Taylor Swift Welcomes Malala Yousafzai to the Eras Tour Fan Club With Her First “proper” Concert Experience

Published 08/18/2024, 10:59 PM EDT

Many have shared their dream-come-true moments inspired by Taylor Swift, from Suki Waterhouse to Ice Spice. Yet, even Swift might not fully grasp how her music has made dreams possible for those who once saw music as a privilege. Despite the glamor and glitter of the elite industry, Swift has reached the hearts of people around the pockets of the globe who may not shine outwardly but whose eyes reflect a desire for change. One such example is Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was recently touched by Swift’s performance at the Eras Tour.

Describing the concert experience as one of her firsts, Yousafzai expressed her gratitude and celebrated Swift.

Malala Yousafzai celebrates a one-of-a-kind concert experience at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

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Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai recently attended an Eras Tour show at Wembley Stadium in London with her husband, Asser Malik, and a few friends. On August 17, Yousafzai posted photos on Instagram from Swift’s concert, sharing a childhood memory related to the ‘Fearless’ singer to emphasize her first “proper” concert experience. She reminisced about a middle school memory when she and her best friend, Moniba, sang Swift’s hit song ‘Love Story’ together in a self-curated makeshift concert experience.

Describing the concert experience as “magical,” she reminisced about living in a time and place where “music and art were banned,” making music feel like a true gift. In 2008, when she was 11 and living in Pakistan, the Taliban took over her town of Swat Valley, prohibiting music and television, and banning girls from attending school. She reflected on how music gave her and her friends a sense of “confidence and freedom” in Swat and how her journey as a Swiftie began. 

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While celebrating what she now views as a privilege, she also voiced her hope that every girl around the world will one day be able to achieve their “wildest dreams,” just as she has. As one advocate for girls shared her awe-inspiring moment with Swift on social media, another made headlines thanks to Suki Waterhouse.

Suki Waterhouse is still star-struck after opening Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

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Suki Waterhouse recently spoke to Rolling Stone about her surreal experience discovering she would open the Eras Tour in London on Saturday, August 17. The following day, still in awe, Waterhouse posted a backstage photo on Instagram of herself and Swift hugging at Wembley Stadium, along with some charming dance footage from the evening. She reminisced that her last visit to the stadium was for Swift’s 'Reputation' Tour.

Expressing her disbelief, Waterhouse wrote that she never imagined her next visit would involve opening for her “favorite artist” in front of friends and family. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, she thanked Swift for the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to perform in her hometown, calling her “the world’s biggest and brightest star.” However, Waterhouse was not alone in her sentiments, as Swift made dreams come true for more than one person with the Eras Tour in London.

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What do you think of Malala Yousafzai's first "proper" concert experience at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

1127 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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