“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest took a trip down memory lane, sharing a series of throwback photos from 2016. Among the snapshots was a photo featuring Grammy Award-winning Taylor Swift, offering a rare glimpse of the pair from earlier in their careers.
Seacrest’s Nostalgic Throwback
“The internet’s calling 2026 the new 2016, back when posts were less polished, filters were more intense, and we embraced cringe… Or maybe the last one was just me…” Seacrest wrote in the caption of the January 2026 post.
Many of the photos showcase the over-the-top filters people used to love, but one unfiltered shot stands out: him and Swift smiling together with her short bob from the “1989” era and, of course, her signature red lip. This photo is from March 2016 where Swift surprised Seacrest by showing up to the opening of Seacrest Studios. See the photo below!
Seacrest and Swift Back in 2016
“@taylorswift surprise of the century?! Thx for being part of our 10th opening today and everything you do for the kids #SeacrestStudios” Seacrest wrote in the caption of the March 18, 2016 post, which is the same photo he included in his recent throwback post.
Swift showed up to support the host as the Ryan Seacrest Foundation celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art, multimedia broadcast studio inside Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“It was thrilling to have Taylor surprise the patients, which made the day of our first broadcast at Vanderbilt even more special,” Seacrest told PEOPLE of the event launching Seacrest Studios. “She infused so much joy into the entire hospital community.”
Swift joined Seacrest for the ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the Nashville hospital. Then, she teamed up with Seacrest inside the new 723-square-foot studio for its inaugural broadcast. At one point, Swift was treated to a performance by the children, who scored autographs from both the singer and the host.
“I’m so thankful to be here when it’s opening,” said Swift. “And I just want to say thank you to Ryan for everything that he’s doing to help kids and to really change the hospital experience in the best way possible. So thank you for having me. Thank you so much for inviting me today. You’re amazing.”
In 2016, Seacrest hosted the farewell season of “American Idol” on Fox (ending in April 2016). He was also hosting his popular radio shows, American Top 40 and KIIS-FM, and producing shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” through his company, Ryan Seacrest Productions.
Swift kicked off the year by taking home three Grammy Awards in February of 2016: best music video (“Bad Blood”), best pop vocal album (“1989”) and album of the year (“1989”). In May, she won her 21st career Billboard Music Award for top touring artist. Through 2016, she earned 21 Billboard Music Awards, the most of any artist, according to Billboard.
