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What a week, Swifties! 

Rumored tour documentary filming, a ton of new blue fits and the announcement of 1989 (Taylor's Version) cemented the L.A. stop of the Eras Tour as one for the books. The surprise song combos were top-tier, too. But how do they stack up against almost 50 other tour dates so far? 

In celebration of the past five months of touring, we've decided to unofficially determine which Eras Tour stop got the *ultimate* surprise song combo. All nights were unique, but let's be honest, some had us scream-singing along (whether that be in-person or via shaky TikTok livestreams) louder than others. 

So where does your show fall?

53. Houston N2 - “A Place In This World” and “Today Was A Fairytale”

Houston N2 girlies, we’re so sorry. We love baby Tay, but the single most generic debut song followed by a nod to the Valentine’s Day soundtrack is not a combo we’d wish on any Swiftie. 

52. Arlington N3 - “Jump Then Fall” and “The Lucky One”

Not horrible songs individually, but together? Unfortunately one of the most forgettable duos. Arlington N3 was far from being the lucky one. 

51. Seattle N2 - “Message in a Bottle” and “Tied Together With a Smile”

Hot take: “Message in a Bottle” should have stayed in the vault. That crisp 1989 synth-pop sound was just not ready yet. "Tied Together With a Smile" is a better-than-average debut moment, but def not enough to redeem this pairing. 

50. Philly N3 - “Hey Stephen” and “The Best Day”

If paired with another song, T-Swift’s teary-eyed piano rendition of “The Best Day” might have carried Philly N3 to a higher ranking. But busting out “Hey Stephen” on guitar first made for a predictable Fearless-themed Mother’s Day.

@all_too_unwell queue the tears🥲 #taylorswift #swifttok #swiftie #erastour #thebestday #taylorsversion ♬ original sound - ais

49. Foxborough N3 - “…Question?” and “Invisible”

Remember when Taylor Swift said that “...Question?” brought her “a lot of happy memories” amidst her fling with the infamous Matty Healy? What a time to be alive. This was a memorable duo, but lest we forget the torrential downpour of night 2 at Gillette Stadium? Rain shows should bring top-10 combos. “Invisible” has never been in anyone’s top-10 combo. 

48. Detroit N2 - “All You Had To Do Was Stay” and “Breathe” 

Who has ever said that they wanted either of these songs as surprise songs? We literally forgot they were options. Both were pleasantly surprising live though—we really enjoyed Taylor’s acoustic attempt at the impossibly-high falsetto “stay” in "All You Had To Do Was Stay." 

47. Houston N3 - “Begin Again” and “Cold As You” 

"Begin Again” is pretty, but fails to stand out on an album as extensive as Red. “Cold As You” is an angry Taylor ballad prototype. This song walked so “Dear John” could run. Too bad it hasn’t really stood the test of time—we lowkey forgot the lyrics. 

46. Houston N1 - “Wonderland” and “You’re Not Sorry” 

Biggest surprise of the tour: This being the first 1989 surprise song. An underrated jam for sure, but bold choice nonetheless, Tay Tay. “You’re Not Sorry” was vocally memorable, but only because the post-Joe emotions seemed to be running a little high. 

@marishka_gobin and one of her best songs!!! @Taylor Swift i love you so so much ❤️‍🩹 #foryou #swifttok #taylorswift #theerastour #fearlesstaylorsversion #yourenotsorrytaylorsversion ♬ You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift

45.  East Rutherford N3 - “Welcome To New York” and “Clean”

"WTNY" had to come around at some point during the New York shows. By the third night, it was unsurprising. Still an acoustic banger though. “Clean” holds the title of the first repeat, which is always bittersweet. Good songs, but not for the individualist girlies. 

44. Seattle N1 - “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” and “Everything Has Changed”

"TIWWCHNT" is bottom-tier reputation, but any reputation recognition on this tour is entertaining. We heart “Everything Has Changed,” but we were desperately missing Ed. It’s not the same. 

