At the 2024 CMT Music Awards, Little Big Town reminisced about collaborating with Taylor Swift, highlighting her unexpected backstage activity of playing video games with the band. The group revealed details of their long-standing relationship with Swift, including her involvement in their song “Better Man,” which won a CMA Award in 2017 and was later included in the vault tracks for Red (Taylor’s Version) in 2021. Despite Swift’s shift away from country music, her connection with Little Big Town remains strong, with mutual admiration and support for each other’s work evident in their interactions.
Embracing Fun Backstage: Taylor Swift’s Video Game Bonding
Let’s dive into the world of backstage shenanigans at the 2024 CMT Music Awards where the iconic Taylor Swift surprised everyone with her love for video games. Little Big Town spilled the beans on their experience with the “Love Story” singer, sharing some delightful moments of bonding over games and lip gloss.
Taylor Swift, known for her chart-topping hits and magnetic stage presence, revealed a different side of herself backstage. Little Big Town, who collaborated with Taylor on their 2017 track “Better Man,” shared how the pop sensation immersed herself in some good old video game fun. Karen Fairchild reminisced about their long-standing friendship with Taylor, recalling the early days when Taylor was just a budding artist hanging out in dressing rooms and belting out her first award show performance.
Unexpected Connections: Taylor’s Country Roots
Despite Taylor Swift’s transition to pop music with the release of “1989” in 2014, her country roots still shine through in unexpected ways. Little Big Town’s inclusion of “Better Man” on their album proved to be a pivotal moment in Taylor’s career, earning her a CMA Award in 2017. The song, originally penned during the “Red” era, found its way into the hearts of fans and eventually made it to Taylor’s re-recorded version of the album in 2021.
Phillip Sweet humorously recalled how he ended up with the track in his email inbox, setting off a chain of events that led to the band falling in love with the song instantly. Taylor’s gesture of sharing “Better Man” with Little Big Town not only solidified their bond but also showcased her deep appreciation for country music roots.
From Songwriting to Gaming: Taylor’s Versatile Talents
Taylor Swift’s multifaceted talents extend beyond songwriting and performing to include a surprising love for video games. Little Big Town members, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook, fondly remembered the camaraderie they shared with Taylor backstage, where she seamlessly transitioned from discussing lip gloss to engaging in gaming sessions with the band.
The intimate moments of laughter and fun highlighted a different side of Taylor, emphasizing her ability to connect with others on a personal level. It’s these genuine interactions that often go unseen by the public eye but hold a special place in the hearts of those who get to experience Taylor’s down-to-earth nature.
The Legacy of “Better Man”: Taylor’s Musical Impact
“Better Man” stands as a testament to Taylor Swift’s enduring impact on the country music scene, even as she explores different genres and styles in her career. The song’s journey from Little Big Town’s album to Taylor’s re-recorded vault tracks showcases a deep sense of mutual respect and admiration between the artists.
Taylor’s acknowledgment of the song’s success and her decision to include it in her re-recorded albums demonstrate her unwavering support for her fellow musicians. “Better Man” not only brought accolades and recognition to both Taylor and Little Big Town but also served as a bridge between Taylor’s country roots and her evolving sound.
Taylor Swift’s surprising backstage activity at the 2024 CMT Music Awards not only showcased her fun-loving nature but also underscored the genuine connections she forms with her peers in the music industry. From video game bonding to sharing heartfelt songs, Taylor continues to leave a lasting impression on those she collaborates with, solidifying her status as a versatile and beloved artist in the music world.
