Selena Gomez Recalls Hearing Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ Before It Was Officially Released

Selena Gomez will never forget her first secret session with Taylor Swift (IYKYK).

Gomez, 33, opened up about the early days of her friendship with Swift, 35, during the Thursday, August 7, episode of the “Therapuss” podcast with host Jake Shane. Gomez said that finding a friend in Swift was the “best thing” that came from their respective romances with Nick and Joe Jonas.

“I was about 15, she was about 18,” the actress recalled. “That’s when it was the crazy, curly Taylor and she had all these bracelets that went all the way up [her arm].”

Gomez continued: “I believe ‘Love Story’ was the first song she ever played me and it wasn’t released yet. … It was in a hotel room and I remember it vividly. It was just, like, one of those songs I instantly heard and thought, ‘This is one of the most beautiful songs ever.’ So at that age, we became best friends.”

The Disney alum joked that she and Swift “bonded over the breakup, as girls do,” and the rest is history. “We stuck around for all the ups and downs that came after and here we are now, 16 years later,” she added.

Shane — a certified Swiftie — couldn’t get over Gomez being one of the first people to hear “Love Story” before it became a megahit. The song appeared on her 2008 album, Fearless, which won Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

“It was so sweet. She was like, ‘OK, I’m just gonna play you this song. … It’s gonna be the first single, I think,’” Gomez recalled. “Just hearing her say those little thoughts and then listening to it … she is a chameleon. She is incredible.”

Both Gomez and Swift have spoken candidly about their friendship keeping them grounded through the years. In July, Swift was on hand to celebrate her BFF as she rang in her 33rd birthday.

“Whether you cheered me on from the sidelines, shared in my highs and lows, or simply offered a listening ear, you have made this year unforgettable. I am extremely humbled and insanely appreciative of all your love,” Gomez wrote via Instagram, sharing a pic of herself and Swift. “As I step into this new year, I’m filled with excitement and hope for what’s to come. I look forward to sharing more moments with all of you, creating new memories, and continuing this beautiful journey together. MADLY LOVE YOU ALL 🥳.”

Swift previously shed light on the pair’s “sisterhood” in an interview with WSJ. Magazine in 2020. “I knew from when I met her I would always have her back,” the pop star said. “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.”

At the time, Gomez hinted that their bond goes even deeper than fans imagine. “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.”