What Taylor Swift’s Resilience as a Performer Means to Her Fans

For many artists, rain storms, extreme heat, and lengthy delays would mean an inevitable show cancellation. For Taylor Swift though, they’re obstacles that she is determined to overcome for the sake of her fans.

Videos by American Songwriter

Swift knows just how fervent her Swifties are—and always have been. Their unparalleled passion has been on display at her Eras Tour. Few fanbases are showing as much pride in their work as the Swifties are, from their elaborate costumes to their commitment to traveling far and wide to see their favorite pop star.

[RELATED: Taylor Swift Wins Big at Billboard Music Awards, Taking Home 10 Trophies]

In return, Swift gives it her all every time she steps on stage. We can’t think of many artists that could power through a three-hour concert three days a week—let alone with all the hurdles Swift has had to jump through. Swift has proven her loyalty to her fans time and time again on this tour. See what fans are saying about her commitment to her performances, below.

Rain Shows

A tour plotted in open-air venues means Mother Nature will eventually rear her head. Swift makes the most out of her rain shows though, leaning into the magic of dancing in the pouring rain. Swift not letting a little (or a lot) of rain get in the way of delivering her career-spanning set has become so beloved by fans that they might actually prefer it.

X (formerly Twitter) user @mackenzi_dugan wrote “50% chance i get a taylor rain show, pls” back when Swift was slated to play in the Tampa area. We can’t think of many tours where the chance of rain is something to be excited about.

User @Ceci20GS agreed, writing “Taylor rain shows just hit different” alongside photos of Swift performing her heart out in the middle of a storm. Check them out, below.

Her third show in Nashville, Tennessee was delayed due to lightning in the area. Despite a lengthy wait, Swift decided to perform the show in its entirety, finishing up around one a.m. It was one of Swift’s strongest shows of dedication to date.

“Dudes Taylor loves us…. name me an artist that still would’ve gone on for a three hour show after a 3 1/2 hour plus rain delay? And not cancelled?” @MammaSwiftie wrote on X, referencing the Nashville show.

Another user, @erikamcox, had similar sentiments, writing “Taylor Swift met us in the pouring rain in Nashville last night.”

“A four-hour delay, unrelenting rain, and lightening didn’t stop her from delivering a masterful three-and-a-half hour set,” they continued. “We left dazed, soaked, and giddy at 1:30am. It was magical.”

Extreme Heat in Rio de Janeiro

The worst obstacle on the U.S. leg of the tour was heavy rain storms. As we’ve covered, it didn’t manage to slow Swift down. On her South American leg, Swift has seen some even harsher weather that has made it difficult for her to continue to perform.

The heat index in Rio de Janeiro rose to as high as 139 degrees while Swift was performing there. Swift’s Friday night show in the Brazilian city was struck by tragedy, as a fan died shortly before Swift was supposed to go on stage. The extreme heat was stifling, but Swift managed to keep going for her fans.

She can be seen trying to catch her breath on stage toward the end of the three-hour set. For someone like Swift, who makes performing look effortless, to see her struggling on stage is a rare sight.

Though many musicians wouldn’t have been able to pull off a show like this off. It seems as though Swift’s mindset was that if her fans were willing to brave the heat, she would too.

“Taylor Swift literally is the one true Queen,” user @AunySillyMe wrote. “People weren’t allowed to bring in or drink water in 140deg heat …. So Taylor took matters into her own hands … and delivered water to fans. THIS is why I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT and you should too.”

“The ONLY person handing out water was the person who was on stage,” @shimmeringtay13 said of Swift aiding stadium security in handing out water to her fans.

Swift ultimately canceled one of her dates in Brazil, but she put in a valiant effort while she could. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans.

Photo by John Medina/Getty Images

Leave a Reply

Selena Gomez and Rema Accept Award for Top Afrobeats Song for “Calm Down” at Billboard Music Awards