When did Taylor Swift appear as a Mega Mentor on The Voice? Details explored

Taylor Swift, a prominent figure in the music industry, is known for her appearances as a Mega Mentor on The Voice. She first appeared in this role during season 4 in 2013 and returned in seasons 7 (2014) and 17 (2019). In this role, she emphasizes giving contestants specific and direct feedback, aiming to enhance their performances with clear, actionable advice.

Swift highlighted that her direct coaching style in The Voice is rooted in her extensive experience in the music industry, especially from performing in front of large audiences and on television. As she shared in a 2014 interview with Mario Lopez on Extra:

“I try really hard to give specific tips.”

Swift’s approach to mentoring focuses on refining the contestants' strengths while offering practical suggestions for improvement.

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Insights into Taylor Swift's mentoring approach on The Voice

Taylor Swift has a "direct" approach

Taylor Swift first appeared on The Voice in season 4 in 2013 as an advisor for Team Usher. She returned as a Mega Mentor in season 7 in 2014 and again in season 17 in 2019, working with contestants on all four teams. In her Mega Mentor role, Swift guided all the contestants, helping them refine their performances during the Knockout Rounds.

In a 2014 interview with Mario Lopez for Extra, Taylor Swift explained her coaching approach as “very direct.” She shared that when working with contestants, she focuses on giving clear and specific advice to help them improve.

“I like to tell them what what they're good at and what they should keep and what they should change alter,” Swift said.

This method involves observing each contestant during their rehearsals and identifying areas for improvement. Swift also gave targeted feedback on what could be done differently or better to improve their connection with the audience.

“We kind of give them some pointers and tips and things we could see done a little bit differently or a little bit better,” she explained.

Swift shared that this approach ensures that each contestant receives actionable guidance they can implement immediately.

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Drawing from personal experience

Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" (Image via Getty)

Swift’s coaching is also based on her personal experience in the music industry. She stated that the lessons she shares with contestants come from her decade-long journey on tour and performing in front of large crowds. Swift underscored that this experience allows her to offer advice grounded in real-life situations, drawing from her growth as a performer.

Her guidance on The Voice is shaped by the lessons she has learned from her career, particularly the skills needed to perform under pressure and connect with an audience. Swift also shared that the experience enables her to provide valuable insights that can help contestants improve their technical skills and stage presence.

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Effective mentorship in a competitive environment

Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Rogers Centre (Image via Getty)

As a Mega Mentor, Swift works with contestants across all four teams, helping them improve their vocal delivery and stage presence. Her feedback focuses on specific aspects of their performances, including vocal technique and emotional connection with the song.

"It helps them to tell them things that are good," she said.

Swift explained that providing direct feedback helps contestants refine their performances and enhance their overall impact on stage.

For example, when working with 14-year-olds Myla Finks and Chelsea Grover of season 17, Swift provided guidance to help them connect more deeply with their performance. Their rendition of Ariana Grande’s Almost Is Never Enough left a strong impression, and Swift acknowledged their ability to connect with the audience.

“I was 10 or 11 years old singing for people, but seeing young performers who so firmly have their musical identity figured out, I was so completely shattered by it. I fully fell apart. It was that good," Swift said.

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Tune in to find out who wins The Voice season 26. The final two episodes air on NBC on December 9 and 10 at 8 pm ET. Stream the episodes of The Voice the next day on Peacock.