NBC’s Willie Geist recently opened up about his persistent efforts to secure an interview with pop superstar Taylor Swift for his “Sunday Today” show, despite facing repeated rejections from her team. In a candid interview with Us Weekly published on April 19, the 49-year-old journalist discussed his upcoming projects and revealed his bucket list of dream celebrity interviews.
Swift, 35, remains at the top of Geist’s wish list despite her notorious reluctance to participate in media interviews. “Taylor Swift’s always on the list,” Geist told Us Weekly. “She doesn’t do a lot of interviews. She has great people around her who are very nice and very polite when they decline, and I appreciate that. But I’ll keep asking.”
This isn’t the first time Geist has expressed his desire to interview the “Shake It Off” singer. In January this year, he shared similar sentiments with Parade magazine, noting that Swift hasn’t consented yet to do an interview but he remains hopeful that one day she will be on his show and that “the invite remains open.”
Throughout his nine-year tenure hosting “Sunday Today,” Geist has conducted more than 530 interviews with various celebrities and newsmakers. Despite this impressive record, the elusive Swift has yet to make an appearance on his Sunday show, though she has visited the main “Today” program on several occasions over the years, most recently in 2019.
Swift’s limited media presence has become a defining aspect of her public persona in recent years. Her most significant recent interview was with Time magazine when she was named Person of the Year in 2023, becoming the first entertainer to receive the solo designation in 96 years.
While Swift remains his top interview target, Geist also expressed interest in sitting down with other high-profile figures. He mentioned Jay-Z as another dream guest, explaining that he would love to discuss the musician’s career trajectory and cultural impact. Additionally, Geist named actor Timothée Chalamet as someone he’d be excited to interview.
Geist’s interview ambitions reflect his approach to his work on “Sunday Today,” where he aims to have meaningful conversations with influential figures across entertainment, politics, and culture. His persistence in pursuing Swift comes from a professional appreciation for her artistic and cultural significance rather than mere celebrity fascination.
While continuing his quest to land an interview with Swift, Geist is preparing for an upcoming “Sunday Sitdown Live” event featuring renowned chef and television personality Ina Garten. In his conversation with Us Weekly, Geist remarked on Garten’s dedicated fanbase, which he suggested rivals the passion of Swift’s own supporters, affectionately known as “Swifties.”
Geist’s professional pursuits are balanced with his personal life, including time spent with his wife, Christina, and two teenagers, Lucie, 17, and George, 15. He mentioned to Us Weekly that Lucie helps keep him connected to current pop culture trends, including watching shows she enjoys, which provides him with valuable perspective as a broadcaster and interviewer.
Swift’s early television appearances, including a throwback interview showing her at age 15 discussing her music and performing “Teardrops on My Guitar,” demonstrate how her approach to media has evolved as her career has progressed.
Swift has selected her interview opportunities carefully in recent years, choosing platforms like Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show” and “The Graham Norton Show” for occasional appearances to promote new projects. During these limited media engagements, she has discussed her creative process, collaborations with other artists, and the conceptual frameworks behind her albums.
Despite the challenges in securing an interview with Swift, Geist maintains an optimistic outlook. He told Parade that he believes in the value of persistence, suggesting that eventually, the timing might align for a conversation with the artist who has redefined the modern music industry.
