Taylor Swift Performed "ME!" at the Billboard Music Awards and Twitter Has Feelings
Is only Beyoncé allowed to have a marching band?

For the first time in six years, Taylor Swift is back on stage at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards and, naturally, fans are losing it over her performance. The singer opened the whole show with a really colorful performance of her new single, "ME!," with Brendon Urie on hand to help her kick things off.
Taylor dropped the single (on which Urie, of Panic! at the Disco fame, also appears) less than a week ago on April 26. The "Me!" music video topped the YouTube record for most-watched video in 24 hours by a solo and female artist with 65.2 million views. You can watch it here:
Much like she did in her music video, Swift brought out a marching band in pink, a bunch of dancers in pastel suits, and cute synchronized dance moves. Oh, and they rode in on a big sequined umbrella. Of course! She also rocked some amazing pink tips on her ponytail and was bold enough to sing live, which is why we stan a legend.
And while Twitter naturally gave her props...
Taylor Swift and Vegas’s own Brandon Urie open the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at the fabulous MGM Grand! @BBMAs @MGMGrand @JennMGMPR pic.twitter.com/HZsPBIM3h0May 2, 2019
...some people pointed out that using a marching band so soon after the release of Beyoncé's Homecoming, which documented her Coachella performance last year, might have been too close to the other legend to avoid comparison.
I am watching the Billboards why do Taylor Swift got a Band like Beyoncé? No personality. 🙄🤚🏾 pic.twitter.com/OFS5INOLVEMay 2, 2019
It was real bold of Taylor Swift to use a drumb line theme for her Billboards performance after Beychella. Real bold. Lol po lil tink tinkMay 2, 2019
Lol. Taylor Swift opening Billboard Awards with a marching band. Beyoncé effect.May 2, 2019
Not to get too "kids these days," but haven't kids these days heard of Fleetwood Mac?! This was in 1979:
Just sayin', they all wore the marching band lewk smashingly.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Selena Gomez Takes Makeup-Outfit Coordination to Rarely-Seen Levels
She heard "lady in red" and ran with it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
All the Details on Princess Kate and Prince William's Seriously Luxe Mustique Vacation
From a $42k villa with a private butler to a celebrity-fave bar, the Waleses are enjoying some fun in the sun.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
As If Doechii's Grammys Performance Wasn't Impressive Enough, She Did It With the Flu
Truly a sick performance.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Looks Like Kylie Kelce Didn't Love Taylor Swift Being Booed at the Super Bowl Either
The Instagram "like" says it all.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Why Kylie Kelce Didn’t Eat the Home-Cooked Meal Taylor Swift Made for Her During a Double Date with Travis and Jason Kelce
"This is going to sound terrible..."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Travis Kelce’s Family “Would Love to See" Him and Taylor Swift "Spend Their Lives Together"
“They’ve never seen Travis so happy with a girlfriend before."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Travis Kelce Felt "Helpless" When Taylor Swift Was Booed at the Super Bowl: "It Broke His Heart"
The NFL tight end "always protects" the singer.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift Didn't Join Travis Kelce on the Field After Kansas City's Disappointing Loss at the 2025 Super Bowl
But that doesn't mean she isn't supporting him.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
All the Celebrities in Taylor Swift's Box at Super Bowl 2025
It's quite a guest list.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Taylor Swift's Stress Is Palpable in Pics from the First Half of Super Bowl 2025
She's *this close* to becoming a meme.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Taylor Swift "Doesn't Want to Be the Center of Attention" During Travis Kelce's Super Bowl Moment
"He loves that she is super supportive, and he is the same with her, as they got each other's back whatever happens."
By Kristin Contino Published