Neither Taylor Swift nor Selena Gomez are strangers to their drama making headlines, whether it’s due to a breakup or a public feud. But throughout their careers, they’ve never stopped publicly supporting each other. Since becoming friends while both dating Jonas brothers in 2008, they’ve danced at awards shows, performed onstage together, and most recently, hyped the other’s new music. Swift even made a surprise appearance on Gomez’s new HBO Max cooking show Selena + Chef. Even though the pandemic caused the duo to see less of each other, their friendship is still going strong.
Below, relive a celeb bond that’s built to last.
2008
In a 2017 interview with KIIS FM UK, Gomez opened up about how she and Swift met, and it’s rooted in the early days of their careers. “We actually dated the Jonas Brothers together! It was hysterical,” Gomez told the hosts, referring to her relationship with Nick and Swift’s with Joe. “It was amazing, because she was the girl with the big curly hair and all the bracelets and the cowboy boots. And I was definitely up-and-coming, and we just clicked,” she added. “It was the best thing we got out of those relationships.”
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September 2008
In September 2008, comments from Gomez indicate that they could’ve been friends even earlier than ’08. However, the two were first seen together at the premiere of the Gomez’s movie, Another Cinderella Story.
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October 2009
In an interview with Seventeen, Gomez was asked who she turns to for love advice. (She was rumored to be dating Taylor Lautner months before he would briefly date Swift.) “Every single problem I ever have is healable by Taylor Swift,” she said. “If I ever I have an issue, Taylor has gone through it, because she’s older than me, and she gives the most thought-out answers. And what I love about Taylor is that she does believe in the whole love story and Prince Charming and soul mates. Because of her, I haven’t lost faith. We literally talk every day.”
January 2011
Swift and Gomez hung out at the 2011 Peoples’ Choice Awards. That night Swift was voted Favorite Country Artist, while Gomez took home the trophy for Favorite Breakout Artist.
Christopher Polk//Getty Images
February 2011
The following month, Swift and Gomez attended the Vanity Fair Oscars party side by side.
Kevin Mazur/VF11//Getty Images
May 2011
The award show appearances continued at the Billboard Music Awards. Gomez attended alongside her boyfriend of six months Justin Bieber, while Swift looked on supportively.
Kevin Mazur//Getty Images
August 2011
Swift and Gomez also hung out at the Teen Choice Awards, where the latter performed “Love You Like a Love Song.” This same month, Swift even invited Gomez’s beau Bieber to perform “Baby” onstage at her Speak Now tour.
Kevin Mazur/TCA 2011//Getty Images
November 2011
A truly wild time was had at the American Music Awards, where Gomez and Swift hung out with future frenemies including Katy Perry and Bieber. In one photo, Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun can be seen a row back from Gomez and Swift, seemingly looming over the proceedings.
Christopher Polk/AMA2011//Getty Images
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Gomez performed her song “Who Says” with Swift at the Madison Square Garden stop of her Speak Now tour.
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July 2012
The following summer brought another Teen Choice Awards outing from Swift and Gomez. Each took home trophies from the ceremony.
Kevin Mazur/TCA 2012//Getty Images
May 2013
Swift’s feelings on Bieber and Gomez’s on-and-off relationship have clearly changed. A video surfaced of Swift backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, sticking her tongue out in disgust as she walks by the couple kissing.
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August 2013
At the 2013 VMAs, all eyes were on Miley Cyrus’s twerking performance. But Gomez and Swift each won awards for their videos of “Come & Get It” and “I Knew You Were Trouble,” respectively.
Kevin Mazur//Getty Images
May 2014
Swift talked about why her relationship with Gomez was so special during an E! interview. “It’s been the longest one I think either of us had really,” she explained. “When your life changes, and you become thrust into this really strange whirlwind where what your life is is different from what other people think your life is. And your life is commented on and your life is written about and fictionalized and all that. Both of us have kind of stuck it out and hung in there through all the different changes we’ve gone through.” Swift added, “Longevity is something you really can find very precious and rare in friendships.”
After attending the Met Gala, Gomez shared a video of the two dancing around the museum along with the caption, “And during.. sometimes you wanna just be you with someone who knows all your secrets.”
October 2014
In honor of Swift’s 25th birthday, Gomez shared a collage of the pair on IG. She wrote, “From hotel room album listening parties, kitchen dance floor album listening parties to driving on the pch, windows down album listening parties. -The best part is we were the only ones there. Each time. So happy, honored and proud to know you and your diaries. @taylorswift #1989 BUY IT!!! -now I’ll listen live from drowning in my bed sheets.”
