As two of the world’s biggest female performers the parallels are obvious.
Both have sold millions of albums during decades-spanning careers, both have scooped countless awards – among them a combined total of 44 Grammys – and both have embarked on what could only be described as their most ambitious world tours to date.
Indeed, while country singer turned pop icon Taylor Swift closes the American leg of her five continent Eras tour, R&B legend Beyoncé is mid-way through her Renaissance tour, in support of last year’s critically acclaimed album.
Swift performed their first of her 146 Eras shows – conceptualized as a celebration of her journey through contrasting musical phases – at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium in March.
Since then the live extravaganza has worked its way across the United States, with a who’s who of celebrity friends, fans and rumoured lovers in attendance as she performed to packed stadiums from Minnesota to Michigan, Texas, Tennessee and beyond.
Meanwhile Beyoncé’s notably shorter roadshow – just 56 performances across Europe and North America – has not been without its own share of familiar faces.
An array of celebrity friends have turned out to support the singer since she opened the tour at Stockholm, Sweden’s Friends Arena on May 10.
But who wins the battle of the A-list supporters? Is it Team Swift or Queen Bey? Read on to find out more.
Both have sold millions of albums during decades-spanning careers, both have scooped countless awards – among them a combined total of 44 Grammys – and both have embarked on what could only be described as their most ambitious world tours to date
TAYLOR SWIFT
1. EMMA STONE
The Hollywood star was in attendance as Swift began her tour in Glendale. A subsequent video, posted online, captured Stone as she sung along to the singer-songwriter’s 2008 single, Love Story.
2. EMMA WATSON AND ESTE HAIM
Former star Watson had a magical time at Swift’s Nevada show in March. Fans filmed the British actress as she sung along at Paradise venue Allegiant Stadium, where she was joined by Este from the American indie-trio HAIM.
3. CHLOE GRACE MORETZ
Much like Emma Stone, fellow actress Moretz was also seen in Glendale, where she was seen dancing riotously with a group of friends.
4. SHANIA TWAIN
Man, Shania felt like a woman while watching Swift perform in Vegas. Taking to Instagram, the Canadian singer shared a video of the star performing her hit Blank Space in front of a packed stadium, with the accompanying caption: ‘What a show.’
5. LAURA DERN
Dern added a touch of Hollywood glamour to proceedings as she attended a Swift show with her daughter Jaya and son Ellery.
The celebrated actress later joined Swift backstage, where they posed for a photo alongside her children.
Captioning the shot, she wrote: ‘Celebrating our amazing buddy’s first show of tour. Extraordinary. Found family.’
6. SELENA GOMEZ
Former Disney star Selena was present as close friend Swift performed in Arlington, Texas, on April 1.
The actress and singer was joined by her younger sister Gracie, with both dressed in Swift inspired outfits while singing along to her big hit, Cruel Summer.
7. CARA DELEVINGNE
The British model and actress livestreamed Swift’s show after attending earlier this year.
Delevingne is close friends with the star, having previously featured in the promotional video for her 2015 single Bad Blood.
Following the gig, she joined Swift backstage – where they posed for a selfie that later found its way onto the model’s Instagram account.
8. ETHAN HAWKE
The Hollywood heavyweight was spotted chatting to Selena Gomez as they watched her Arlington show earlier this year.
Who knew they were friends?
9. BILLY JOEL
The legendary American singer headed ‘Uptown’ to watch Swift perform in Tampa, Florida in April.
Joel was joined by wife Alexis Roderick and their children, Della Rose, 12, and Remy Anne, five at the city’s Raymond James Stadium, where they were treated to a backstage meeting with the star.
Captioning social media photos of their encounter with Swift, he wrote: ‘Rockin’ into our new ‘era’ thank you @Taylorswift we loved the show!’
10. MATTY HEALY
The 1975 singer appeared to confirm a rumoured relationship with Swift when he appeared at her Nashville, Tennessee show on May 5.
Healy was seen with Phoebe Bridgers as the singer worked her way through the set, shortly after news of what would ultimately be a fleeting romance emerged.
As she performed 2020 track Cardigan, obsessive fans picked up on Swift uttering the same words spoken by Healy as his band performed their album track About You in Manila two days earlier.
‘This one is about you. You know who you are and I love you,’ she told the audience.
11. REESE WITHERSPOON
The following night it was Reese Witherspoon’s turn to watch Swift perform in Nashville, with the actress sharing footage of the performance on Instagram.
‘What a night to remember!’ she told followers. @taylorswift in front of 70,000 incredible fans.
“The stellar song choices, inspired choreography, other-worldly art design … an incredible night to dance, sing and feel so much JOY .. thank you @taylorswift and the whole ERAS tour team for shining so bright tonight.’
12. GIGI HADID
The American model has paid more than one visit to the Eras tour, having watched her in Tennessee before returning for a second helping in California.
Hadid most recently attended Swift’s concert on Friday, July 28, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
She could be seen singing every lyric to songs in clips posted on her pal Patrick Ta’s Instagram page.
The two friends also also seen showcasing their growing friendship bracelets in a couple of photos together.
13. BLAKE LIVELY
The actress treated her children, daughters James, 8, and Inez, 6, to the singer’s first performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on May 12 concert.
Swift, who shares a close friendship with Lively, was seen acknowledging the star’s children, who later joined onstage.
Swift was seen holding James’ hand as she waved to the crowd before departing.
14. LENA DUNHAM
Twenty-four hours later the Girls creator was in attendance as Swift performed at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on May 13 – Dunham’s 37th birthday
In honor of her special day, Swift performed album track Forever & Always for the actress during the surprise song portion of her extensive set.
She told the audience: ‘This is a request from my friend Lena. It’s her birthday today, so I’m absolutely going to grand that request and also wish her a happy birthday.
‘She wanted to hear — and she’s here tonight, that’s also important. I’m not just doing this to send to her later. She wanted to hear Forever & Always.’
