In a BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge session that’s been making waves across the music world, YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) delivered a gripping, emotionally charged cover of Taylor Swift’s Cardigan, seamlessly blending it with Avril Lavigne’s 2002 ballad I’m With You. Backed by a haunting string ensemble—cello and twin violins—he reinvented the soft indie-folk original with raw, punk‑tinged intensity .
From the opening chords, his gravelly voice and stripped-down guitar captured the wistful heartache of Cardigan, before transitioning into the anthemic desperation of I’m With You. Critics praised the mash-up’s emotional cohesion, and fans took to social media showering him with love .
The cover made such an impact that Taylor Swift herself praised it on Twitter:
“WELL this took my breath away and I’m honored to hear Cardigan intertwined with the wonderful @AvrilLavigne’s masterpiece ‘I’m With You’. Bravo and thanks @yungblud!!”
Swift’s approval added fresh momentum to YUNGBLUD’s profile, sparking hopes among fans for a future collaborative studio effort.
This isn’t YUNGBLUD’s first daring Live Lounge moment—he’s previously mashed up Camila Cabello, Amy Winehouse, Travis Scott and more —but this Taylor‑Avril combination stands out for its emotional depth. Variety outlets describe the performance as “swells of orchestral warmth countered by punk‑raw vocals,” and “a breathtaking reinterpretation”.
The harmonious chemistry between YUNGBLUD and Taylor’s songwriting highlights his versatility. The mash‑up didn’t just blend two hits—it created something new: a narrative bridge across generations, from Avril’s early‑2000s angst to Taylor’s introspective folklore era.
Industry chatter is already buzzing: could this signal a new era of genre‑bending collabs? Fans are hopeful, with social media lighting up with tags: “@taylorswift13 x @yungblud = !!!” and “branching into edgier territory, please!”
Between YUNGBLUD’s magnetic live presence and Swift’s nod of approval, the music world is primed for a partnership. Whether a duet, remix or joint tour dates, fans are ready—and the artist himself has encouraged such conversation. As this Live Lounge moment sets hearts racing, we’ll be watching closely: sooner or later, a YUNGBLUD × Taylor Swift collaboration may just become reality.