November 2014
During the American Music Awards, Swift gave a rousing performance of “Blank Space,” while Gomez performed her post-Bieber breakup ballad, “The Heart Wants What It Wants.”
Kevin Mazur/AMA2014//Getty Images
Gomez also posted a picture from a girls’ night with Swift, Karlie Kloss, Lorde, and members of Haim.
December 2014
In a move that would foreshadow Tom Hiddleston’s “I heart TS” shirt, Gomez celebrated Swift’s birthday with a “TS” manicure.
January 2015
Gomez and Swift attended a Golden Globes after party alongside Lorde.
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images
March 2015
In March, Gomez shared snaps from Camila Cabello’s birthday celebration, which included Swift, Joey King, Hailee Steinfeld, and Jaime King.
August 2015
In August, Gomez performed her song “Good for You” with Swift during her 1989 tour. Gomez later captioned a photo of the pair performing, “After nearly 8 years of friendship, I just can’t wait to tell our kids we ACTUALLY got to perform in front of thousands of insanely beautiful people together. TWICE! I love you Tay. #bestnightEVER #whatISlife.”
Christopher Polk/TAS//Getty Images
After appearing in the music video for “Bad Blood,” Gomez was on hand to support Swift, a squad including Kloss and Cara Delevingne in tow, for the MTV VMAs.
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November 2015
Gomez shared a photo of herself and Swift hanging out with pals Gigi Hadid and Lily Aldridge on Instagram. “@taylorswift -we just show up. Thank you for making us and all beautiful women feel beautiful,” she captioned the photo.
The following month, Gomez celebrated Swift’s birthday with a sweet throwback post on IG. “I don’t know life without you Taylor,” she wrote. “Happy birthday!”
January 2016
At the start of the year, the friends had fun recreating a scene from Swift’s 1989 song, “Out of the Woods.” Gomez used Swift’s lyrics by captioning the post, “Are we in the clear yet?”
February 2016
Gomez was by Swift’s side at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where the latter won Album of the Year for 1989. In her speech, Swift seemingly referenced Kanye West’s recently released song, “Famous,” which contains the lyrics, “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that bitch famous.” Swift said while accepting, “I want to say to all the young women out there: There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame, but… someday when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there…”
Steve Granitz//Getty Images
That same month Gomez chimed in about Kanye West’s song “Famous,” telling SiriusXM’s “The Morning Mash Up” about Swift, “She’s killing it, and she kind of always has been.”
April 2016
Next up, the friends attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards together, where each won awards.
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June 2016
Swift was spotted with then-boyfriend Hiddleston at the Nashville stop of Gomez’s Revival tour.
July 2016
When Kim Kardashian posted a recording of Swift to Snapchat, which seemingly shows her approving West’s lyrics about her in “Famous,” Gomez fired off a series of tweets in defense of her friend.
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December 2017
In 2017, Gomez and Swift’s friendship was kept pretty quiet, other than eagle-eyed fans spotting a Swift easter egg in an episode of 13 Reasons Why, which Gomez produces. She also can be seen in Gomez’s “Bad Liar” music video.
But at the end of the year, Gomez publicly honored Swift’s 28th birthday with a small video and touching caption. “I’m glad you were born,” she wrote on Instagram. “You write all the thoughts some aren’t able to articulate. (ME!) Thank you for giving a voice to this world that is authentic and inspiring. I wish some knew how big your heart actually is.. it’s fierce, bold and freaking wild with light. I’m glad you protect that. Love you @taylorswift.”
Fans later pointed out that Gomez had inadvertently placed an Easter egg for Swift’s first single off of Lover in her caption.
May 2018
At the Rose Bowl stop of Swift’s reputation tour, the duo performed “Hands to Myself.” Swift later wrote about the moment on Instagram, “To the person I could call at any time of day, who has been there no matter what… you absolutely KILLED IT tonight and everyone was so excited to see you. I love you, and 60,000 people at the Rose Bowl loved you too.”
Christopher Polk/TAS18//Getty Images
After the performance Gomez gave a moving speech about her friendship with Swift to the thousands in attendance:
“Are you guys having a good night? I have to say thank you to my best friend of about 12 years, almost 13, and the reason why she has been one of my best friends is because this person has never ever judged a single decision I’ve made. She’s always met me where I’ve been. She’s encouraged me when I’ve had nothing to be encouraged about, and I don’t know if I would be as strong as I am if I didn’t have you and your family because you’ve changed my life. And—she’s going to kill me after—but honestly, thank you for the bottom of my heart for supporting someone who I know is the most beautiful, strong, independent woman I’ve ever met. So thank you as a best friend.”
