Taylor Swift’s influence on country star Chase Rice goes back more than a decade, and her early support is something he still credits as a turning point in his career. In 2012, Rice co-wrote the Florida Georgia Line hit “Cruise,” a track that was already gaining traction on the charts. When Swift tweeted her approval of the song, its popularity surged, giving it a crossover push that helped transform it into one of the most successful country singles of its time. Rice has since admitted that while the song may have found success on its own, Swift’s endorsement gave it an undeniable boost, saying her recognition “sure didn’t hurt.”


That moment came full circle in Nashville on June 24, 2025, at the Tight Ends & Friends event, where Rice and Swift shared the stage for the first time in years. Swift was seen enjoying Rice’s performance of “Cruise” before surprising the crowd with her own rendition of “Shake It Off,” using Rice’s guitar. For Rice, it was a chance not just to perform alongside one of the biggest artists in the world, but to personally thank her for amplifying his work when he was still building his name.


The story of Chase Rice and Taylor Swift highlights how a simple act of support from an established star can leave a lasting mark. Swift’s tweet didn’t just boost streams and radio play—it added credibility and introduced Rice’s work to a broader audience. More than ten years later, Rice still sees that moment as a defining part of his journey, proof of how one public endorsement can change the trajectory of a career.