Michelle Zauner Recalls Awkward Encounter With Taylor Swift

Meeting Taylor Swift didn't go as planned for Michelle Zauner, who performs under the moniker Japanese Breakfast.

The musician shared the story of their introduction during a panel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of Zauner's book tour for her New York Times best-seller Crying in H-Mart. In a TikTok video shared by a fan, the singer and author is seen retelling her embarrassing encounter with the pop superstar.

Zauner, who was nominated for multiple Grammys in 2022, recalled crossing paths with Swift at a Grammys afterparty.

"Behind me, I heard a voice go, 'I know this is really weird but can I just get a Diet Coke and vodka,' and I turn around and it's Taylor Swift," said the multi-hyphenate.

"I don't know what [comes over me]—I guess it's just alcohol, but I go, 'You know, I've been reading a lot of Hemingway and that song 'Invisible String,' you say, 'Isn't it just so pretty to think.' Is that a Hemingway reference?'" recalled Zauner.

Swift did not answer the question. "She just goes, 'Okay, English major!' and walked away," recalled Zauner. "I woke up the next morning and was like, 'Oh, noooo.'"

Both Swifties and Japanese Breakfast fans took to the comments to share their love for the endearingly awkward interaction.

"'Okay English major' is soooo Taylor Swift I'm crying," wrote a fan, while another remarked that the interaction "feels so incredibly on-brand for both Michelle and Taylor."

Another fan pointed out that Zauner's question was more wholesome than some of the other topics Swifties tend to fixate on, writing, "LOVE THIS. Swifties rarely talk real-life references to literature/art/films/events & spend most of their time w/conspiracy theories. So refreshing!"

Hopefully the two musicians can look past their clumsy meeting and cross paths again.