43. Philly N1 - “Gold Rush” and “Come Back… Be Here”

A predictable Philly choice with “Gold Rush” and a left-field recommendation from Phoebe Bridgers with “Come Back… Be Here”. Odd combo. Didn’t hate it though. Go Eagles!

@eliefares13 Gold Rush live in Philly! Taylor said Go birds!#taylorswift #theerastour #philly ♬ original sound - Elie Fares

42. Cincinnati N1 - “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” and “evermore” 

Taylor literally had to tell her fans to jump to the beat of "IOMWIWY." If that doesn’t tell you anything about this pick, I don’t know what will. But that "evermore" bridge? Priceless. We need a professional recording of Taylor singing Bon Iver’s part ASAP. 

40. Tampa N3 - “mad woman” ft. Aaron Dessner and “Mean”

Rarely do we meet someone whose fav T.S. song is “Mad Woman,” but “Mean"? An absolute crowd favorite. That final clap-along chorus is absolutely perfect for live performance. A good night for the girlies with big, angry feelings. 

40. Atlanta N2 - “High Infidelity” and “Gorgeous” 

Taylor at her most gimmicky. The April 29 show date made “High Infidelity” all too predictable, but we enjoyed the camaraderie of sharing that day with Tay. “Gorgeous” was the first reputation pick of the tour. A cute pick, but not our all-time fav, yk? 

39. Kansas City N1 - “Never Grow Up” and “When Emma Falls in Love” 

Brb, bursting into tears. We heart “Never Grow Up”, especially when it’s in celebration of Speak Now (TV) release day. The piano pick on the other hand? Totally unprepared. Concert-goers literally had less than 24 hours to learn “When Emma Falls in Love” before Taylor played it live. We probably would have been more passionate about this combo if she performed it just a week later. 

38. Las Vegas N1 - “Our Song” and “Snow on the Beach” 

In honor of Beabadoobee’s opening set on The Eras Tour, Taylor busted out one of her earliest hits. It was one of Beabadoobee’s favs growing up, and tbh, same. Tons of jumping and smiling and country-twanging. “Snow on the Beach” was underwhelming, but only because we missed our girl Lana Del Rey.

37. Tampa N1 - “Speak Now” and “Treacherous” 

A cute combo. The lilting chorus of “Speak Now” is oh-so fun to sing—and that bridge?? A T. Swizzle classic. “Treacherous” is a hit-or-miss pick for many, but it was perf for an acoustic piano performance. 

36. Foxborough N3 - “I Think He Knows” and “Red”

Infamously the only night thus far that has featured two acoustic guitar performances (thanks to the infamous Foxborough N2 downpour). This Lover-Red duo gave us alllllll the lovey-dovey feels. Not our #1 favs off of either album, but two adorable, well-matched songs. 

@alexandrafrancisco We got a new version of Red last night 😂 #ErasTour #GilletteStadium #TaylorSwift ♬ original sound - Alexandra Francisco

35. Denver N1 - “Picture To Burn” and “Timeless” 

Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want to scream “I hate that stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive” in a stadium with 70k other Swifties. You can’t. “Timeless” isn’t our fave Speak Now (TV) vault track, but this combo earns points for feeling like a trip to Taylor’s country roots. 

34. Detroit N1 - “Haunted” and “I Almost Do”

An absolute cult favorite and a song we forget exists. “Haunted” was the ultimate surprise for Detroit N1 girlies in preparation for the Speak Now (TV) release, but it felt pretty underwhelming to follow it up with a frequent Red skip. I could have really liked this combo, and you know what? “I Almost Do.” Ba Dum Tss. Sorry. 

33. Foxborough N1 - “Should’ve Said No” and “Better Man”

Another country Taylor combo, only done better. “Should’ve Said No” is “Picture To Burn”'s underrated (but equally as unhinged) little sister. Taylor loves performing it live, and we love scream-singing it with her just as much. And sorry Little Big Town, but “Better Man” performed by Taylor was a little too good.

