Don McLean applauds Taylor Swift’s talent, saying she puts more effort into a single song than he does during an entire performance.
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McLean remarked that this is the standard of excellence expected from today’s performers, both women and men, and it’s a very high bar.
Don McLean is expressing his admiration for Taylor Swift!
While speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet at the 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards on Feb. 7, the 79-year-old American Pie singer mentioned Swift, 35, when discussing standout stars from the recent Grammy Awards.
Although McLean didn’t attend Swift’s Eras Tour, he acknowledged her incredible performances, stating, “She puts more into a single song than I do in an entire night… I can’t comprehend how she does it.”
He went on to say, “That’s the level of excellence expected from today’s performers, both women and men, and it’s a high standard. I’m not even sure if she can top it again.”
The two have interacted before, particularly when McLean congratulated Swift for surpassing his record on Billboard’s Hot 100. Her song All Too Well (Taylor’s Version), which runs over 10 minutes, replaced American Pie as the longest song to reach No. 1 on the chart.
In 2021, McLean acknowledged the milestone on his website, writing, “There’s something special about a song that stands the test of time.”
He continued, “American Pie held the top spot for 50 years, and now Taylor Swift has claimed it. No one likes losing a record, but if I had to, I’m glad it was to another incredible singer-songwriter like Taylor.”
In response, the So High School singer sent McLean a bouquet of flowers, which he shared on Instagram, writing, “What a class act! Thank you, Taylor Swift, for the flowers and note.”
Later that month, McLean continued to praise Swift in an interview with PEOPLE, calling her a “major rock and roll force of nature” and expressing admiration for her career. He noted, “Taylor has taken this new era of entertainment to its peak with her incredible videos, records, and massively successful tours.”
However, McLean also shared concerns about how fame might impact the Fortnight singer’s mental well-being. Speaking to The Standard UK, he acknowledged Swift’s talent and dedication, saying, “She’s proof of what hard work and immense talent can achieve,” but noted that maintaining a balance between personal life and the public eye takes effort.
“People often think show business is all about being told, ‘Oh, you’re amazing, you should be a star,’ but Taylor was a star for 15 years before becoming a phenomenon—practically the size of the galaxy,” he said.
McLean went on to praise her work ethic, adding, “She’s constantly working, and everything she does—whether it’s videos, performances, songwriting, or records—is on another level. She just does it all better than everyone else, and suddenly, other artists seem outdated in comparison.”