Despite limited rehearsal, Taylor Swift & Zac Efron performed a song for Ellen DeGeneres; this collaboration was more than just a musical treat!


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SUMMARY

In 2012, Taylor Swift and Zac Efron paid a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The pair showed up to promote The Lorax, an animated movie

David Duchovny, Logan Marshall-Green, Stephanie Beatriz on Reverse the Curse | FandomWire Interview

Who could forget the throwback moment when Taylor Swift and Zac Efron playfully dissed Ellen DeGeneres on the latter’s show? With the same gusto as their dynamic performances on screen, Swift and Efron harmoniously strummed their guitars on The Ellen DeGeneres Show; the duo was there to promote their animated film The Lorax.

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In 2012, Taylor Swift and Zac Efron paid a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote their animated film, The Lorax. Taylor Swift in Anti-Hero | Vevo/YouTube
So, it was 2012, a time when the multi-talented Swift had already bedazzled the world, flourishing in both sensational tunes and compelling acting roles—like voicing Audrey in The Lorax. Efron, no stranger to the limelight with his High School Musical pedigree, complemented Swift’s radiance as they shared the spotlight in the 2012 Chris Renaud animated flick.

During their visit to the show, they performed an original song about DeGeneres’ interviews being “weird”. Well, this performance was subtle yet spicy commentary that had the host “sitting there sweating”, as one fan remarked.

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The Time When Taylor Swift & Zac Efron Took a Swipe at Ellen DeGeneres

In showbiz, it’s all fun and games until someone decides to dish out some truth. And that’s exactly what happened when Taylor Swift and Zac Efron appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in 2012 to promote The Lorax. What started out as a friendly chat turned into a not-so-subtle dig at the host herself.

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 SwiftCould million bucks in their stylish ensembles, were encouraged by DeGeneres to show their musical talents by playing a song for the audience. Little did the host know that the duo had a different agenda in mind.

The pair showed up to promote The Lorax, an animated movie. Taylor Swift, Zac Efron, Ellen DeGeneres | The Ellen DeGeneres Show/YouTube
As they strummed their guitars and sang the lyrics to Pumped Up Kicks, it became apparent that the song was a cleverly disguised critique of DeGeneres and her show. Efron sang about DeGeneres’ “weird” interviews and her “slick, cool sweaters”, while Swift added her own anecdotes about being pranked by the host and constantly grilled about her love life.

As the song continued, the Baywatch star noticed that Swift and he were referred to as “boyfriend and girlfriend”, which struck him as odd. “Every time I come on this show, it is really weird, really weird, all because of Ellen”, was the chorus that the two sang along to, set to the tune of Pumped Up Kicks.

The tension in the air was discernible as the song progressed, with Efron and Swift not shying away from calling out the quirks of the show that had irked them in the past. But despite the lyrical roast, DeGeneres took it in her stride, laughing off the jabs and praising the celebrities for their musical talent.

Needless to say, she chose to steer clear of addressing the content of the song, perhaps realizing that sometimes the truth hurts.

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Fans React on Ellen DeGeneres’ Collaboration with Taylor Swift & Zac Efron

Zac Efron in Baywatch (2017) | Paramount Pictures
The conversation began on a playful note, with Taylor Swift revealing that Zac Efron had taken just one guitar lesson from her. Efron, always the charmer, nodded in agreement. Ellen DeGeneres, seizing the moment, suggested they play a little something for the audience.

The performance, intended to be a light-hearted musical treat, instead became a platform for Anti-Hero singer and Efron to subtly critique DeGeneres’ hosting style and the atmosphere of her show. Moreover, the audience was quick to catch the subtext.

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The reaction from fans was mixed; let’s have a look at a few comments (via Instagram):

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Every single time I’ve been on this show it’s really weird, really weird, all because of Ellen” never heard truer words spoken. -@lolexis

Ellen sitting there sweating because they are finally calling her out. –@i_amfoodjunkie

Why did it feel like they didn’t want to make eye contact with Ellen. [email protected]

Yea but seriously it’s almost like it was Ellen’s life quest to make every guest feel weird and uncomfortable, like she wouldn’t have a fine line you need to have your limits. -@calvyflash

…all because of ellen gives me a chill down my spine. -@nvaslet

Anyway, DeGeneres’ plan to have Swift and Efron promote their film and have a light-hearted chat on her show may have backfired, but it also sparked a debate. With guitars in hand and smiles on their faces, Swift and Efron delivered a message that resonated far beyond the studio.