@annapartlow Better Man live was pure magic #erastour #annapartlow #taylorswift #theerastour #gillettestadium @Taylor Nation ♬ original sound - Anna Partlow

32. Glendale N2 - “State of Grace” and “this is me trying”

"State of Grace” is a Red album classic, but it’s not our personal fave, tbh. However, “this is me trying” was a huge loss for the folklore gals, long before we had time to realize the significance of surprise song combos. This was the first night we realized that debut wasn’t on the setlist, though. A moment of silence, please. 

31. East Rutherford N2 - “Holy Ground” and “False God”

Again, “Holy Ground” is a divisive Red track. But love it or hate it, you’ll be spinning like a girl in a brand new dress to the thumping beat. “False God” was jazzy and dreamy, as it should be. Each song also had a strong lyrical connection to NYC, so kudos to Taylor for theming this combo *perfectly*. 

30. Nashville N2 - “Out Of The Woods” and “Fifteen”

OK, people l-o-v-e “Out Of The Woods”, and we get it. That bridge is top-tier. But it’s not meant for acoustic guitar! Too many repetitive lyrics and not enough epic backing vocals. We’re still glad she played it though. “Fifteen” was super sweet, especially knowing BFF and lyrical namesake Abigail Anderson was in the audience, too. 

@tswifticonicmoments Minneapolis Night 3 - Eras Tour #erastour #taylorswift #outofthewoods #outofthewoodstaylorswift #surprisesongserastour #ootw #1989taylorsversion #1989 #1989erastour ♬ original sound - tswifticonicmoments

29. L.A. N5 - “I Know Places” and “King of My Heart” 

Hearing the "KOMH" bridge live on piano was everything we’ve ever wanted! It’s just too bad that Taylor’s opener and IRL king of her heart Owenn didn’t get to hear it. We enjoyed an acoustic “I Know Places.” but honestly, it just had us missing the 1989 world tour. 

28. Chicago N3 - “Hits Different” and “The Moment I Knew”

When Taylor busted out an oh-so smiley “Hits Different” just a week after releasing Midnights (‘Til Dawn Edition), we knew it was one of her personal fave songs—and one of ours too. Especially that ultra-Swiftian bridge. “The Moment I Knew” wasn’t super special, but it’s got a belt-worthy bridge perfect for stadium performance.

27. Santa Clara N1 - “Right Where You Left Me” ft. Aaron Dessner and “Castles Crumbling”

We had been *begging* Tay to play "RWYLM" for months. When Taylor finally played this satisfying guitar duet with our boy Aaron Dessner, it was an Eras Tour high. But honestly? I stayed there—because "Castles Crumbling” just couldn’t compare. 

26. Arlington N1 - “Sad Beautiful Tragic” and “Ours” 

A beautiful, delicate little combo. Both of these songs are not given the credit they deserve—Taylor even said so herself when introducing the guitar song to the Arlington audience. But DW Tay, we heart "SBT" just as much as you. We particularly enjoyed the sadder undertones of “Ours” on piano. 

25.  Kansas City N2 - “Last Kiss” and “dorothea”

A whirlwind weekend of Speak Now (TV) festivities finally brought us the six-minute breakup ballad Last Kiss, koi fish guitar and all. It was devastating—just the way we like it. “Dorothea” was a random piano follow-up, but that playful piano riff quickly made us understand how perfect a follow-up it was. 

@kt_g95 July 9th was a special day ✨ #erastourtaylorswift #erastour #lastkisstaylorsversion #lastkiss #erastourkansascity ♬ original sound - Katie

24. Chicago N1 - “I Wish You Would” and “the lakes”

This pair gets points for range. The pulsing synth rhythm of "IWYW" is classically pop Taylor, while “the lakes” takes us on a trip to the folklore woods. Both are underrated favs that would leave almost any seasoned Swiftie satisfied. 