Gomez captioned pictures from the evening, “I’m grateful for those I surround myself with. And this woman right here happens to be one of my favorites. Love our tradition and I love you.”
December 2018
Gomez supported Swift’s album Reputation once more by wearing some tour merch while skiing with friends.
January 2019
At the start of the year, Swift and Gomez seemingly welcomed another friend into their circle, Cazzie David. “20wineteen,” Swift captioned a blurry photo of the trio drinking white wine.
A source told E! at the time that Gomez “really leans on Taylor and considers her one of her best friends,” particularly in the aftermath of her treatment for her mental health.
“Selena and Taylor have been in touch since Selena left her treatment and are very close,” the source added. “Taylor has reached out several times and has shown her support and love.” The two are in a “really good place” and remain close despite consistent travel for work.
July 2019
Then came Swift’s drama with Scooter Braun, Bieber’s manager, who acquired the rights to her music catalog (first six albums’ masters) from Big Machine Label with his purchase of the record company. Swift penned an open letter, calling the situation the “worst case scenario.” Then Bieber posted his own response. In turn, Swift took to Tumblr to seemingly confirm that Bieber had cheated on Gomez.
She liked a Tumblr post that said, “‘we haven’t gotten to communicate our differences’ you cheated on her best friend and then publicly sided with the man who made revenge porn against her was she supposed to invite you over for tea??? Fuck outta here.”
MPI99/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images
August 2019
When Swift released her latest album Lover, Gomez was ready to sing her praises. “You’re just.. unreal dude,” she wrote on her Instagram stories over a photo of the song “Lover.” Swift reposted the photo adding, “I LOVE YOU SELENA.”
Taylor Swift’s Instagram
October 2019
After the late October release of Gomez’s new single “Lose You to Love Me,” Swift praised the song on Instagram. “This song is a perfect expression of healing and my absolute favorite song she’s put out yet. A triumph,” Swift wrote on her stories, which Gomez posted to her own.
Swift also expressed her excitement during an interview on New Music Daily With Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1. “She came over, she played me the video. I’m so proud of her,” she said. “She’s been through so much. I’ve watched so much happen in her life and had a front row seat to so much, and I’m so proud of her. She is such a revelation because now she’s making her best stuff.” Swift added:
“I am 100 percent convinced this is the best thing she’s done so far,” she continued. “Just from my perspective as her friend, I’ve just never been more proud. The things that she’s overcome, the situations that she’s risen above. It’s been a long time that we’ve been friends, and she’s the best. I’m really excited because when somebody has had great life experience, has had really tough things they’ve had to go through, and they can process that and make art that’s going to help other people, that’s what kind of song this is.”
A potential snag in Swift and Gomez’s friendship came a few days later when Gomez seemingly plugged Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS shapewear line on IG stories. “Legit so freaking comfortable @skims,” she wrote over a photo of herself wearing a pair.
Instagram
Hours later, that photo had been taken down and replaced with a Swift appreciation post. “My ride or die. I would die for this one,” Gomez wrote over a selfie of the pair and one of Swift’s cats. “Thank you for being by my side. You have taught me so much, walked through all of this with me, STAYED and you remind me to be a better human being. I’m on your side for life.”
Instagram
November 2019
After years of friendship, a Gomez-Swift duet could be on its way. On the Shelley Rome radio show, Gomez was asked if her and Swift ever had plans to collaborate musically. “Yeah! I mean super casual,” she said. “We’ve never been like no or never talked about it. It’ll happen when it happens, if it does there’s no pressure. She’s been my friend for 13 years. It would be awesome.”
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Later that month, Gomez stepped into the drama surrounding Swift, Big Machine Records’ CEO Scott Borchetta, and Justin Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun. Swift penned an open letter airing her grievances with her former label and new owner of her first six albums. This prompted Gomez to release her own statement on the matter, via her Instagram Story.
Her statement in defense of Swift read:
My heart is so heavy right now. It makes me sick and extremely angry. (I don’t mind if there may be retaliation) this is my opinion. It’s greed, manipulation, and power. There is no heart or thought of anyone else. No respect for the words my friend has written since she was a 14-year-old in her bedroom.
You’ve robbed and crushed one of our best song writers of our time an opportunity to celebrate all of her music with her fans and the world.
