to open for her on tour, fulfilling a long-held dream for Carpenter. Looking back, the two artists have had a years-long mutual admiration that is now coming full circle.
Carpenter, 23, has been a Swift fan since she was a child posting covers on YouTube. Now their ongoing friendship has led to Carpenter supporting Swift’s Eras Tour in Latin America, Australia and beyond.
Here’s a timeline of the pop stars’ heartwarming bond over the years:
2009: At age 10, Carpenter uploads a cover of Swift’s “Picture to Burn,” marking the start of her fandom.
2010: Carpenter tweets about attending a Swift concert, writing she “can’t wait to have a world tour someday like hers!” This foreshadowed her 2023 opening slot.
2020: Carpenter shares how Swift’s album “Folklore” inspired her own intimate songwriting approach during the pandemic.
2021: Swift sends Carpenter a “Red (Taylor’s Version)” care package for her 22nd birthday, with a handwritten note calling her “your friend.”
2022: Swift and Carpenter are seen hanging out at the MTV VMAs afterparty, hinting at a blossoming friendship.
2022: At the American Music Awards, Carpenter presents Swift with Favorite Music Video. They share a sweet hug on stage.
2023: Carpenter attends Swift’s star-studded Grammys afterparty, further evidence of their bond.
2023: Carpenter shows support by attending Swift’s Eras Tour stop in Philadelphia amid her own tour.
2023: Swift announces Carpenter will open her Eras Tour dates across Latin America, a “dream come true” for Carpenter.
2023: Carpenter names her top three favorite Swift albums: “1989,” “Folklore” and “Midnights.” She calls touring with Swift a “masterclass.”
Looking back, Carpenter has admired Swift since the beginning of her career. Over a decade later, their mutual respect has developed into a friendship.
Now Carpenter will draw on her lifelong fandom as she opens for Swift on one of the biggest tours in the world. She’ll perform her own hits as well as covers of Swift’s songs to crowds of thousands.
For Carpenter, the opportunity is the culmination of years spent looking up to Swift’s songwriting and showmanship. She called the tour announcement “a dream come true.”
The two singers represent different generations in pop music. But their friendship demonstrates the power of female artists supporting each other across genres and age groups.
Swift welcoming Carpenter on tour is a full-circle moment showing the young artist’s dreams can come true. It provides a template for mentoring new talent that Swift will likely continue.
Both singers have bright futures ahead. And their friendship stands as an inspiring example of women lifting each other up in a competitive industry.
Fans will relish seeing the pop stars share a stage at last. It’s sure to be the beginning of an enduring, empowering relationship.