23. Atlanta N3 - “I Bet You Think About Me” and “How You Get The Girl”

"I Bet You Think About Me” is a Red (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) highlight. It’s got a whole lot of country sass and not-so-subtle Jake Gyllenhaal shade. To hear it live on acoustic guitar was our version of a cool indie music concert. "HYGTG" was a good time, too. Jake, take notes!

22. Chicago N2 - “You All Over Me” ft. Maren Morris and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”

If we could give out a “most surprising surprise song combo” award, Chicago N2 would win, no doubt about it. Not only did she bring out country star Maren Morris to sing her first Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) song live, but she dropped a scathing rendition of radio hit (and non-abum affiliated) “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” on us, no explanation. We didn’t even know that was an option! Not complaining though. The surprise songs surprised us, as they should. 

@thatloudlauren You All Over Me with Maren Morris at the Eras Tour 6/3. #taylorswift #taylorsversion #taylornation #erastour #erastourtaylorswift #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #taylor #swifttok #swiftie4ever #swiftie #swifties #fearless #fearlesstaylorsversion #marenmorris #surprisesongs ♬ original sound - Miss ‘Carthy

21. Pittsburgh N2 - “seven” ft. Aaron Dessner and “The Story of Us” 

What better place for Taylor to play “seven” than with Pennsylvania literally under her? Complete with Aaron Dessner tickling the ivories, too. Tay also rocked “The Story of Us,” which is totally head-bangable. We’re still sad it didn’t make the Speak Now setlist. 

20. Las Vegas N2 - “cowboy like me” ft. Marcus Mumford and “White Horse”

One word, two syllables: Them-ing. This combo captures country Taylor in the best, most comprehensive manner, aligning both songs in devastating cowgirl harmony. Complete with Marcus Mumford leading the haunting “cowboy like me” backing vocals, this Las Vegas combo had us wanting to buy a pair of cowboy boots ASAP. 

@hermana13_taylorsversion Surprise song - Cowboy Like Me with Marcus Mumford in Vegas 3/25! #cowboylikeme #taylorswift #tstheerastour #tstheerastourvegas #swifttok #marcusmumford #taylornation ♬ original sound - hermana13_taylorsversion

19. L.A. N2 - “Our Song” and “You Are In Love” 

Another fab display of T. Swift’s range. We’ve loved bouncing along to “Our Song” during every Taylor tour, but the lack of debut representation on the setlist makes moments like this extra special. And that “You Are In Love” bridge? Sobbing. There's a reason Taylor played these songs for the rumored Eras Tour doc. 

18.  Pittsburgh N1 - “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “The Last Time”

We’ve been waiting to scream “Mr. Perfectly Fine” in a stadium since 2021. And that key change? Totally worth the wait. “The Last Time” is a cult fave, and though we were missing Gary Lightbody’s duet, Taylor definitely did the song justice. 

17. Denver N2 - “Starlight” and “Back To December” 

As hopeless romantics and Twilight enthusiasts, Denver N2 delivered. “Starlight” is an underrated Red bop, and of course, “Back To December” gave us alllllll the bittersweet feels. Especially knowing that Taylor "Boy Tay" Lautner, Taylor "Girl Tay" Lautner and Taylor Swift are actually BFFs now IRL. 

@mollybrown717 Im unwell. Forever. #erastour #backtodecember #denvererastour #taylorswift #erastourtaylorswift #surprisesongerastour ♬ original sound - Molly Brown

16.  Philly N2 - “Forever & Always” and “This Love”

We heart “Forever & Always," always. Whether it's the original version, the piano version or the newest Eras Tour version. It's Top 3 Fearless.  “This Love” is also a glowing 1989 highlight. The perfect opportunity for Swifties to harmonize and bask in the beauty of 1989. Brb crying. 

