Taylor Swift explains why one of the most emotional and fan-favorite moments from the Eras Tour means so much to her.
In episode six of his Disney+ docuseries The end of an erathe singer reflects on the nostalgia and personal connection behind the show 22 every night and reviving a look that longtime fans instantly recognize.
During the episode, Swift explains that the moment is rooted in the original Red Tour, where the song became closely tied to a playful, carefree image.
“THE 22 This moment came from a hat I wore on the Red Tour,” Swift says as the images show her in a white T-shirt reading “There’s not much going on right now,” paired with glittery shorts and a black fedora.
“So I really wanted to bring back that moment, like spending a moment with a fan, where I actually get closer to them.”
This idea comes to life throughout the tour as Swift kneels, hugs young fans and places the fedora on their heads during the performance.
According to Swift, the child with whom she shares this moment is never chosen in advance by her.
“I have people in the audience scanning the crowd for the first two eras, trying to find a kid who knows every word to the songs and is having the time of their lives at this show,” she explains.
She adds that “this kid is basically like a representative of all the kids in that crowd that night.”
Swift also points out how each interaction can be different, depending on the child. Some become shy in the spotlight, while others light up instantly.
“It could be a little child who becomes very shy when all of a sudden he sees 60,000 people for the first time,” she says.
“Or, there might be kids who like to thrive under the bright lights, and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, I’m a pop star now.'”
For Swift, these brief exchanges are powerful reminders of why she performs.
“Everything happens around us and somehow we manage to have this moment be completely between us,” she says. “We meet and everyone disappears for a second. It just reminds me why I do it.”
The Eras Tour has featured countless versions of this now iconic 22 moment, each different but equally significant.
Fans can get a closer look behind the scenes in the final two episodes of The end of an eranow streaming on Disney+.
