Taylor Swift and Holly Humberstone backstage at Wembley during the Eras Tour, smiling together.
On August 16, Taylor Swift continued to delight fans during her Eras Tour, performing at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium for the second consecutive night.
Among the excitement, one special moment stood out: Swift’s warm and public appreciation for her tour opener, Holly Humberstone, a rising star in the music world.
Humberstone, a 24-year-old English singer-songwriter, has been garnering attention for her poignant lyrics and heartfelt performances.
This night marked a significant milestone in her career as she took the stage at Wembley, opening for one of the biggest names in the industry. For Humberstone, it was not just another gig but a dream come true — one she described as “the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep.”
Her gratitude was palpable, and the chance to perform at such a prestigious venue was a moment she surely won’t forget.
Taylor Swift, known for her generosity and support toward emerging artists, made sure Humberstone’s talent did not go unnoticed. As Swift began her main set, she took a moment to express her admiration for the young artist, giving her a heartfelt shoutout that resonated with the crowd.
“We’re very lucky on this tour and we have the most fantastic opening acts possible. You started off your evening with an amazing singer-songwriter,” Swift said, her voice filled with sincerity.
“I listen to her music all the time,” she added, explaining that her personal love for Humberstone’s work inspired her to invite the artist to join the tour. Swift encouraged the audience to show their appreciation, prompting cheers and applause for Humberstone, who had already won over many new fans that night.
Backstage, the camaraderie between the two musicians was evident. A photograph shared widely across social media, including by Humberstone’s manager Josh Sanger, captured the moment.
In the picture, Swift, with her trademark smile, posed alongside Humberstone and members of her team, clearly enjoying the time spent together behind the scenes.
Humberstone’s journey to this point has been marked by hard work and a steadily growing fanbase. Known for her introspective songwriting and captivating voice, she has become a prominent figure in the indie music scene.
Her collaboration with Swift is a significant step forward in her career, and the exposure from the Eras Tour is likely to propel her further into the spotlight.
Leading up to the performance, Humberstone hinted at her excitement through social media. Just a day before she was set to perform, she shared an acoustic cover of Swift’s song “Back to December,” from the album Speak Now, with her followers on Instagram.
The cover was a fitting tribute to the artist she would soon be sharing a stage with and a treat for fans who appreciate both musicians.
The Eras Tour, which has been nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, has featured a variety of talented opening acts throughout its run.
During her time in London, Swift has shared the stage with artists such as Suki Waterhouse, RAYE, Maisie Peters, and Paramore, each bringing their unique flair to the shows.
This diversity in opening acts highlights Swift’s commitment to showcasing a broad range of talent, offering her massive audiences a taste of different musical styles.
As Swift’s London performances continued, fans were treated to more surprises. On the night before Humberstone’s set, August 15, longtime friend and collaborator Ed Sheeran made a special appearance.
Swift and Sheeran performed several songs together, including their collaborations “Everything Has Changed” and “End Game,” as well as Sheeran’s hit “Thinking Out Loud.”
The surprise performance was a highlight for many in attendance, with Swift expressing her gratitude to Sheeran for taking the time out of his own tour to join her on stage.
“Every time I am doing the Red part of this show, I think about the memories that we’ve made. And now he is someone who plays Wembley, like every week — this is regular for him and he works so hard,” Swift said, reflecting on their long-standing friendship.
Her words captured the admiration she holds for Sheeran, not just as a fellow artist but as a close friend who has supported her throughout the years.
The Eras Tour’s London dates have been nothing short of spectacular, marked by emotional performances, special guest appearances, and the introduction of rising talents like Holly Humberstone.
As Swift prepares to wrap up her time in London with her final show on August 20, the anticipation for what’s next continues to build. Following her European leg, Swift will take a brief break before returning to North America, where she is set to perform nine dates in Canada, with Gracie Abrams joining her as the opening act.
The success of the Eras Tour is a testament to Taylor Swift’s enduring appeal and her ability to connect with fans across generations.
As she continues to shine a spotlight on emerging artists like Humberstone, she reinforces her role not just as a global superstar but as a mentor and supporter of the next generation of musicians.