Taylor Swift boasts an expansive discography, yet the artistic brilliance of her numerous cover performances often goes unnoticed. Fans, however, recognize her passion for honoring fellow musicians. Recently, Swift concluded her monumental Eras Tour, a nearly two-year celebration of her illustrious career that spans over twenty years. Along her journey, she has collaborated with a host of artists, including Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Bon Iver, while also delivering impressive renditions of songs by other performers.
During the early stages of her career, when Swift was still emerging as a country star, covers played a significant role in her performances. They allowed her to pay homage to influential artists while revealing her unique musical interpretation. With a talent for altering various genres—from unexpected ventures into hip-hop to rock—Swift’s covers have not only delighted audiences but also compelled her to revisit some of these songs multiple times.
10 “Lose Yourself” – 34 Times
Originally By Eminem
Surprisingly, one of Swift’s most covered songs belongs to the hip-hop genre: “Lose Yourself”by Eminem, a powerful anthem that has left its mark on pop culture. Swift has previously shared her admiration for hip-hop and expressed interest in collaborating with Eminem. Hence, it’s no surprise that she decided to cover this iconic song multiple times, totaling over 30 performances.
Her initial interpretation occurred in June 2007, during smaller performances while she opened for renowned country artists like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. This acoustic cover became a staple at her 2007 shows, with a notable return during her Speak Now World Tour in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2011.
9 “Cry Me A River” – 2 Times
Originally By Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, who gained fame as a member of NSYNC, transitioned to a successful solo career around the same time Swift was breaking into the industry. His song “Cry Me a River,”from his debut album Justified, marked a significant evolution in his musical style, shifting from pop to a more refined R&B sound.
Swift first tackled this sultry track at a small venue in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 2009, offering an unexpected yet compelling complement to her country-influenced vocals. She revisited the song during her Speak Now World Tour at Madison Square Garden in 2011, enchanting her audience once again.
8 “Umbrella” – 9 Times
Originally By Rihanna
Rihanna and Swift’s careers evolved parallelly, with significant releases occurring around the same period. In July 2007, at the Orange County Fair, Swift paid tribute to Rihanna by covering her hit “Umbrella,”which showcased Swift’s acoustic interpretation of a dance-pop classic.
Swift continued to perform this cover at various events, much to the delight of her fans. As Rihanna’s music matured, Swift seamlessly transitioned to other tracks, including “Take a Bow,”which replaced “Umbrella” in her setlist.
7 “Irreplaceable” – 7 Times
Originally By Beyoncé
Beyoncé and Swift have been acknowledged as the top two pop artists of the 21st century, according to Billboard. Despite fans frequently comparing the two, they enjoy a supportive friendship. Swift first covered “Irreplaceable”shortly after its release in April 2007 and included it in several performances throughout that year.
As a significant anthem of female empowerment, Swift’s cover echoed its popularity and strength during a crucial time in both their careers. Interestingly, “Irreplaceable” initially started as a country song, hinting at the fluidity in genres during their early careers.
6 “Baby” – 3 Times
Originally By Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber emerged as a YouTube sensation, garnering attention from producer Scooter Braun in 2007, the same individual who worked with Swift during her own meteoric rise. Following the release of his hit “Baby,”which exploded in popularity during the early 2010s, Swift honored her fellow artist by covering this nostalgic pop classic during her Speak Now World Tour stops in Toronto and later in Los Angeles.
5 “Livin’ On A Prayer” – 4 Times
Originally By Bon Jovi
During her Speak Now World Tour, Swift continued the theme of honoring local artists, providing an acoustic cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer”during her shows in Newark, New Jersey—where the band originates. She performed this classic four times throughout those dates, with a highlight being a collaboration with Jon Bon Jovi at the Winter Whites Gala charity event in London in 2013.
4 “Cool Kids” – 2 Times
Originally By Echosmith
During her 2015 performance in Philadelphia on The 1989 World Tour, Swift surprised the audience by inviting Echosmith to join her on stage. Their heartfelt hit “Cool Kids”struck a chord with listeners, making Swift’s cover a special moment that introduced the band to her vast audience. She performed the song again in Columbus, Ohio, further solidifying Echosmith’s presence in mainstream music.
3 “Leavin’” – 8 Times
Originally by Jesse McCartney
Jesse McCartney, a former teen heartthrob, burst onto the scene after his time in Dream Street. His song “Leavin’,”released in 2008, became a commercial success. Swift first covered it in February 2009 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, continuing to include it in her setlist during her Australian tour dates that March, thus sharing McCartney’s music with her international fanbase.
2 “Complicated” – 2 Times
Originally By Avril Lavigne
Swift honored fellow Canadian artist Avril Lavigne by covering “Complicated”during her Speak Now World Tour in Toronto in 2011. The song, a classic in Lavigne’s discography, aligns well with Swift’s style, allowing her to showcase her acoustic prowess. Interestingly, she later performed the song again in 2015 during The 1989 World Tour, this time alongside Lavigne, expressing admiration for one of her favorite artists.
1 “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” – 2 Times
Originally By Fall Out Boy
For her performances in Rosemont, Illinois, on The Speak Now World Tour, Swift chose to cover Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,”an iconic track that helped the band break into mainstream success. Her acoustic renditions delighted fans, and in a full-circle moment, she later collaborated with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump during The Red Tour in 2013, covering one of their later hits, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark.”
For more insights into Taylor Swift’s cover performances, visit Setlist.fm.
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