15. Santa Clara N2 - “Stay Stay Stay” and “All of the Girls You’ve Loved Before” 

Say what you want, but “Stay Stay Stay” is a perfect little ditty—and even better when performed live. But the real takeaway from Santa Clara N2 was Taylor's performance of "All of the Girls You've Loved Before," an initially unreleased Lover track. We weren't expecting a live performance just yet, but that's what makes the surprise song set so fab. 

14. Minneapolis N1 - “Paper Rings” and “If This Was A Movie”

Two never-been-played surprise songs defined Minneapolis N1. "Paper Rings" was highly requested (by us, duh), and we were more than happy to hear Taylor strum those super fast (and super silly) verses. And to finally hear a live version of "If This Was A Movie" 13 years after its release? Straight out of a movie! 

13. L.A. N1 - “I Can See You” and “Maroon”

Look me in the eye and tell me that "I Can See You" isn't the *best* Speak Now (TV) vault track. You can't. Taylor busted out some of her vocals for this song too. And we're still processing losing "Maroon" for the second time. Midnights girlies, just breathe. Rumor has it they were filming the Eras Tour doc, so she needed to bust out some hits. 

@borismoris_ Please try to ignore my terrible singing my voice was pretty much shot by that point😭 #erastour #losangeles #taylorswift #icanseeyou #speaknow #surprisesong #losangelesnight1 #sofistadium #fromthevault #vaulttracks #latstheerastour ♬ original sound - Sophie Lee :)

12. Atlanta N1 - “The Other Side of the Door” and “Coney Island”

HOW has Taylor never performed "TOSOTD" live? Atlanta N1 girlies were gifted with the opportunity to scream that outro with T.S. for the first time ever, and we couldn't be more jelly. And in celebration of The National's latest album (ft. Taylor Swift!!!!), our girl sang us "Coney Island," a top-tier evermore piece with a bridge we haven't stopped talking about since 2020. 

11. Nashville N3 - “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” ft. Aaron Dessner and “Mine”

After four hours of thunderstorm delays, Taylor delivered to Nashville N3 attendees. "Would've Could've Should've" is a favorite 3AM track, with a bridge we wish we could scream-sing with 70,000 of our Swiftie BFFs All. The. Time. And to pair it with "Mine"? The Speak Now classic? A combo only dreams (and a little bit of lightning) are made of. 

10. L.A. N4 - “Dress” and “Exile”

L.A. N4 really had us missing Joe. "Dress" is one of our favs on reputation and we're thankful it finally got some Eras Tour representation. Even though we were sad Bon Iver was nowhere in sight, hearing that iconic piano introduction had us freaking out. Come back William Bowery! We miss you. 

9. Cincinnati N2 - “Ivy” ft. Aaron Dessner, “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” ft. Gracie Abrams and “Call It What You Want”

As the only night on the U.S. leg featuring more than two surprise songs, this combo had to make the top 10. Not only were the evermore stans fed with an Aaron Dessner appearance, but Gracie Abrams fans were given the ultimate surprise—a Taylor/Gracie duet. We can't stop thinking about it. And don't get us started on "Call It What You Want." Heavenly. 

@abbypittroff Another TS video bc everyone should see this masterpiece 😭 #erastour #surprisesong #cincinnatinight2 #imissyouimsorry #taylorswift #gracieabrams @Taylor Swift @gracie abrams ♬ original sound - Abby Pittroff

8. Tampa N2 - “The Great War” ft. Aaron Dessner and “You’re On Your Own, Kid”

This was a night for the fans. To hear “The Great War” live after battling the Ticketmaster queue reminded us why we lost our minds and fought the wars back in November. Paired with "YOYOK," a song about growing up and savoring life’s little joys, we really took the moment and tasted it. 

