Watch: Taylor Swift perform 'New Year’s Day' live for Jimmy Fallon.

November 14, 2017 | by Rose Riddell

Taylor Swift was a surprise musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon tonight, where she performed a heartfelt rendition of her song ‘New Year’s Day’ from her just released album ‘Reputation’.

The performance was completely last minute, and marked Jimmy’s first show back at work following his mother Gloria passing away. The show’s producer/writer Mike DiCenzo explained via Twitter that they asked Taylor to perform on a whim as she had been in town for ‘Saturday Night Live’ and she said yes. Read the full thread:

A few words (i.e. a thread) about tonight's show. It was our first show back after Jimmy's mom passed away...

— Mike DiCenzo (@mikedicenzo) November 14, 2017

First, a quick word about Taylor Swift. She was not scheduled to do our show today. But we wanted something special for this first show back, so we asked her on a complete whim, since she had been in town doing SNL. She said yes with zero hesitation.

— Mike DiCenzo (@mikedicenzo) November 14, 2017

She sang "New Year's Day." No one had heard it. Suddenly she sings the line, "Squeeze my hand 3 times in the back of the taxi." I nearly gasped. Tears. I think everyone in the audience started sobbing.

— Mike DiCenzo (@mikedicenzo) November 14, 2017

I could see Jimmy silhouetted at his desk dabbing his eyes with a tissue. We all lost it. It was a beautiful coincidence in a beautiful performance. "Hold on to your memories, they will hold on to you," Taylor sang.

— Mike DiCenzo (@mikedicenzo) November 14, 2017

That hug between Jimmy and Taylor after the song was 100% real emotion. Whatever you think of Taylor, she did something beautiful for Jimmy and our show today, and we're forever grateful.

— Mike DiCenzo (@mikedicenzo) November 14, 2017

Watch Jimmy’s tribute to his mother:

And watch Taylor’s performance below…

P.S. Taylor Swift has announced she’s bringing her ‘Reputation’ World Tour to New Zealand - click here for everything we know so far.

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