In 2019, amid one of the most talked-about disputes in the music industry, Kelly Clarkson publicly suggested that Taylor Swift re-record her early albums to regain control over her masters — a move that would later become a defining chapter in Swift’s career.

The backdrop was Swift’s highly publicized conflict with her former label, Big Machine Records. The label had sold the masters of Swift’s first six studio albums to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings for an estimated $300 million — a deal Swift vehemently opposed, voicing her frustration on Tumblr. It was in this climate that Clarkson took to Twitter, encouraging Swift to take ownership of her music by re-recording the albums herself.

Clarkson’s tweet resonated far beyond social media. Swift embraced the idea, announcing in 2020 plans to re-record her early discography. Since then, she has released multiple “Taylor’s Version” albums — including Fearless (2021), Red (2021), Speak Now (2023), and 1989 (2023) — each featuring refreshed production, new cover art, and bonus tracks “From the Vault.” These re-recordings have soared to the top of the Billboard charts, demonstrating commercial success and a fanbase eager to support Swift’s fight for artistic control.

As a token of gratitude, Swift has sent Clarkson flowers after each release, a fact Clarkson shared during a 2023 interview with E! News. “She just sent me flowers. She’s so nice,” Clarkson said, also mentioning receiving a cardigan from the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) merchandise collection. This ongoing exchange signals Swift’s appreciation for Clarkson’s public support, even if not formally acknowledged in interviews.

The suggestion was not without controversy. Scooter Braun reportedly took offense, mistakenly interpreting Clarkson’s advice as a direct attack, and reached out to her management. Clarkson clarified in a 2023 SiriusXM interview that her intention was solely to support Swift’s autonomy, emphasizing Swift’s brilliance and business savvy. “She would have come up with that on her own,” Clarkson said humbly.

Swift’s decision to re-record has been hailed as a landmark moment in music industry history, spotlighting artists’ rights to their masters and intellectual property. Clarkson’s encouragement helped galvanize public support and may have accelerated Swift’s strategic response to the sale of her masters.

Fans and media alike have celebrated Clarkson’s 2019 tweet as visionary, a rallying call that underscored the importance of peer support in the music world. Their exchange shines a light on how solidarity among artists can empower creative control and reshape industry dynamics.

In the end, the story of Swift and Clarkson is one of mutual respect, savvy business moves, and the enduring power of artists standing up for their work — with a little help from a well-timed tweet and a bouquet of flowers.