7. L.A. N6 - “New Romantics” and “New Year’s Day” 

Detective Swifties sensed this coming from a mile away, but we're so thankful that the rumors were true, not just terrible and cruel. What better way to announce 1989 (Taylor's Version) than with cult classic "New Romantics"? And what better way to end the first leg of tour with the bittersweet lyrics, "There's glitter on the floor after the party"? That's a trick question. There's no better way. 

@entertainmenttonight Taylor Swift celebrates the announcement of ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ by performing the fan-favorite, iconic bop “New Romantics” at the Eras Tour. 👑🫶 #tstheerastour #swifttok ♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight

6. L.A. N3 - “Death By A Thousand Cuts” and “You’re On Your Own, Kid” 

Another golden combo. Taylor knows that these are all-time Swiftie favorites and wanted to make sure they were included in the professional filming happening during L.A. nights 1-3. While both are repeats, they're amazing repeats. And to see Taylor smile as she sang "make the friendship bracelets" actually made our life. 

5. Nashville N1 - “Sparks Fly” and “Teardrops on My Guitar” 

Coupled with the announcement of Taylor's long-awaited third rerecording, Nashville N1 was a doozy. "Sparks Fly" embodies vibes of the Speak Now, and to start the song by singing "drop everything now"? It perfectly captured our feelings. Pairing it with OG fave "Teadrops on My Guitar" made this a combo for the ages. 

@sophietjackson This was my ultimate surprise song 😭💜✨ #fyp #taylorswift #erastour #nashvillesurprisesong #nissanstadium #speaknowtv #sparksfly @Taylor Swift @Taylor Nation ♬ original sound - Sophie Jackson

4. Glendale N1 - “Mirrorball” and “Tim McGraw”

Ah, the opening night of the Eras Tour. We were so naive then—remember when we thought "Tim McGraw" was part of the debut set? LOL. But jokes aside, this combination is next level. "Mirrorball" is one of Taylor Swift's most honest, fan-oriented songs, and we're just waiting for the day she finally plays it again. And to start the tour with her very first hit? Tay Tay comes full circle. 

3. Arlington N2 - “Death By A Thousand Cuts” and “Clean”

We don't know what else to say—except that this combination is priceless. Two of her career bests in one night. And let's not forget that she played the "DBATC" bridge *three* times. Three. Just to make sure it was perfect. If you attended Arlington N2, you're one lucky Swiftie. 

2. East Rutherford N1 - “Getaway Car” ft. Jack Antonoff and “Maroon”

Picture this: right after prescreening the "Karma" music video ft. Ice Spice, Jack Antonoff gallops onto the stage. Taylor and Jack banter, referencing only the coolest video known to mankind—the making of the “Getaway Car” bridge. A fan=favorite song played acoustically with a fan-favorite producer singing the backing vocals? We can’t believe it. And to top it all off, Taylor hits the piano with another fan favorite—the devastating Midnights ballad “Maroon.” An incredibly satisfying combo. 

@taylorsgoldwing getaway car- taylor swift with jack antonoff at the eras tour🫶🏼 #erastour #lyrics #fyp #taylorswift #swifttok #viral #taylorsversion #reputation #surprisesong #performance ♬ sonido original - ✩

1. Minneapolis N2 - “Dear John” and “Daylight”

This combo rivals the shock value of the folklore surprise album drop in 2020. We never thought she'd play "Dear John," the infamous name-dropping breakup song she hasn't played nor acknowledged since the Speak Now world tour. And just as we were beginning to process the guitar song, we hear the opening lyrics of Lover favorite "Daylight," complete with the soaring bridge vocals that Lover in Paris didn't have. Lives were changed in Minneapolis. Rumor has it that there are people (us) still recovering, months later. 

@jeannalees I can die happy now that I got to hear Dear John live #erastourminneapolis #dearjohn #erastour #taylorswift #erastourminneapolisnight2 @Taylor Swift ♬ original sound - Jeanna

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Top image: @taylorswift
Slider image: @tstourtips via Kevin Winter

by Laila Mayfield | 8/11/2023