Kanye West surprises fans with Taylor Swift nod during New Year’s Eve celebration in Maldives

Ye plays Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ during New Year’s Eve set, hinting at a potential truce.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, surprised partygoers during a New Year’s Eve celebration in the Maldives with a surprising tribute to Taylor Swift. 

While performing an impromptu DJ set, West played Swift's hit song 'Shake It Off,' seamlessly blending it into his own track, 'Carnival,' from his album 'Vultures 1.' The festive crowd, made up of guests of all ages, danced along as West later transitioned to Bon Jovi’s classic anthem 'Living on a Prayer.'

Kanye West accidentally played *Shake It Off (Stolen Version)* by Taylor Swift during a party in the Maldives, then quickly cut it off 😭😭😭😭😭 #KanyeWest #TaylorSwift #TS pic.twitter.com/xje2PPvfrx

— Aaron Fernandes (@AaronRFernandes) January 3, 2025

Throughout the night, Ye appeared in high spirits, singing along with his setlist and interacting warmly with children near the DJ booth. His unexpected gesture toward Swift stands in contrast to their previously tense relationship, which has seen numerous public spats and subtle jabs over the years.

Ye doing a DJ set in the Maldives today.

What a hero.

pic.twitter.com/X8jtiXIbEN

— AKW (@allkanyewest) December 31, 2024

Last summer, Swift reignited their rivalry by seemingly referencing Ye in the stylization of a live track from her album 'The Tortured Poets Department.' This came after Swift's album reclaimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, preventing West’s 'Vultures 2' from debuting at No. 1. 

Ye Flashing Lights Maldives
31 December 2024. pic.twitter.com/PFEVXFrXXu

— YEFANATICS (@yefanatics) January 1, 2025

Despite their ongoing competitive dynamic, Ye’s New Year’s Eve performance sparked speculation that their feud might be shifting toward a more playful or reconciliatory tone.