I have known Taylor for 13 years. She is the most dedicated, fearless, fiesty [sic], strongest woman I’ve ever known. People can say bitch but what I’m saying to you is that’s called a woman with true identity and strength who takes no shit. I listened to fearless before it came out and I just remember us jumping on a bed and she was just sparkling. ✨ -so proud of her diary being read by the whole world. Nervous of people not liking it… but that became one of the biggest records – an album that saved so many young woman who felt alone. Have a broken heart. Who were healing. Those who felt invisible. Gave a voice to those who didn’t know that they had one all along. Believing in dreams again. I continued to see how she has constantly challenged her self to create a beautiful life that belong to just her. So I can tell you first hand the MOST important thing to Taylor is her family, love, her fans, and her MUSIC. I really hope there is a change of heart over this unfortunate situation.
Seeing my best friend (or any of my friends) be constantly pulled down is the worst feeling. Taylor fights. She will never stop fighting. People grow from choices. Some will stay exactly the same. I just want a change of heart. I love you.
December 2019
Although Gomez wasn’t able to attend Swift’s Christmas-themed 30th birthday party while promoting her new album in Paris, she did write her a heartfelt tribute on social media. “Love living many many many years of life with you. You mean the world to me. You help me become better everyday. Happy 30th, @taylorswift,” she wrote. Swift reposted the message on her own Instagram Story and added an “I love you” sticker.
Instagram
One of the interviews to emerge from Gomez’s press tour for Rare revealed Swift had gotten emotional when listening to Bieber breakup songs from the record. Gomez recounted the experience of playing “Lose You to Love Me” and “Look at Her Now” for Swift and her mother, Andrea to KISS UK. “I was with her when I played her some of it,” Gomez began. “I’ll never forget when I did play the video for ‘Lose You to Love Me’ and ‘Look at Her Now’ at her house with her parents, and it was one of the coolest experiences because I’ve been friends with her for over a decade and love her family as well so I was like, ‘Do you just maybe see the video?’ and she’s like, ‘Amazing, of course.’ It was so hysterical. She just started turning off every single light off in the kitchen. And I was like, ‘This is not that intense, Taylor.’”
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Gomez continued, “And then she played it and her and her mom just started crying. Like, just tears and tears and all of a sudden, it stopped, and it’s going to make me cry thinking about it because it wasn’t about how great the song was—which is a lot, coming from her—it was just that they had been on that journey with me intimately, and they were crying because of how proud they were for me stepping into a whole new era of my life and it not involving the horrible things—the abuse, the emotional chaos. It felt like I had a huge sigh of relief and to see her and her mom feel that way, it was very sweet. It’s like an older sister and an aunt proud of their [friend]. It felt great to have people I love see it as that.”
January 2020
Gomez wasn’t by Swift’s side for her PDA-filled Golden Globes date with Joe Alwyn. But there was no need to worry about the pair’s close bond. In a new interview with WSJ magazine, both Gomez and Swift spoke about their longtime friendship. Gomez confirmed that they had become pals while both dating Jonas Brothers—Swift with Joe Jonas and Gomez with Nick. “We clicked instantly and, man, that was my girl,” Gomez remembered. She later added, “We both went through sh*t at the same time. She taught me a lot about how I should be treated at a young age.”
Swift felt similarly about Gomez. “There has always been this quality of sisterhood, and I don’t say that in a basic way,” Swift said. “I knew from when I met her, I would always have her back. In my life, I have the ability to forgive people who have hurt me. But I don’t know if I can forgive someone who hurts her.”
Swift and Gomez in May 2018.
Christopher Polk/TAS18//Getty Images
Gomez said that while some may feel like they understand her friendship with Swift, it’s more private than it looks. “There’s so much of my friendship with Taylor that people don’t know about because we don’t necessarily feel the need to post about everything we do,” she explained. “She has showed up for me in ways that I would have never expected. Flown in because I was hurt and was going through something. Stuff that was going on with my family. It’s been proven year after year and in every moment of my life that she is one of my best friends in the world. We don’t agree on everything, but we respect each other with everything.”
And prior to the release of Rare, Gomez said Swift supported her new music implicitly. “I remember Taylor said when I played her some of the new songs, ‘I feel like I’m seeing who you were before this [the Justin Bieber heartbreak and everything].’ That makes me happy. I like feeling like that girl again,” Gomez revealed.
When it came time for the January 10 release of Rare, Swift was quick to publicly congratulate Gomez. “Congratulations to @selenagomez and everyone who had a hand in creating this…Make sure to buy/stream/support this work of art and the beautiful soul who created it,” Swift wrote on her Instagram Story. Gomez posted a screenshot of Swift’s story on her own Instagram.
