Top 10 Best Taylor Swift Red Era Performances
#10: “Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran “Britain's Got Talent” (2007-)
Top 10 Best Taylor Swift Folklore Evermore Era Performances
When Taylor Swift’s first duet with Ed Sheeran happened, it was a big deal. An enthusiastic introductory video adequately hyped up both record-setting sensations, just before they took the stage together on “Britain’s Got Talent”. Each vocalist stood with a stage presence that complemented the other, and their harmonies blended seamlessly. Swift got in a few falsetto notes and pop-star-esque arm motions, while Sheeran bounced his shoulders to keep just the right level of melodic energy while nailing his vocals, too. Watching them sing and play their guitars, you can’t help but be captivated. This ended up being a precursor to their future collaborations, as well as a pleasant reminder of why they’re superstars.
#9: “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” with Fall Out Boy “18th Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (2013)
The 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show glistened with a sea of stars, from the runway angels, to the chic designer outfits, to Fall Out Boy (yes, Fall Out Boy). But wait, who’s that joining them? It’s T. Swift, sporting a UK flag-embroidered dress like modeling should be her day job. Of course, her singing was on-point, and she impressively spit out the accelerated lyrics of “Light Em Up” with ease. She also worked in an articulate introduction of the band members and models with the craft of a veteran emcee. Her presence and attitude were commanding, but she didn’t overshadow any one part of this phenomenal catwalk. We ate up that cool high five, and we think Tim Gunn would agree: she made it work.
#8: “Ronan” “3rd Annual Stand Up to Cancer Telethon” (2012)
There aren’t any extravagant costumes, set pieces or choreography for this one – only emotional sincerity in response to heartfelt tragedy. “Ronan” lyrically honors its title child, who passed of neuroblastoma. Inspired by blog posts from the boy’s mother Maya, “Ronan” pays poignant tribute to his memory. Swift does not perform it live often, but its debut during the “Stand Up to Cancer” telethon is undeniably moving. Though she remained composed, you can hear the shake in her voice and see her struggling to vocalize the words. Every syllable seems to collectively represent the pain of those who are familiar with a similar loss. It’s extraordinary that she didn’t cry during the performance…because watching it now, we sure are.
#7: “Begin Again” “46th Annual Country Music Association Awards” (2012)
The scene is a French café: an accordion plays, and we’re immediately transported into a romantic tale. Swift performed her ballad about the resurgence of love at the 2012 CMAs, draped in album-color-red among the appropriately theatrical atmosphere. She entered stage right and serenaded the crowd like a heroine from a classic Hollywood movie. Her dreamy eyes, poise and optimistic smile all sold the song’s story, conveying the complicated emotions that come with lamenting heartbreak and welcoming new romance. Her stellar delivery, bolstered by nuanced facial expressions and gleeful concluding smile, rightfully garnered a standing ovation. While her understated rendition at the Ed Sullivan Theater also deserves praise, it’s the CMA one that truly encapsulated the spirit of “Begin Again”.
#6: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)” “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Top 10 Best Taylor Swift Lover Era Performances
It was one of those musical moments that just felt destined to go down in history. Fresh off the release of “Red (Taylor’s Version)”, Swift decimated the late-night stage with a staggering anthem in the best way. Forgoing the typical two-song format for “SNL” guests, she optioned for one extended ten-minute set. “All Too Well” is a loaded, emotional tune, but she never lost stamina as her vocal, guitar-strumming and pose-striking muscles kept up with all the ballad’s highs and lows. While its parts called back to her younger days, we were undeniably seeing a woman who’d matured through many albums of life through this performance. Not just that, it represented the new “Red” era, the one that belongs to her, in gorgeous fashion.
