Top 10 Best Taylor Swift 1989 Era Performances

Before Taylor Swift takes center stage, the dancers and music set the scene, channeling the drama we love from her music video. But once that spotlight locks onto her, a transformative moment unfolds. Swift, renowned for her extravagant showstoppers, keeps things relatively straightforward this time— though straightforward in this context is still a magnificent spectacle. Whether her gaze is on her dancers or the audience, she ensures that we're ensnared by every word and utterly immersed in the performance's magnetic vibe. The stage is a battleground of emotions, and Taylor seizes it with fierce vocals and captivating moves, making it impossible for anyone to ever bear "Bad Blood" with her again.

Taylor Swift’s knack for reinventing her classics is an everlasting charm. It’s as if her old hits never go “out of style.” Take this banging version of “Style,” part of a medley from her “Reputation” tour. Fans went wild for its rockier edge and how Swift commands the stage like the world is her catwalk. It’s just Tay, her backup singers and dancers, yet the whole package is dazzling and keeps us gripped from the first note to the final beat. Her camera work here is flawless, too. Don’t pretend it hasn’t entered your mind to recreate her strut to camera while walking down a long street or down the aisles at the grocery store.

Oh, to have been one of the lucky fans selected to witness this exclusive rooftop concert! Imagine hearing “Welcome to New York” while looking over the stunning New York skyline. Or having excitedly made your way through the concrete jungle to have your breath taken by “Out of the Woods.” And talk about performing in “Style”! T-Swift even had the lights on the Empire State Building flash in time to her music. Concluding her set with “Blank Space” and “Shake It Off,” Swift ended the party on a soaring high note, leaving Swifties with an unforgettable core memory, no matter how you tuned in.

At the 2016 Grammys, Swift’s opening performance of “Out of the Woods” had the audience spellbound. The stage is transformed into an enchanted forest, with towering tree silhouettes, an ethereal mist, and dramatic lighting. As we’ve mentioned, Swift is known for her extravagant showmanship. But here, it takes little more than her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence to captivate the crowd. Collaborating with co-writer, co-producer, and friend Jack Antonoff, who skillfully plays the guitar, adds an extra layer of magic. Swift’s performance set the stage for a remarkable evening where she clinched multiple Grammys, including the coveted Album of the Year, proving she’s a talented enchantress of music and artistry.

Swift created an “Enchanted” moment for concertgoers, using the number from her “Speak Now” album to elegantly transition into “Wildest Dreams,” eventually mashing them up. Everything from the staging, lighting, and projections to her breathtaking vocals set up a dreamlike atmosphere. Even while performing to an audience of many tens of thousands, she has this remarkable gift of making her songs feel intimate, almost as if she’s singing directly to you. The number showcases Swift’s versatility as an artist and ability to make her audience feel like they’re living out their “Wildest Dreams.” It’s a testament to her ability to connect with her fans and provide a unique and immersive experience. We'll remember it forever.

A song as playful and irreverent as “Blank Space” offers ample opportunities for creative performances. Taylor Swift, in particular, is known for letting her wildest imagination run free during her renditions of this song. The performance from her “1989 World Tour” is undoubtedly a crowd pleaser. But we couldn’t possibly pass up a chance to talk about the one at the 2014 AMAs! With a stunningly intricate stage design, her performance mirrors the essence of the music video, recreating the drama and theatricality that initially captured our intrigue. Taylor received the “Dick Clark Award for Excellence” award that evening. If you ask us, she deserves a prize for excellence in practically everything she does.

From being a role model to an unofficial catwalk model, Taylor Swift sure knows a thing or two about trendsetting. In 2014, she embraced the Victoria's Secret Angels as her squad, serenading them as they walked to her appropriately titled “Style.” While the fashion is meant to take center stage here, Swift effortlessly swipes the spotlight with her charm. Her lively performance brings an element of fun to the luxurious show, and no doubt the Angels love having her on stage too. Her presence brings something special and unique to the event, and yes, she sings like an angel. It remains a true stand-out moment.

Coinciding with Swift’s 25th birthday, a Grammy museum exhibition called “The Taylor Swift Experience” was opened, celebrating the singer's remarkable success. In September 2015, Swift delivered an intimate performance at the Clive Davis Theater featuring stripped-back renditions of songs from her “1989” album. Her “Out of the Woods” performance speaks to something deep in our souls while her vocals on “How You Get the Girl” beautifully soar. “Wildest Dreams”, for its part, has us in a dreamlike trance. But “Blank Space” encapsulates all the qualities that define Swift as an outstanding performer. She's an exceptional vocalist, a compelling storyteller, and a true master of her talents. It also highlights her commitment to embracing her fans as a community.

Taylor's career underwent a transition with her “1989” album, as she shifted from country music and genre-melding tunes to full-blown pop. But what remained was the fun, vibrant, high-energy performances we’d come to know and love. Once again, she showed impeccable showmanship during her “Shake It Off” performance at the VMAs, easily captivating audiences with her stage presence, storytelling, and humor. As much as we'd also hesitate to leap from a lofty platform, tackling all those stairs and catching our breath just to hit that money note sounds like an Olympic-level challenge. Really, that alone deserves an award. We couldn’t shake off this performance quickly, but why would we want to?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Clean,” “The 1989 World Tour” (2015)
Stunning & Full of Warmth, This One Wrecks Us

“Welcome to New York,” “Prime Day Concert” (2019)
This Stripped Down Version Somehow Hits Even Harder

“You Are in Love,” “The 1989 World Tour” (2015)
We Could Really Feel the Love Then, & We Still Feel It Now

“Blank Space,” “35th BRIT Awards” (2015)
Now That’s How You Open a Show

“Welcome to New York,” “Good Morning America” (1975-)
“Welcome to New York” in New York? Sign Us Up!

Few songs can ignite an audience like “Out of the Woods,” especially when Swift pours her heart into it as she does here. The crowd is transported to a majestic forest, complete with atmospheric lighting, soaring paper planes, and Taylor's passionate vocals. Her magnetic charisma brings the song's emotional depth and captivating melody to life. She skillfully conveys vulnerability and authenticity while lighting up the room with her versatile and powerful voice. Even if just watching it online now, her commanding presence invites us to sing along. Some numbers are destined for a big stage, and this one always gives us chills. It will forever be a live performance that leaves us enchanted and exhilarated.

Which live performance featuring a song from Taylor Swift’s “1989” album can you never shake off? Find a “Blank Space” in the comments and write its name.