Long "Live"

Taylor Swift's Top 13 Most Iconic LIVE performances

Streaming platforms are how most of us usually hear Taylor Swift songs, but once in a while she will perform something live that absolutely blows us away. Sometimes these versions have some kind of context or backstory that enhances the song, sometimes just the performance quality is enough to deserve a little extra love. Here is a chronological list of her most iconic live performances to date:

Tim McGraw, ACMAs, 2007

Taylor's older performances don't have the same showmanship that some of her new ones have, which is just part of being a young, up-and-coming performer. At this awards show, she sang her hit single "Tim McGraw" while serenading the actual singer, Tim McGraw himself.

Should've Said No, ACMAs, 2008

Taylor Swift begins this show with her iconic curls hidden under a dark hoodie, evidently prepared for a dramatic costume change. She clearly enjoys her time on stage, her face at the end says it all.

Long Live, Speak Now Tour, 2011

Outdoor shows can be risky, as any performer or event planner knows, since it is almost impossible to perfectly plan for weather. When it started raining at Gillette Stadium in the middle of Taylor Swift's performance, most people thought the rest of the show would have to be cancelled or postponed. Instead, Taylor finished out the show, everything on stage soaking wet.

All Too Well, Grammys, 2014

This track is well known for being powerful already, but this live performance shows the side of Taylor that she was expressing as she wrote this song. Real Swifties never looked at Jake Gyllenhaal the same way again.

Out Of The Woods, Grammy Museum, 2015

This slightly modified melody is performed so beautifully. Swift reveals more about her songwriting process as well as the emotions that went into these lyrics.

Wildest Dreams, Grammy Museum, 2015

Guitars are a staple in any Taylor Swift track, but this electric guitar rendition of the well-known classic "Wildest Dreams" is on another level. The added 'rock and roll' element shows a side of her personality that, up to this point, was not expressed very often.

New Years Day, Jimmy Fallon, 2017

Context makes all the difference in this performance. This was Jimmy Fallon's first show back after taking time off for his mother's passing. The show needed a last-minute act, and Taylor Swift happened to be in New York and agreed to perform. During his show, he talked about his mom and how she used to squeeze his hand three times to say "I love you". As Taylor sang the lyric "Squeeze my hand three times in the back of the taxi", there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Look What You Made Me Do, Jingle Ball, 2017

On the other hand, this performance is all about the production. The lights, costumes, background dancers and singers, and general tone all convey what this song is all about. This song was released as a single before her Reputation album, so it was already a hit when she sang it here.

I Did Something Bad, Reputation Tour, 2018

Anyone who has seen the Reputation Tour recording on Netflix knows that this performance is easily one of her best. The energy is incredible.

Clean, Reputation Tour (Tampa), 2018

Prior to this performance, Taylor Swift gives a speech about her court case that occurred one year before this concert. The full speech and intro to the song can be found in her documentary on Netflix, "Miss Americana".

Artist of the Decade Compilation, AMAs, 2019

Taylor Swift was awarded 'Artist of the Decade' in 2019 and performed this number at the awards show. The production featured songs from her past 7 albums, listed on her costume at the beginning and her piano for the finale.

Soon You'll Get Better, One World: Together at Home, 2020

This song was never going to be performed live, since it was so personal. Taylor wrote this song about her mom's fight with cancer, and gets emotional every time she sings it. This event was put on at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and many people who lost loved ones or were affected by the virus could relate to this song.

betty, ACMAs, 2020

This song commemorates several things for Taylor, it was her first performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards since 2013 as well as being her first live performance from her 8th album, folklore. The recorded track of 'betty' is explicit, so she sings the clean version for TV with a smirk.

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Due to the global pandemic, live performances by any artist have been extremely limited. Fortunately, we are able to look forward to hope for a time when we can all attend live concerts for our favorite artists. Taylor Swift is one of the most famous singers of all time, and there is no doubt that she will produce more incredible live productions in the future.