Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at the premiere of Toy Story 5 in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, where she performed her new song from the film before joining legendary composer Randy Newman on stage for a special duet.
The singer, who wrote and produced original track "I Knew It, I Knew You" alongside longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, walked the red carpet ahead of the screening at the Dolby Theatre.
#TaylorSwift performs new song “I Knew It, I Knew You” at ‘Toy Story 5’ premiere and screening pic.twitter.com/QYt9HBBbrR
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 10, 2026
Swift was not listed among the guests expected to attend, making her arrival an unexpected highlight of the evening.
Following the screening, the Grammy-winning star took to the stage to perform the emotional ballad on piano.
She later welcomed Newman to join her for a rendition of the beloved Toy Story classic "You've Got a Friend in Me", earning a standing ovation from the audience.
Taylor Swift and Randy Newman perform “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” at the #ToyStory5 LA premiere pic.twitter.com/Dyg0ryk8qX
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) June 10, 2026
Speaking to guests at the premiere, Swift expressed her excitement about being involved in the iconic franchise.
"It means the world to me to be a small part of the universe of these films. Toy Story 5 is my favourite of all the Toy Storys. I'm so lucky that I get to be a part of this. I hope you're all proud of yourselves, if you worked on this film."
She also paid tribute to the people behind the franchise, describing the film as a "masterpiece" and praising actress Joan Cusack, who voices fan-favourite cowgirl Jessie.
"It was an honor to write for her, and I am very lucky that I got to write for this film," Swift said.
Joan Cusack with Jessie attends the UK Launch Event of Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story 5' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London on May 28th, 2026. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for The Walt Disney Company Limited)
The singer went on to thank Newman for creating the musical identity of the Toy Story series.
"I am also lucky enough to be here because of someone else who is the architect of the Toy Story musical universe," she said. "He is the king of making us feel the absolute most and pulling at our heartstrings."
(L-R): Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody in Disney and Pixar's TOY STORY 5. Photo courtesy of Pixar. © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Released on June 5, "I Knew It, I Knew You" serves as Swift's contribution to the fifth instalment of the Pixar franchise. Inspired by Jessie's storyline, the song marks a return to the country-influenced sound that first launched Swift's career.
When announcing the track, Swift revealed that writing for the film was both a new challenge and a nostalgic experience.
"Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time," she wrote on social media. "Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once."
She added: "Being a Toy Story kid from the age of 5 til now… is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond."
View this post on Instagram
Toy Story 5 reunites Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang as they face a new threat when modern technology enters their child's home. The film arrives in cinemas on June 19.
(L to R) Woody, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack, Jessie and Greta Lee attend the UK Launch Event of Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story 5' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London on May 28th, 2026. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for The Walt Disney Company Limited)
Other stars attending the premiere included Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Greta Lee, who voices the film's new antagonist, Lilypad.
