It is undeniable that Taylor Swift is the artist of the decade—or even the century. Between having multi-platinum albums, breaking records at almost every award show she has been nominated in, and leading one of the most successful tours of all time, it is no secret that Swift is a powerhouse. However, there is something that people hardly give her credit for: her ability to spot the next big popstars.
Swift has always used her voice to advocate for new artists and fair record deals. When looking for her opening acts, she took the opportunity to pick music’s best up-and-coming stars, as well as choosing lesser-known artists to get them on the map. Every artist that Swift has toured with has had a tremendous breakthrough onto the charts.
Gracie Abrams, an acoustic singer from Los Angeles, had her moment this year with her album The Secret Of Us. Though Abrams has always had a small cult following, her popularity soared when she opened for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour. Now, she is currently taking her The Secret Of Us tour to Asia and has her album staying strong at the top ten on the Billboard charts.
Sabrina Carpenter, a Disney-actress-turned-pop star, is now Grammy nominated, going against Swift in multiple categories. Her songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” are now at a billion streams, and she is embarking on her own Short N’ Sweet tour. It has taken the internet by storm with the captivating choreography and bedazzled performance outfits.
Girl in red, an artist from Norway who had her song “we fell in love in october” go viral, opened for Swift and recently released her sophomore album, I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!. Her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on the song “You Need Me Now?” was a witty and unserious show of both of their talents.
Phoebe Bridgers, known for her unorthodox way of storytelling and sad girl aesthetic, is making it big with her new band Boygenius, featuring artists Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. Her collaboration with Swift on the album Red’s stormy song “Nothing New” expertly weaved her lower register with Swift’s bubbly soprano one.
MUNA, a band that started on the campus of USC, is made up of Katie Gavin. Naomi MacLeod, and Josette Maskin. Their summer pop song “Silk Chiffon” with Phoebe Bridgers showcased their sunny, California roots. Though they were dropped from their label RCA Records when the pandemic hit, they came back better than ever with Saddest Factory Records to release their third album, MUNA.
GAYLE went viral on TikTok for her cheeky song “abcdefu,” but made sure that her journey did not end there. With her alternative, indie sound and brash lyrics, GAYLE is making her slow but steady ascendance in the music industry.
Beabadoobee, a British pop star from the Philippines, is loved by Gen-Z for her DIY aesthetic and confessional bedroom pop songs. Her creativity, authenticity, and dedication to her work is evident in every lyric and beat that she produces. Recently, fans have been loving her “Glue Song” collaboration with fellow indie artist Clairo.
Paramore, everyone’s favorite 2000’s band, caters to the alternative and soft rock genre. Though most people know them for their songs “Still Into You” and “Misery Business,” this band has contributed much more to music. Their 2023 album, This Is Why, is an excellent exploration of how fame affects the personal lives of celebrities. Gritty and unpolished (in the best way possible), Paramore offers a cutting outlook on life to Swift’s tour.
HAIM, a band composed of three sisters from California, has been longtime friends of Swift. Known for their talents with a wide range of instruments and their folk-inspired melodies, this band is a staple in any indie lover’s diet. Swift has made surprise appearances on their tour as well, and offered a peek into how she would sound on an indie record on the remix of their song “Gasoline.”
OWENN, Taylor Swift’s former backup dancer, made his debut on her tour. With his pop sound and romantic lyrics, he was a surprising but necessary addition to the tour.
Taylor Swift’s precise selection of these artists, and their success following her guidance, displays her clear ability to spot a star. Talk of her founding her own talent agency has been running rampant, and with her recent hot streak, it seems like Swift would be perfect for the job.
