In the ever-evolving world of music, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Taylor Swift, a global superstar whose career has been a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and artistry. Among her many admirers is country music icon Keith Urban, whose heartfelt praise for Swift’s journey has captured the attention of fans and media alike. In a September 2024 interview with The Times, Urban described Swift’s growth under intense public scrutiny as “remarkable,” noting, “It’s pretty brutal… Just trial by fire over and over — and always getting stronger for it.” Reflecting on her early career challenges, including the backlash from her 2010 Grammy Awards performance, Urban’s words underscore a deep respect for Swift’s ability to rise above adversity. This admiration is not new; it traces back to 2009 when Swift opened for Urban’s Escape Together World Tour and extends through their collaborations, including Swift’s Fearless (Taylor’s Version) re-release in 2021. Urban has also lauded Swift’s songwriting as “extraordinary” and hailed her Eras Tour as “the best of the best.” This article explores the inspiring professional relationship between Urban and Swift, delving into their shared history, mutual respect, and Urban’s reflections on Swift’s resilience and unparalleled artistry.

The Roots of a Musical Bond

Keith Urban and Taylor Swift’s connection began in 2009, when a then-19-year-old Swift joined Urban’s Escape Together World Tour as an opening act. At the time, Swift was riding the wave of her sophomore album, Fearless, which had catapulted her from a promising country artist to a crossover sensation. Urban, already a seasoned star with hits like “Somebody Like You” and “You’ll Think of Me,” recognized something special in the young performer. In an October 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, he recalled watching her perform and thinking, “This girl has her sights way past this thing.” Even then, Urban saw Swift’s ambition and vision, qualities that would define her meteoric rise.

Their time on tour together was marked by mutual respect and camaraderie. Swift, known for her playful side, orchestrated a memorable prank during one of Urban’s performances of “Kiss a Girl.” She and her band appeared onstage dressed as the rock band KISS, with Swift channeling Ace Frehley in full costume. Urban, laughing about the moment years later, described it as a testament to Swift’s ability to balance her serious artistry with a lighthearted spirit. “She’s never taken herself too seriously,” he told American Songwriter in 2024, reflecting on how that moment captured her charisma and humility.

The tour was a pivotal moment for both artists. For Swift, it was an opportunity to hone her craft in front of large audiences, building the confidence that would later fuel her stadium tours. For Urban, it was a chance to witness the early stages of a superstar’s ascent, an experience that left a lasting impression. Their professional relationship grew from there, evolving into a friendship rooted in shared values and a love for music that transcends genres.

Collaborations and Shared Stages

The connection between Urban and Swift deepened through their collaborations over the years. One of their most notable joint performances came at the 2014 Grammy Awards, where they shared the stage for a medley that showcased their chemistry as performers. Urban’s soulful guitar work complemented Swift’s dynamic vocals, creating a moment that fans still cite as a highlight of their shared history. The following year, Urban joined Swift as a guest performer during her 1989 World Tour in Toronto, further cementing their bond. Their onstage synergy was undeniable, with Urban later describing Swift’s ability to command a crowd as “a whole other level.”

Perhaps the most significant collaboration came in 2021, when Swift invited Urban to contribute vocals to two tracks on her re-recorded album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version): “That’s When (Taylor’s Version)” and “We Were Happy.” Urban was thrilled by the opportunity, sharing a story on The Ellen Show about receiving a text from Swift while Christmas shopping in a Sydney mall in 2020. “She said, ‘Hey, I’ve got a couple of songs I’m thinking of doing. I’d love you to sing on them. Do you want to hear them?’” Urban recounted. He listened to the tracks in the mall’s food court, instantly captivated by their emotional depth. “It was an unusual place to hear unreleased Taylor Swift music, but I loved the songs,” he said, laughing.

The collaboration was a nod to their shared history, as Fearless was the album that defined Swift’s early career when she opened for Urban in 2009. For Swift, including Urban on the re-release was a way to honor their connection and her roots in country music. For Urban, it was a chance to lend his voice to a project that showcased Swift’s growth as an artist and her determination to reclaim her work. The tracks, infused with Urban’s warm harmonies, resonated with fans, who praised the authenticity and nostalgia of the collaboration.

Urban’s Reflections on Swift’s Resilience

Keith Urban’s admiration for Taylor Swift extends beyond her musical talent to her extraordinary resilience in the face of public scrutiny. In his The Times interview, he spoke candidly about the “brutal” challenges Swift has faced, particularly early in her career. He specifically referenced her 2010 Grammy Awards performance, where she performed solo and with Stevie Nicks but faced criticism for being off-key. “It feels like now people have long forgotten all of the s**t she had to go through,” Urban said. “Just trial by fire over and over — and always getting stronger for it.”

The 2010 Grammys were a turning point for Swift, who was just 20 years old at the time. Despite winning Album of the Year for Fearless, her performance drew harsh reviews, with critics questioning her vocal abilities. The backlash was a public test of her resilience, one of many she would face in her career—from high-profile feuds with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian to her battle with Scooter Braun over the ownership of her masters. Urban, who has navigated his own share of industry challenges, recognized the strength it took for Swift to persevere. “She’s risen above so much BS to become the mega sensation she is now,” he told Perez Hilton in 2024.

Urban’s comments highlight a key aspect of Swift’s journey: her ability to transform criticism into fuel for growth. In his Rolling Stone interview, he praised her willingness to confront her “inabilities” and work tirelessly to improve. “She was always a great writer—she worked on being a better singer [and] performer. She got better and better and better,” he said. This dedication to self-improvement has made Swift a role model for aspiring artists, and Urban’s acknowledgment of it underscores his respect for her work ethic.

