Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect Is One of My Legit Plus-Size Heroes

Hollywood often falls into the trap of portraying plus-sized characters as a source of comedy, reinforcing the thinking that fat men and women, like myself, use humor as a way to hide their lack of confidence. And while humor can often be used to deflect difficult emotions, whether they be from a place of low self-esteem or embarrassment, depicting plus-sized characters in this regard presents viewers with the wrong view on those who don’t fit into the “thin ideal” where being of average weight equals better life quality.

Many have fought hard to change this over the years to astounding success. These many efforts helped to create one character that shows viewers how confidence is attainable at any weight. She’s the queen of mermaid dancing, queen of comedy, and queen of a cappella — that’s right, she’s Fat Amy.

Since Pitch Perfect premiered in 2012, Fat Amy, one of the film’s leading women, has served as one of my plus-sized heroes. Played by Rebel Wilson, Fat Amy never allows her weight to prevent her from chasing her dreams and pursuing her passions. Though she certainly is the movie’s leading comedic character, her humor is not derived from a place of insecurity, but rather, from a place of complete confidence in who she is.

For teenagers much like myself when the first film of the Pitch Perfect franchise hit theatres, representation onscreen can mean everything. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, research shows that images in the media have a direct correlation on body dissatisfaction, particularly on young adults. If Fat Amy were to be written as a character who views her weight negatively and believes her size is a roadblock to happiness, Pitch Perfect could have, potentially, had a negative effect on its younger viewers, who are the film’s target audience. Yet, obviously, this is not the case.

From the very start, Fat Amy exuberates confidence. She literally calls herself “Fat Amy” as if to prevent skinnier women from calling her fat behind her back. This alone takes much confidence and comfortability with one’s self. By doing this, she also destigmatizes the word “fat.” Often times, we view “fat” as a negative term, meaning that those who fall under the category of “overweight” or “obese” have this serious issue attached to them. By calling herself Fat Amy, not only is she stopping others from making this derogatory association, but she is also removing the idea that fat is bad, because, let’s be honest, there’s nothing bad or wrong about Fat Amy.

The sad truth is that there are not many plus-sized performers making it big nowadays. As a plus-sized dancer myself, I longed for many years to find a role model in the industry that looked just like me. For many years, that wish never came true. Fat Amy defied all odds, however. She shows that weight is not a factor when it comes to being an excellent performer, whether that be a dancer, singer, or simply a girl swinging hundreds of feet in the air swaddled in a silk sheet belting Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.”

When Pitch Perfect was released for purchase, I watched the film night after night for upwards of a month. My eyes glued to the screen, I couldn’t get enough of Fat Amy in her extravagant, hilarious glory. Although she certainly has the best catchphrases and jokes in the film, what I was instantly attracted to was her confidence; a confidence I lacked. Although, at the time, I had been performing for many years, I had no confidence in myself. I was not comfortable with who I was or with my body, and although being on stage was my dream, performing in front of a crowd seemed like an impossible task. I saw the looks from others in my dance classes; I saw the looks from their parents waiting to pick them up after; I heard the condescending tone from casting directors—yes, I’m fat.

Fat Amy changed that all, however. She showed me that being fat has no impact on how amazing you are onstage. I didn’t binge-watch Pitch Perfect because it was funny or because the music was great (which are both valid reasons to watch), but because I wanted to be Fat Amy; I wanted to be as proud and loud as she is.

Fat Amy is more than a source of comedic excellence. She is a character crafted with an esteemed sense of pride in who she is. The number on the scale or size of her clothes doesn’t stop her from doing what she loves, and now, it never stops me. Fat Amy gave and continues to give me the confidence, support, and motivation I need to push through the dirty looks and negative thinking and to show that I’m a great performer, no matter how much I weight. Fat Amy has the fastest heart out there, and with her guidance, I know I can crush it on stage just like she has, time and time again.

(Image via NBC/ Universal)

The Holiday movie is an absolute unicorn. Not only does it capture the Christmas magic I want to feel during ~the holiday~ season (and features an all-star cast with Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet), but it's also an amazing rom-comand compelling family story. Each relationship, both platonic and romantic, is compelling, and it'll make you feel just about every emotion: glee, heartbreak, yearning. And I'm convinced that, in addition to an absolutely bulletproof script from our queen Nancy Meyers, the movie's magic can be chalked up to one other thing: the fact they filmed the final scene of the movie first.

