Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress celebrated for her roles in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, has once again captured the hearts of Taylor Swift fans worldwide. Known for her vocal admiration of the pop superstar, Zegler recently revealed her all-time favorite Taylor Swift song, sparking a wave of excitement and surprise among Swifties. The revelation came during a heartfelt moment at the stage door of the London Palladium, where Zegler is currently starring as Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical Evita. Her choice? The soulful, understated track “Cowboy Like Me” from Swift’s 2020 album Evermore. This unexpected pick has sent fans into a frenzy, with many praising Zegler’s taste and authenticity as a dedicated Swiftie.
A Viral Moment at the Stage Door
The moment unfolded after a performance of Evita when a fan asked Zegler to name her favorite Taylor Swift song. After a thoughtful pause, the actress responded with “Cowboy Like Me,” prompting gasps and cheers from the crowd gathered at the stage door. The interaction, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media platforms like X, where Swifties lauded Zegler’s choice. The video, shared by accounts such as @TSUpdating and @swifferupdates, garnered thousands of views and comments, with fans expressing delight at her selection from one of Swift’s most introspective and critically acclaimed albums. One fan wrote, “Love when someone doesn’t say Blank Space or Style for once,” highlighting the refreshing nature of Zegler’s pick, while another commented, “She has taste so true.”
Zegler’s choice of “Cowboy Like Me” is particularly noteworthy because Evermore is often considered one of Taylor Swift’s more understated works, overshadowed by its sister album Folklore and Swift’s more commercially dominant releases like 1989 or Lover. The song itself is a slow-burning, folk-pop ballad that tells the story of two con artists falling in love, blending Swift’s signature storytelling with a melancholic, Western-inspired melody. Fans were thrilled that Zegler chose a track that resonates with Swift’s deeper, more narrative-driven songwriting, with one Swiftie exclaiming, “I love how she’s such a genuine Swiftie.”
Rachel Zegler: A Proud and Vocal Swiftie
Zegler’s love for Taylor Swift is no secret. The actress has been a vocal Swiftie for years, frequently sharing her admiration for the 35-year-old Grammy-winning artist through social media posts, interviews, and public appearances. Her fandom goes beyond casual appreciation, as she has consistently demonstrated a deep connection to Swift’s music and its emotional impact. In a 2023 interview, Zegler revealed that she had a “mental breakdown” during Swift’s Eras Tour performance at MetLife Stadium when the singer performed “Getaway Car” and “Maroon” as surprise songs. “Not only did she play ‘Getaway Car,’ she also played ‘Maroon.’ I was having a mental breakdown in the audience,” Zegler shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Her passion for Swift’s music was also evident at a Sabrina Carpenter concert at BST Hyde Park, where Zegler was spotted enthusiastically singing along to Swift’s “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” from The Tortured Poets Department. This moment, too, went viral, with fans praising her unbridled excitement and Swiftie pride. Zegler’s connection to Swift’s music extends to her artistic journey, as she has credited the singer’s songwriting for inspiring her own creative endeavors. “For Rachel Zegler, being a Swiftie is not just about fandom; it is about celebrating the impact that Taylor Swift’s lyrics and performances have had on her life and career,” noted one outlet.
In April 2025, Zegler further showcased her devotion by releasing a voice memo cover of Swift’s “The Prophecy” to celebrate the first anniversary of The Tortured Poets Department, which she called her “favorite album to crash out to.” The cover received mixed reactions, with some fans praising her vocal delivery—“Rachel’s voice fits this so well it almost feels written for her”—while others were more critical, accusing her of leveraging Swift’s fanbase for attention. Nevertheless, the cover underscored Zegler’s willingness to engage with Swift’s music in a personal and creative way.
Defending Her Idol
Beyond her musical admiration, Zegler has also been a fierce defender of Taylor Swift against online criticism and media scrutiny. In October 2024, she spoke out in a Teen Vogue interview about the unfair treatment Swift often receives online, particularly regarding speculation about her personal life. “Why is Taylor Swift XYZ? You don’t know her. It’s so wild that you’re talking like that, because you don’t know her,” Zegler said, urging detractors to “spend your time learning a craft. Touch some grass.” She also called out the misogyny faced by female celebrities, citing Swift alongside other stars like Jameela Jamil, Jennifer Lawrence, and Chappell Roan.
Zegler’s advocacy for Swift dates back to at least 2022, when she criticized a Barstool Sports podcast host for making lewd comments about Swift’s relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. “It’s not news that the media is particularly (and unwarrantedly) cruel to Taylor Swift, but the way men feel entitled to speak about women, their bodies, and their lives needs to be seriously evaluated,” she wrote on X. Her outspokenness has resonated with many fans, who appreciate her willingness to stand up for Swift and other women in the industry.
The Significance of “Cowboy Like Me”
The choice of “Cowboy Like Me” as Zegler’s favorite Swift song has sparked discussions about her connection to the track’s themes. The song, co-written by Swift and Aaron Dessner, explores love, deception, and vulnerability through the lens of two kindred spirits who recognize each other’s flaws. For Zegler, a young actress navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, the song’s introspective nature may resonate deeply. Fans have speculated that its themes of authenticity and finding connection amidst chaos mirror Zegler’s own experiences in the spotlight, particularly given the backlash she has faced for her casting as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake.
The reaction to Zegler’s song choice also highlights the diversity of Swift’s fanbase and the varied ways in which her music connects with listeners. While songs like “Blank Space” and “Shake It Off” are often cited as fan favorites due to their mainstream appeal, “Cowboy Like Me” appeals to those who appreciate Swift’s more poetic and understated work. “I didn’t think I could love her any more,” one fan commented on X, while another tagged Zegler, saying, “We need a cowboy like me cover my queen.” The enthusiasm for her choice reflects the camaraderie among Swifties, who celebrate shared tastes and unexpected connections.
Zegler’s Rising Star and Swiftie Status
Zegler’s Swiftie status has only added to her charm as a rising star. Currently performing in Evita until September 2025, she continues to captivate audiences with her vocal prowess and stage presence. Her film career is equally promising, with roles in Disney’s Snow White and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes cementing her as a talent to watch. Despite facing online criticism, particularly regarding her Snow White casting, Zegler has remained resilient, often using her platform to advocate for positivity and inclusivity. Her defense of Swift and other female celebrities aligns with her broader commitment to challenging toxic fan culture and media narratives.
Her interactions with fans further showcase her down-to-earth personality. At the Evita stage door, Zegler recognized a fan she had previously cried with at a Taylor Swift concert, sharing a warm hug and asking if they had seen Swift’s recent “Shake It Off” performance at Travis Kelce’s Tight Ends & Friends concert in Nashville. The exchange, captured on video, highlighted her genuine connection with fans and her excitement for Swift’s music. “I’m so mad I love you,” she laughed, endearing herself further to the Swiftie community.
A Shared Love for Taylor Swift
Rachel Zegler’s revelation of “Cowboy Like Me” as her favorite Taylor Swift song has solidified her status as a beloved figure among Swifties. Her authenticity, vocal talent, and unwavering support for Swift have made her a relatable and admired presence in both the entertainment industry and the Swiftie fandom. As fans continue to celebrate her taste and share their own love for Evermore, Zegler’s viral moment serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect people across different walks of life. Whether she’s belting out Eva Perón’s iconic numbers or singing along to Swift’s ballads, Zegler’s passion for storytelling—both on stage and through Swift’s music—continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
