A viral rumor claimed Olivia Rodrigo’s team requested the removal of Taylor Swift’s photos from Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe before a 2023 performance. The cafe’s manager has now clarified the truth behind the speculation.
The Bluebird Cafe’s general manager, Erica Nichols, shared a video on June 18, 2025, to address the rumors. She confirmed that Rodrigo’s team never asked for Swift’s photos to be taken down. The removal was due to legal reasons related to copyright issues during filming.
Bluebird Cafe General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols clarifies some questions we’ve received: pic.twitter.com/wHyIYDd3a3
“We did have a filming with Olivia Rodrigo here. Olivia’s people did not ask us to remove an image of Taylor Swift. Nobody did. We removed an image of Taylor Swift that was in a position where the filming was taking place.”
Nichols explained that the cafe does not own the rights to many artist photos. For legal compliance, they must remove copyrighted images before any broadcast. The remaining photos of Swift stayed on the walls.
Olivia Rodrigo and her team apparently had asked The Bluebird Cafe to remove any visible sign of Taylor Swift before she performed there in 2023
The confusion started when a Bluebird Cafe employee joked about removing Swift’s pictures. In a viral video, the worker claimed they “vowed to remove any visible signs of Taylor Swift” before Rodrigo’s performance. Nichols called this a careless mistake.
“He spoke carelessly and haphazardly about it, maybe trying to be funny, I don’t know. But regardless, that image was removed for legal reasons. Please understand this was not anything between two artists.”
Fans speculated about tension between Rodrigo and Swift, especially after Rodrigo’s song “Vampire” was rumored to reference Swift. However, Rodrigo has denied any feud multiple times.
“I don’t have beef with anyone. I’m very chill. I keep to myself. I have my four friends and my mom, and that’s really the only people I talk to, ever.”
Swift and Rodrigo have a history of collaboration. Swift received songwriting credits on two of Rodrigo’s tracks, “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back” and “Deja Vu.” Both songs reference Swift’s earlier work.
The Bluebird Cafe holds significance for Swift. She was discovered there in 2005 at age 14. Nichols emphasized the cafe’s respect for both artists.
“Taylor is a super friend of the Bluebird, and we hold her in the highest esteem. We were honored to have Olivia here, and please know they both live extremely high in our regard.”
Rodrigo performed at the Bluebird Cafe in 2023 with Sheryl Crow. The acoustic set included a cover of Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy.” Fans later noticed Swift’s photo was missing in the background.
Nichols clarified that other artist photos were also removed for the same legal reasons. The cafe often replaces copyrighted images with their own posters during professional filming.
Rodrigo has previously praised Swift, calling her a “genius.” In a 2021 interview, she expressed admiration for Swift’s songwriting process.
“I would just love to just be in a studio with Taylor. I don’t even have to write with her. I just want to watch how she does it because I just think she’s such a genius.”
Despite fan theories, Rodrigo insists her songs are open to interpretation. She avoids confirming if any track is about a specific person.
“I never want to say who any of my songs are about. I’ve never done that before in my career and probably won’t. I think it’s better to not pigeonhole a song to being about this one thing.”
The Bluebird Cafe incident highlights how small misunderstandings can spark major rumors. Social media often amplifies speculation, especially involving high-profile artists.
Nichols urged fans not to misinterpret the situation. The cafe supports all musicians and aims to avoid unnecessary drama.
“This was not anything between two artists. We support all songwriters, all artists and give them equal share.”
Swift has not publicly commented on the rumor. Rodrigo continues to focus on her music, dismissing online conspiracy theories.
“There’s so many Twitter conspiracy theories. I only look at alien-conspiracy theories.”
The Bluebird Cafe remains a key venue for emerging and established artists. Its role in Swift’s early career adds to its legendary status in Nashville’s music scene.
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