A Teenage Taylor Swift Performs Her “Absolute Favorite” George Strait Tune in Honor of the King of Country

At this point, Taylor Swift could probably give a masterclass in performing at massive arenas. The pop star’s “Eras” tour has been an unstoppable force since 2023, grossing more than $1 billion. However, there was a time when the “Fortnight” singer needed all the advice she could get. And country legend George Strait was only too happy to dish it out.

See A Teen Taylor Swift Perform Her “Absolute Favorite” George Strait Tune

Much like Taylor Swift, George Strait has spent his career practically swimming in accolades. In 2009, the Academy of Country Music honored the “Troubadour” singer as its Artist of the Decade. Country music’s A-list filled the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to honor the country icon, including Toby Keith, Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

Still several months shy of her 20th birthday, Swift was firmly planted in her Nashville era back in the early aughts. The “Fearless” singer took the stage in a flowy white dress and bedazzled gold headband. As she prepared to play, Swift talked about being 16 years old and touring for the very first time as Strait’s opening act.

“I’d never been on a big stage before or sung in an arena, so I asked him if he had any advice,” Swift said. “And he said, ‘Yes, I do.’”

[RELATED: Taylor Swift Returns to Country Music With Amazing ACM Performance of “Betty”]

After a brief (but notable) pause, the young artist said, “I sensed I needed to ask a follow-up question.”

The crowd laughed, and Swift continued: “So I said, ‘How do you do that?’ And he said, ‘Just do it for about 25 years and it’ll feel real natural.’”

Clearly, the “Amarillo By Morning” singer taught her everything she knows.

Swift then broke into a sweet rendition of her “absolute favorite” George Strait song, his 2001 single “Run.”

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and it’s easy to forget Taylor Swift was once a fluffy-haired newcomer who needed reassurance about performing before sold-out crowds. But this just goes to show, you’ve got to learn from the best to become the best.

Featured image by Jason Szenes/EPA/Shutterstock