Who’s afraid of a few bugs? Certainly not Taylor Swift, who accidentally swallowed her third flying friend during an Eras Tour show in Milan tonight. As she sat at her piano, talking and coughing to the crowd, she declared, “I am swallowing a bug because there are so many bugs here.”
Swift’s first encounter with an uninvited critter occurred at Soldier Field in Chicago during the US leg of her tour last year. This incident seemed to open up a can of worms for the star. Interestingly, earthworms are 65% protein and considered better than fish or soybeans as a nutritional source. The second bug incident happened just a few weeks ago during her second show at London’s Wembley Stadium. Now, Taylor Swift knows the taste of bugs all too well. (I’m sorry, I’m sorry!)
The good news? “It’s safe to eat bugs, and in a lot of cultures, they are enjoyed as a good source of protein,” says Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN. A study published in the 2022 volume of Advances in Food and Nutrition Research states that crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, which are regularly consumed in various cultures, have an incredibly high protein composition of 61%.
However, Gans adds that any bug from the soil should be “cooked first to limit exposure to harmful bacteria.” Additionally, those with shellfish allergies should be cautious, given the potential for a linked allergy.
Though this has become a recurring event for Swift, Gans also notes that “eating one bug is not going to make any difference” when it comes to fueling your body for a workout or headlining the most popular world tour ever. Too bad, since Swift’s fitness routine is known to be one of the toughest out there.
Swift’s casual acceptance of these incidents adds to her charm and relatability. Despite the unexpected dietary supplements, she continues to perform with the same energy and enthusiasm that has made her one of the most beloved artists in the world. Her ability to shake off these minor mishaps and keep the show going is a testament to her professionalism and dedication to her fans.
In an age where many celebrities might make a fuss over such an incident, Swift’s nonchalant reaction is refreshing. It reminds us that even megastars like her deal with everyday annoyances. The bugs might have found a way into her shows, but they haven’t found a way to disrupt her performance.
Taylor Swift’s bug encounters have become an amusing subplot to her wildly successful Eras Tour. While not ideal, these incidents highlight her resilience and ability to maintain a sense of humor under less-than-ideal circumstances. Her fans appreciate her even more for it, as she continues to deliver unforgettable performances night after night.
