Taylor Swift delivers NYU commencement address, receives honorary degree

NEW YORK — No stranger to stadiums and large crowds, Taylor Swift took the stage at New York University’s commencement Wednesday, but this time she did so as an honorary graduate of the school.

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Taking the stage, the award-winning singer-songwriter joked that the reason she was chosen to speak to the class of 2022 was because of her hit song, “22,” USA Today reported.

Taylor Swift Delivers New York University 2022 Commencement Address NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 18: Taylor Swift Delivers New York University 2022 Commencement Address at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

NYU held its commencement at Yankee Stadium as part of a “doubleheader” to celebrate not only the class of 2022, but also the classes of 2020 and 2021, whose ceremonies were postponed by COVID-19, the school explained in a press release.

“Hi, I’m Taylor,” began Swift’s speech, USA Today reported. “Last time I was in a stadium this size, I was dancing in heels and wearing a glittery leotard. This outfit is much more comfortable.”

As Swift was conferred the Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, the school announced, “You are a role model around the world,” to cheers and applause, WNYW reported.

Taylor Swift Delivers New York University 2022 Commencement Address NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 18: Students attend the New York University 2022 Commencement at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Swift entered the stadium as part of the processional alongside the rest of the doctoral students, and was seen throwing up peace signs and waving to the audience before taking her seat, USA Today reported.

Taylor Swift Delivers New York University 2022 Commencement Address NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 18: Taylor Swift arrives to deliver the New York University 2022 Commencement Address at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Swift is a popular topic at NYU, the school’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music now offers a course that focuses on her music and entrepreneurship, as we previously reported.

>> Read: University launches Taylor Swift class

Acknowledging the difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic had caused for the graduates she was addressing, Swift said, “Everyone in college during normal times stresses about test scores, but on top of that you also had to pass like a thousand COVID tests. I imagine the idea of a normal college experience was all you wanted, too. But in this case you and I both learned that you don’t always get all the things in the bag that you selected from the menu in the delivery service that is life. You get what you get. And as I would like to say to you, you should be very proud of what you’ve done with it,” Variety reported.

Watch NYU’s commencement below

Swift also took time to offer what she termed “life hacks” to the graduates, which included embracing the idea of “cringe” and to “never be ashamed of trying,” USA Today reported.

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