Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift's Friendship Almost Went up in Flames — Literally
"Every formative memory in my life is paired with a Taylor Swift song that helped me get through," Gracie told 'Vanity Fair.'
Published June 21 2024, 2:08 p.m. ET
Aside from her record-breaking songs, rabidly passionate fanbase, and high-profile relationship with "the guy on the Chiefs," Travis Kelce, pop sensation Taylor Swift is also known for having a girl gang that's absolutely packed with celebrity friends. While there are a few staple faces that have been around for a while, like Blake Lively and Selena Gomez, there are some names who have famously come and gone — think Karlie Kloss, as well as the drama surrounding Taylor's reportedly rocky relationship with Olivia Rodrigo.
One of Taylor's newest additions to her squad is up-and-coming singer Gracie Abrams, who opened for Taylor on her Eras Tour — and their fast friendship has fans wanting to know more. From a surprise phone call to a fiery behind-the-scenes video on Gracie's Instagram, here's a breakdown of their bond.
Gracie and Taylor first met in 2011 at Taylor's own birthday party.
As a Swiftie at heart, Gracie Abrams's dreams came true when Taylor reached out to her via cell phone to invite her to her birthday party. Gracie, who is the daughter of famed filmmaker J.J. Abrams, told Vanity Fair that the text came from an unknown number, and she didn't believe it was Taylor at first.
"Can you confirm something for me, or is there someone just trying to break my heart?" Abrams asked a mutual producer between the two, who confirmed that it was, in fact, the songstress.
Gracie later opened for Taylor's Eras Tour and even performed on stage with her.
Later on, in 2023, Gracie was selected as one of several opening acts for Taylor's record-breaking — and internet-breaking — Eras Tour alongside acts like Phoebe Bridgers, Paramore, and Taylor's close friends HAIM.
On one evening of the tour, when rain delayed the show and forced Gracie to forgo her portion of the set, Taylor brought the 24-year-old out on stage with her to perform her song "I miss you, I’m sorry." From that point, it was clear to fans that not only did Taylor support Gracie as a budding artist and colleague, but that the two were actually close friends.
In 2024, Taylor collaborated with Gracie on her album, "The Secret of Us" — and set her house on fire in the process.
In Spring 2024, Gracie's fans were shocked and thrilled to learn that Taylor would be featured on a track from Gracie's upcoming album, "The Secret of Us" — and it seemed like Gracie herself was pretty thrilled, as well. "Screaming so loud," she captioned the post, which shared the full tracklist.
The song, which came out with the full album on June 21, had fans in a chokehold from the moment of its release: "Gracie and Taylor actually came for my throat with the lyrics of 'Us,' how could they do this?" wrote another.
And not only did the song itself set the internet ablaze, but it seems that it also set Taylor Swift's literal home up in flames, as well. In a June 21 Instagram post, Gracie shared a set of behind-the-scenes videos of herself and Taylor working on the song — and in one, a small fire breaks out as Taylor rushes to extinguish it.
"Writing this entire song from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. @TaylorSwift, now we know how to use a fire extinguisher. I love you," Gracie captioned the post.