What happened at the end of The Holiday?

Sony Pictures

Yes, you read that right — they filmed the final scene of The Holiday before they filmed anything else! The final scene of the movie takes place at Jude Law's Graham's house in England during the characters' New Year's Eve party. The four leads, and Graham's daughters, are dancing, having fun, and celebrating the new year together. In an interview with Vulture, Miffy Englefield (who plays one of Graham's daughters) talks about how filming that party first set the stage for the rest of production.

"That’s the one scene in the film that all of the main characters are together," she says. "So it was a really, really nice starting point for us to be able to get to know each other...It was the loveliest first day I’ve ever had."

Miffy continues that since she was so young when they filmed the movie, she didn't really understand who she was working with. "My dad was really good at showing me [Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Winslet's] work and more underground things that they’d done. He wanted me to realize they were humans and not just these actors."

Is Jude Law's Graham divorced in The Holiday?

Sony Pictures/YouTube

Even though Miffy didn't necessarily know Jude Law before working with him, they grew closer throughout the process of filming. When Amanda shows up to Graham's house, she learns (as do we) that he isn't divorced — he's a widower. That's why he hadn't asked Amanda over before, and why he always answers the phone when Sophie or Olivia call. They're not other women in his life, they're his daughters!

The evening Amanda spends with Graham and his daughters is one of the standout moments of the film because it shows a whole new side of Graham, but it also allows the girls (and Jude Law, TBH) to take center stage.

Why is Jack Black in The Holiday?

Sony Pictures/YouTube

While she wasn't familiar with all her costars in The Holiday, there was one actor Miffy Englefield recognized when she got to set, and that was Jack Black ("I think at that point it was when it hit me like, 'Oh goodness, this is like a thing. This is real, this is real life.'").

Even though Nancy Myers had written the role of Miles for Jack Black, he was hesitant to be in a rom-com. That is, until he realized he would get to work with Kate Winslet!

“I saw School Of Rock and thought he was the cutest guy and fell in love with him," Nancy told IndieLondon in a 2006 interview. “I assured him that I had [seen his work] and told him that I thought he was fabulous and that he’d be in a movie with Kate Winslet. He just said ‘yeah.’”

And I am literally so glad he did because Miles is my favorite part of the movie! His quirky kindness and fun personality are definitely a reason The Holiday is so successful. Another reason? The chemistry between all the actors. Thanks to the energy and community on set for the final scene — which, TBH, I'd never have known was the first scene filmed! — the rest of the movie has that same kind of giddy electricity you feel when you reunite with your best friends or host your first adult party or finally visit New York City during the holidays.

Because just like the party scene is a celebration, The Holiday is about unexpected love and finding joy despite the most heartbreaking, mundane experiences. And THAT is the true magic of Christmas, isn't it?

Did you know The Holiday's end was filmed at the beginning? What's your favorite moment of the movie? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

From announcing her tenth album Midnights during an acceptance speech to breaking ticket-selling records to gearing up for her feature film directorial debut, Taylor Swift continues to surprise us. And that includes her Eras Tour, which kicked off in Glendale, Arizona on March 17, 2023.

At one of her Texas shows, she surprised the audience by swapping a song on the setlist for something she had never performed live. "You think you can just go online, you think you can just scroll and know the setlist, you think you can just come prepared," she said onstage. "Let it be said about the Eras Tour: we're tricksy."

In addition to her self-proclaimed "setlist hi-jinx," every night of the tour has seen at least two surprise songs. And some fans have seen even more since Taylor started doing mash-ups, a move which means the surprise song segment can have as many songs as she wants!

All in all, even if your favorite song didn't make the original setlist, you might still get to hear it (even if you're streaming the concert on TikTok). While we relisten to The Tortured Poets Department (and wait for Reputation (Taylor's Version)) here's everything she's played on the tour.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

One of Taylor's most recent mash-ups, “The Prophecy" & "This Love,” is one of her most emotional yet because of one very specific lyric change. Instead of singing "The Prophecy" as written, asking why she seems to be destined to be alone, she blended the lyrics with the ethereal, romantic "This Love" to proclaim how her new romance with the KC Chiefs' Travis Kelce has changed everything.

