Last Updated:January 13, 2026, 02:30 IST

Taylor Swift’s hits were played multiple times at the 2026 Golden Globes, much to fans’ delight, while Joe Alwyn and Charli XCX watched from the audience.

Joe Alwyn and Taylor Swift called it off in 2023.

Taylor Swift left her unmistakable mark on the 2026 Golden Globes without even stepping foot on the red carpet. The pop superstar’s songs echoed throughout the ceremony, creating a buzz among viewers and attendees alike, including her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn and alleged rival Charli XCX.

Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser, a self-professed Swiftie, revealed that she would kick off the evening walking to one of Swift’s hits. Speaking to E! News on the Golden Globes carpet, Glaser said, “I just want to have fun. I literally was having fun last time. You don’t know until it happens. I hope that happens for me tonight when I walk out on stage — to a Taylor Swift song by the way.”

Glaser, 41, further teased, “I never go out of style is all I’ll say. I’m so excited about it. It gives me this most confidence to strut out there to that song.” True to her word, she opened the night by taking the stage to “Style” and delivered her monologue to roaring applause.

Swift’s Hits Play Throughout the Ceremony

Other Taylor Swift tracks such as “Shake It Off” and “The Fate of Ophelia” were also featured at different points during the awards, creating some awkwardly hilarious moments for Alwyn and Charli, who were seated nearby. Fans immediately noticed the potential irony, especially as Alwyn’s Hamnet won Best Motion Picture – Drama that night.

One fan wrote on X, “Joe Alwyn having to hear ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ 💀.” Another added, “Charli XCX and Joe Alwyn just sitting there, having to hear it — I’m crying 😭 😂 Awkward, iconic, and unforgettable all at once.” Social media erupted with speculation and amusement, with many wishing the cameras had captured their reactions.

Past Relationships and Rivalries

Swift, 36, and Alwyn, 34, dated for six years before ending their relationship in April 2023. Sources told Page Six that the breakup “just ran its course” and “wasn’t dramatic.” Later in 2023, Swift got engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce.

Meanwhile, Charli XCX, who presented the awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, has been rumoured to have a feud with Swift, which came to light in October 2025.

Despite all the drama, one thing was clear: Taylor Swift’s influence on Hollywood and the Golden Globes remains undeniable, proving that even in absence, her music commands the spotlight.