Instagram
April 2020
Gomez praised Swift’s songwriting abilities with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio show. She highlighted “Lover,” saying, “There’s nothing really to say other than this is another song that shows her ability to take it back to the old, to also combine it with her challenging to do new things with her music.” Gomez added, “I’ll always, not even biased, just think she is one of the greatest songwriters.”
July 2020
Another day, another project to support. When Swift surprise-dropped her eighth album folklore, Gomez was one of the first celebrities celebrating it on Instagram. “She’s done it again @taylorswift,” Gomez wrote on her Instagram Story alongside a screenshot of Swift’s new song “cardigan” and pink bow emoji.
Instagram
August 2020
Gomez’s Animal Crossing villager made a virtual appearance Animal Talking with Gary Whitta live-stream show early this month. During her appearance, she revealed that she’s working on a new album—and it could involve a Swift collaboration. When asked about her dream artist to work with, Gomez replied, “I’ll say there’s a few artists for sure, but I’ve always dreamt of doing a song with Taylor. I mean, we both wanted to do that. It’s just—everything remains in our friendship, you know? And so, it’s so—It just feels like we’re family. I’ve known her for 13 or 14 years now. So she’s been my best friend. But we’ve talked about it for sure.”
Gomez launched her latest TV project—her new HBO Max cooking show Selena + Chef in August 2020. During the fourth episode, she casually called up a friend while making Korean BBQ short rib breakfast tacos with chef Roy Choi. That pal turned out to be none other than Swift. “I’m gonna show my friend really quick. I’ve been telling all of my friends that I’ve been doing this. Out of everything that I’ve done in my career, this is the most outstanding thing I’ve done,” Gomez began before revealing Swift on FaceTime.
When Gomez showed her culinary creation to Swift, the singer responded, “Dude, I’m so proud of you. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to become obsessed with cooking?”
Gomez added, “She’s like my big cooking person. It’s a very big deal that I’m learning how to cook, and it’s good for our friendship.”
February 2021
On February 12, Gomez congratulated Swift on the release of Swift’s re-recording of her 2009 song “Love Story.” (Swift is re-recording her first six albums now that she is legally allowed so she can have full ownership of them.)
Gomez wrote, “So proud of you, as always, Tay…LISTEN to THIS album ❤️.” Gomez emphasized “THIS” in her post to make sure fans listen to Swift’s re-recording of her second album, Fearless.
Taylor Swift//Instagram
March 2021
On March 23, Gomez gave fans a rare look inside the two’s friendship. Gomez shared photos of her and Swift during a private hangout with Swift’s cat, Benjamin Button. “Kinda missin this one,” Gomez captioned the photos.
Swift liked the post and commented, “i love u like a love song bay beh 🥰,” referencing Gomez’s song “Love You Like a Love Song.”
Instagram
June 2022
On June 23, Swift and Gomez confirmed they remain the best of friends when Gomez used Swift’s song “The Man” on her TikTok promoting Rare Beauty, and Swift left a glowing comment. “It’s giving CEO it’s giving gorgeousness it’s giving friends forever,” Swift wrote to Gomez.
TikTok
July 2022
Swift and Gomez offered up a rare look at this friendship in celebration of Gomez’s 30th birthday. “30, nerdy and worthy,” Gomez wrote.
February 2023
Gomez made headlines for defending Swift on TikTok after a fan posted old footage of Hailey Bieber seemingly throwing shade at Swift’s music. “So sorry, my best friend is and continues to be one of the best in the game,” Gomez commented.
TikTok
March 2023
At the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Swift was honored with the Innovator Award. Gomez appeared in a tribute video where she had glowing words to say about her friend’s impact as a musician and woman in the spotlight. “She can represent what she’s walking through so well,” Gomez said. “She’s a role model. I don’t think that’s something you sign up for; I just think it’s something you inherently have inside of you, and I think that’s Taylor.”
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July 2023
Swift shared the first new photos of her and Gomez since 2023 began. Swift posted a carousel of images from her Fourth of July party. Gomez appeared with her in group shots and two Polaroids of just them. “Happy belated Independence Day from your local neighborhood independent girlies 😎,” Swift wrote. “See you tonight Kansas Cityyy.”
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Editorial Fellow
Savannah Walsh is an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com.
Starr Savoy is a fellow at ELLE.com, where she writes about celebrity, culture, beauty, and fashion. When she is not working, you will find her pumping iron at the gym, watching Netflix’s latest phenomenon, and indulging in retail therapy.
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Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
