In which ways are artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams inspired by Taylor Swift and how is her influence reflected in these new stars? Who is the most similar to Swift and shares her song writing skills? All these young women are talented but who is going to have a 20 plus year career like Swift? 

Now that Taylor Swift is nearly 20 years into her career, she has inspired some of the best new Gen Z artists. Swift has mastered several different genres of music and written some of the most famous and popular songs throughout the 2010’s and early 2020’s. 

Several new artists have cited Swift as a massive inspiration, role model, and influence. 

Although some might argue comparing these young women is reductive, it’s important to note that comparing artist’s skills and talents helps audiences recognize what they like about their favorite artists.

Nowadays the pop culture landscape seems adverse to comparing women to each other at all because they find it misogynistic but seeing how artists influence each other is a good way to learn about their creative process. 

Every artist, including Swift herself, has inspirations. In fact, Swift has several and during the beginning of her career she would reference them in interviews quite often. 

Some of these inspirations include: The Chicks, Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and more. 

Although Swift is a massive powerhouse and isn’t planning on retiring anytime soon, there are a legion of artists who have been labeled, “The Next Taylor Swift.” 

Starting with the “It Girl” of 2024, Sabrina Carpenter has drawn several comparisons to Swift. The two are both blondes which has led some to call Carpenter the Polly Pocket to Swift’s Barbie doll. 

Carpenter had the opportunity to open for Swift’s Eras Tour before she embarked on her own Sweet and Short Tour.

Swift has been very publicly supportive of Carpenter and even asked her to perform a mashup of their songs “Espresso,” “Is it over now?” and “Please please please,” on Oct. 26 for the acoustic set at the Eras Tour when Carpenter had a day off from her tour. 

Swift has called Sabrina the “Pop Princess of Our Dreams,” in a recent Instagram post and she’s not mistaken. 

Carpenter’s skills are slightly different from Swift’s however. Carpenter is much more of a dancer and vocalist rather than a writer with a pension for melodics. Carpenter is also an actress and grew up on the Disney Channel on shows like “Girl Meets World.” 

Carpenter is great at singing silly, upbeat, and fun songs rather than the intense, impressive, and lyrical songs Swift is known for.

The next young artist on this list is Camila Cabello. Cabello was a part of the X Factor group “Fifth Harmony” from 2012 to 2016 and released her debut album “Camila” in 2018. Cabello’s big hit is “Havana” which was the debut single from the album. 

Swift and Cabello have a long relationship which started when Swift invited “Fifth Harmony” to perform their new hit “Worth it” on her 1989 Tour in 2015. 

Swift would go on to plan an 18th birthday party for Cabello, invite her to open for the Reputation Stadium Tour, and have her perform “Shake it Off” with her during her American Music Awards artist of the decade melody in 2019. 

Swift has always been very kind to Cabello and the two seem like great friends. Unfortunately, Cabello hasn’t been able to maintain a strong relevance and her music releases haven’t been able to reach the same success as “Havana.” 

As of late, Cabello has been starring in rather horrible movies such as the “Cinderella” Amazon Prime original and voicing Poppy in the Dreamwork’s “Trollz” movies. 

Another new artist that opened for the Eras Tour is Gracie Abrams. Abrams and Swift have become quite close and even recorded a song together titled, “us.” Featuring Taylor Swift. 

Many young girls enjoy Abrams’s confessional style of writing but her lyrics often come across as nonsensical and like she’s trying too hard. 

For example the line, “Lay on the horn to prove that it haunts me,” from her song “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” is often quoted as meaning super impressive and deep but really it’s nonsense with no meaning. 

Many believe Abrams is another example of a “Nepo Baby” that managed to buy her way into the music industry. Considering she comes from an insanely wealthy family and her father is JJ Abrams who directed the 2010’s “Star Wars” movies, this is possible. 

Although Abram’s recent work is lackluster, she could always improve as she grows older and develops more skill. Song writing takes time and she already has many loyal supporters. 

Finally, Olivia Rodrigo. The girl who took the world by storm during early 2020 with her hit single, “Driver’s License.” 

Rodrigo has the same writing chops and masterful attention to detail as Swift. Songs like, “Making the Bed,” “Lacy,” and “Pretty isn’t Pretty,” capture the feeling of being a young girl and can make a listener tear up. 

The two have even written thematically similar songs such as Swift’s “Nothing New” and Rodrigo’s “teenage dream.” They both reflect on how they’ll be perceived as they grow up and how they want to be considered talented artists and not “good for their age.” 

One of Swift’s many skills is writing emotionally charged songs that the world relates to and Rodrigo has this rare talent as well. During Rodrigo’s GUTS Tour, she sings the song “Making the Bed,” while floating above the audience and singing about growing pains and disappointment. 

During this part of the setlist, young fans often hug each other tear up while watching Rodrigo perform. Swift’s defining characteristic as an artist is being able to make listeners feel emotional and connect with listeners on a deeper level. 

Rodrigo is the only artist on this list that understands how to convey young women’s experiences in this emotional way. Rodrigo speaks for a generation of young girls and has a long, successful, and exciting career ahead of her. 

This is why Rodrigo is the true TayDaughter out of all these talented young ladies. They all have skills and talents, but Rodrigo has the same song writing chops as Swift that will result in a 20 plus year career.