#5: “22” “20th Billboard Music Awards” (2013)
Top 20 Best Billboard Music Awards Performances
The “Red” era was a great time to showcase Taylor’s many skills as an artist. Her live production of “22” for the 2013 Billboard Music Awards was a gorgeous spectacle, starting with a camera in her dressing room and ending with an uproarious onstage finale. The first part of this wild thing is in one shot, as camouflaged backup dancers materialize around Taylor while she marches through the hallways. There’s colorful costumes, a bicycle ride, and (mic drop) a surprise appearance by the Jabbawockeez. It’s all worthy of any A-list Broadway ensemble, and Swift shines as she kicks her legs and shakes her hips at the center of it all. It’s flashy, fun, and an extravagant manifestation of feeling happily young.
#4: “Red” feat. Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer & Eric Darken “47th Annual Country Music Association Awards” (2013)
T-Swift may have blossomed into an artist of multiple genres, but she’s never forgotten her country roots. Sometimes you have to listen closely to hear the influence, but she put it right in the driver’s seat for an acoustic version of “Red” at the 2013 CMAs. Featuring legends Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, and others, the performance deconstructed Swift’s electric hit by spotlighting a fiddle, a mandolin, and classic bluegrass instrumentation. There was a little call-and-response between Krauss and Gill, as well as some mesmerizing harmonies from the group. Notably, Swift has rocked this track a few times. Each version feels unique and unforgettable in its own way. But looking at her smile at the end, we’d wager this act was one of her favorites.
#3: “I Knew You Were Trouble” “40th Annual American Music Awards” (2012)
This was hard to choose, since Swift has slain many variations of “I Knew You Were Trouble”, notably at the 2013 “Brit Awards.” We also couldn’t forget her killer showing at the “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show”. But it was at the 2012 AMAs where “Trouble” was at its prime. With wardrobe and set designs like something out of “Phantom of the Opera”, the number featured Swift striding across the stage with an aura that blended confidence and uncertainty, consistent with the song’s motif. Then, as dubstep rose, her dress transformed, upping the affair’s rocking quality. She proceeded with extra determined force, electrifying the stage with her performance prowess. This is one show that has the power to bring anyone to their feet.
#2: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” “1989 World Tour” (2015)
The “Red” era gave way to the “1989” one, but thankfully, the latter’s world tour included this bangin’ interpretation of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. Clad in leather, Swift began with an electric guitar and cool arpeggios, almost teasing audiences. She then launched into a decidedly heavier version of the tune, leading the crowd in fist bumps and laying it all on the line. As Swift immersed her entire being into the number, we could feel any rage escaping. Of course, the star has given us endless awesome renditions of the hit, bringing it to life everywhere from “Dancing with the Stars” to the Grammys. But the “1989 World Tour” edition was almost pure punk rock, and remains utterly thrilling at every turn. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Holy Ground,” BBC Radio 1 (2019) Never Underestimate Her Superb Vocals & Way with Harmonies “State of Grace,” “The X Factor” (2011-13) She Can Sure Belt & Rock a Fedora “Eyes Open,” “VH1 Storytellers” (1996-2015) A Chill but Moving Couch Jam Session “The Last Time” feat. Gary Lightbody, “The X Factor” (2004-18) A Hypnotic Duet That Never Fails to Give Us Chills “Treacherous,” “Red” Acoustic Set (2012) An Intimately Honest Lullaby
#1: “All Too Well” “56th Annual Grammy Awards” (2014)
Top 10 Taylor Swift Musical Performances
Before she was one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, Taylor Swift was just a girl who wrote songs with her instruments. We saw a glimpse of that girl with this 2014 “All Too Well” performance, when she silenced the audience with her voice and piano. The intro was striking, passionate and soulful. But even as the band kicked in, our eyes were still transfixed on the star as she poured her entire body’s energy into each chord. Before “All Too Well”’s ten-minute version and its accompanying short film, the stripped-down original could still move mountains with its touching emotionality and fiery vulnerability. This hauntingly beautiful Grammy performance sure makes it feel like one of Swift’s most personal songs. Which Taylor “Red” era performance did we forget? And whatever did happen to that scarf…? Tell us what you think in the comments!