Swift’s Songwriting: “Extraordinary” in Urban’s Eyes

One of Urban’s most consistent points of praise is Swift’s songwriting, which he has called “extraordinary” in multiple interviews. In May 2024, following the release of Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, Urban spoke to People about her lyrical prowess. “God, Taylor’s songwriting, it’s so extraordinary. There’s really no adjectives for it. She’s such a great, great writer. This new album is just more proof of that in really great ways,” he said. His enthusiasm reflects a deep appreciation for Swift’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Swift’s songwriting has been a cornerstone of her career, earning her 14 Grammy Awards and widespread critical acclaim. From the storytelling of her early country hits like “Tim McGraw” to the introspective narratives of Folklore and Evermore, her ability to weave emotion, imagery, and melody has set her apart. Urban, himself a skilled songwriter with a knack for heartfelt lyrics, recognizes the artistry behind Swift’s work. In a 2022 interview with Billboard, he described her Midnights album as “one of her greatest works,” praising its sonic evolution and emotional depth.

Urban’s admiration for Swift’s songwriting also extends to her ability to reinvent herself. From her country roots to her pop and indie-folk phases, Swift has consistently pushed boundaries, a quality Urban finds inspiring. In a 2025 interview with Men’s Journal, he reflected on her 2017 album Reputation, admitting he wasn’t initially a fan but later came to appreciate its forward-thinking production. “She’s insanely talented and ahead of her time,” he said. “Sometimes, she’s way ahead of the curve.”

The Eras Tour: “The Best of the Best”

Urban’s praise for Swift reached new heights when he attended her Eras Tour with his wife, Nicole Kidman, in May 2023. The tour, a 3.5-hour journey through Swift’s discography, has been hailed as a cultural phenomenon, breaking records and redefining the concert experience. Urban, speaking to People, described it as “an amazing show” and “a whole other level.” “She’s absolutely at the top of her game,” he said. “This tour is just the best of the best.”

The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023 and continued through 2025, showcased Swift’s ability to connect with audiences on an unprecedented scale. With over 150 shows across five continents, the tour grossed over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time. Urban’s attendance at the Philadelphia show, where he and Kidman were spotted singing along to “Style,” became a viral moment, with fans praising his genuine enthusiasm. A TikTok posted by Urban captured the couple’s joy, captioned, “We had the best time!”

Urban’s comments about the Eras Tour reflect his appreciation for Swift’s showmanship and her ability to create a communal experience. The tour’s elaborate production, from its intricate set designs to its marathon setlist, mirrors Urban’s own approach to live performances, where connection with the audience is paramount. His praise for Swift’s tour underscores the mutual respect that defines their relationship, as both artists share a commitment to delivering unforgettable live experiences.

A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect

The professional relationship between Keith Urban and Taylor Swift is a testament to the power of mutual respect in the music industry. Urban, 56, and Swift, 35, come from different generations and musical backgrounds, yet their shared values—authenticity, resilience, and a love for storytelling—have forged a lasting bond. Fans have noted this dynamic, with one commenting on X, “I love that Keith Urban and Taylor Swift have always been friends and supporters of one another! They’ve both always been good to support other upcoming artists.”

This mutual respect is evident in their public interactions. Swift has spoken fondly of Urban, calling him “one of the kindest people in the industry” during a 2015 interview. Urban, in turn, has consistently championed Swift’s talent and resilience, from her early days as his opening act to her current status as a global icon. Their collaboration on Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was a full-circle moment, bridging their past and present while celebrating their shared history in country music.

Urban’s support for Swift also extends to her personal growth. In his The Times interview, he noted how “remarkable” it is to watch her “grow in public,” navigating fame’s challenges with grace. This sentiment resonates with fans, who have followed Swift’s journey through triumphs and trials. As one Facebook user wrote, “She’s awesome! Always held her own. Gracefully!”

The Impact of Urban’s Praise

Urban’s consistent praise for Swift has sparked widespread conversation, both among fans and in the media. His comments in The Times and other outlets have been shared across social media, with fans applauding his candor and support. “Keith Urban and Taylor Swift have always been friends and supporters of one another,” one fan wrote on Facebook, highlighting their enduring connection. Another commented, “She is amazing! Always has been & always will be,” referencing their shared performance of “Highway Don’t Care” with Tim McGraw at the 2013 ACM Awards.

The online buzz reflects the broader impact of Urban’s words, which have helped reframe Swift’s narrative as one of triumph over adversity. By acknowledging the “brutal” scrutiny she faced, Urban has drawn attention to her strength, inspiring fans to revisit her early career with fresh perspective. His praise for her songwriting and the Eras Tour has also amplified her cultural influence, reminding the world why she remains a dominant force in music.

Conclusion

Keith Urban’s heartfelt admiration for Taylor Swift is more than just praise from one artist to another—it’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of music to inspire. From their early days on the Escape Together World Tour to their collaborations on Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Urban and Swift have built a professional relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared passion. Urban’s reflections on Swift’s “remarkable” journey, her “extraordinary” songwriting, and her “best of the best” Eras Tour highlight the qualities that have made her a global icon: her ability to rise above criticism, her dedication to her craft, and her unwavering connection with fans.

As Swift continues to redefine what it means to be a superstar, Urban’s words serve as a reminder of the human side of her story—the trials she’s faced, the strength she’s shown, and the legacy she’s building. Their friendship, marked by pranks, performances, and heartfelt tributes, is a testament to the music industry at its best, where artists lift each other up and celebrate each other’s successes. For fans eager to dive deeper into this inspiring story, Swift and Urban’s shared history offers a wealth of moments that showcase their talent, heart, and enduring bond. As Urban so eloquently put it, Swift’s journey has been “trial by fire over and over”—and she’s emerged stronger every time.