In a heartwarming moment with fans outside London’s Palladium theatre, West Side Story and The Hunger Games star Rachel Zegler revealed her all-time favorite Taylor Swift song — and it’s a deep cut that left many pleasantly surprised. The 24-year-old actress, currently starring as Eva Perón in Evita, made the revelation after her stage performance during a casual meet-and-greet with her admirers.
A Swiftie’s unexpected pick
When asked which Swift song she cherished the most, Zegler paused momentarily before naming “Cowboy Like Me” — a soulful and poetic ballad from Taylor Swift’s 2020 album, Evermore. The choice immediately sparked excitement among fans gathered at the venue, many of whom are well aware of Zegler’s Swiftie status.
The reaction was just as lively online. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) lit up with admiration for Rachel Zegler’s unconventional selection. One fan commented, “Love when someone doesn't say Blank Space or Style for once,” while another posted, “I love that she's such a genuine Swiftie.”
A love for the deep cuts
What made Zegler’s pick stand out was its rarity. Cowboy Like Me — a somber yet captivating tune layered with emotional nuance — rarely makes the list of popular Swift tracks cited by fans and celebrities alike. Released on Evermore, Taylor’s surprise 2020 album, the song explores themes of love, vulnerability, and hidden truths.
This isn’t the first time Zegler has showcased her love for Swift’s music. Just days before her revelation, she sang “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”, one of the standout tracks from Taylor Swift’s 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department, ahead of attending Sabrina Carpenter’s BST Hyde Park performance.
A star on stage and off
Rachel Zegler continues to captivate audiences both on-screen and on-stage. Her portrayal of Eva Perón in Evita marks her return to musical theatre and is running at the London Palladium through September 6. Between sold-out shows and heartfelt fan interactions, Zegler proves she’s not just a powerhouse performer, but a genuine fan girl at heart.