Bebe Rexha has been open for years about the 2019 Grammys, when she was nominated but couldn’t find a single designer willing to dress her because of her body type. At the 2026 MTV VMAs, she added a new chapter to that story: Taylor Swift personally reached out at the time, according to what Rexha told E! News on the red carpet. The two are the same age, and Rexha said that made the gesture land even harder.
Rexha called Swift’s message“really, really, really kind,”and said it made her feel like she belonged at a level few artists ever reach. On the same carpet, she remembered working with the late Dolly Parton on their 2023 collaboration“Seasons,”describing the icon as the most energetic, kind, and chill person to be around. Rexha, who was nominated for best dance for“New Religion”featuring Faithless, wore an all-black Dreaming Eli look for the night.
The whole thing is a reminder that the industry’s biggest moments often happen off camera, in a text, a call, or a quiet check-in. Rexha turned a story about rejection into a story about support, and that’s the version worth sharing. What’s the kindest thing a friend has ever said to you when you needed it most?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.