"These hands had to let it go free / and it changed the prophecy," she sang during the Eras Tour surprise songs. I'm so emotional!!!!

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Surprise Songs For Fall 2024

Haley Sprankle/B+C

  • Miami on October 18: “Tim McGraw” & ”Timeless” mash-up and “This Is Me Trying” & ”Daylight” mash-up
  • Miami on October 19: “Should’ve Said No” & ”I Did Something Bad” mash-up and “loml” & ”White Horse” mash-up
  • Miami on October 20: “Out of the Woods” & ”All You Had to Do Was Stay” mash-up and “Mirrorball” & ”Guilty as Sin?” mash-up
  • New Orleans on October 25: “Our Song” & ”Call It What You Want” mash-up and “The Black Dog” & ”Haunted” mash-up
  • New Orleans on October 26: “Espresso” & ”Is It Over Now?” & ”Please Please Please” mash-up with Sabrina Carpenter and “Hits Different” & ”Welcome to New York” mash-up
  • New Orleans on October 27: “Afterglow” & ”Dress” mash-up and “How You Get the Girl” & ”Clean” mash-up
  • Indianapolis on November 1: “The Albatross" & "Holy Ground” mash-up and “Cold As You" & "Exile” mash-up
  • Indianapolis on November 2: “The Prophecy" & "This Love” mash-up and “Maroon" & "Cowboy Like Me” mash-up
  • Indianapolis on November 3: "Cornelia Street" & "The Bolter" mash-up and "Death By A Thousand Cuts" & "The Great War" mash-up

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Surprise Songs For Spring 2024

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

  • Tokyo, Japan on February 7: "Dear Reader" and "Holy Ground"
  • Tokyo, Japan on February 8: "Eyes Open" and "Electric Touch"
  • Tokyo, Japan on February 9: "Superman" and "The Outside"
  • Melbourne, Australia on February 16: "Red" and "You're Losing Me"
  • Melbourne, Australia on February 17: "Getaway Car" & "August" & "Other Side Of The Door" mash-up and "This Is Me Trying"
  • Melbourne, Australia on February 18: "Come Back, Be Here" & "Daylight" mash-up and "Teardrops On My Guitar"
  • Sydney, Australia on February 23: "How You Get The Girl" and "White Horse" & "Coney Island" mash-up with Sabrina Carpenter
  • Sydney, Australia on February 24: "Should've Said No" & "You're Not Sorry" mash-up and "New Year's Day" & "Peace" mash-up
  • Sydney, Australia on February 25: "Is It Over Now?" & "I Wish You Would" mash-up and "Haunted" & "Exile" mash-up
  • Sydney, Australia on February 26: "Would've, Could've, Should've" & "Ivy" mash-up and "Forever & Always" & "Maroon" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 2: "Mine" & "Starlight" mash-up and "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" & "Dress" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 3: "Long Story Short" & "The Story Of Us" mash-up and Clean" & "Evermore" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 4: "Foolish One" & "Tell Me Why" mash-up and "This Love" & "Call It What You Want" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 7: "Death By A Thousand Cuts" & "Babe" mash-up and "Fifteen" & "You're On Your Own, Kid" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 8: "Sparks Fly" & "Gold Rush" mash-up and "False God" & "Slut!" mash-up
  • Singapore on March 9: "Tim McGraw" & "Cowboy Like Me" mash-up and "Mirrorball" & "Epiphany" mash-up
  • Paris on May 9: "Paris" and "loml"
  • Paris on May 10: "Is It Over Now?" & "Out of the Woods" mash-up and "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"
  • Paris on May 11: "Hey Stephen" and "Maroon"
  • Paris on May 12: "The Alchemy" & "Treacherous" mash-up and "Begin Again" & "Paris" mash-up
  • Stockholm on May 17: "Peter" and “I Think He Knows" & "Gorgeous" mash-up
  • Stockholm on May 18: “Guilty as Sin” and “Say Don't Go" & "Welcome to New York" & "Clean” mash-up
  • Stockholm on May 19: “How Did It End?” and “Message in a Bottle" & "How You Get the Girl" & "New Romantics” mash-up
  • Lisbon on May 24: "Come Back...Be Here" & "The Way I Loved You" & "The Other Side of the Door" mash-up and "Fresh Out The Slammer" & "High Infidelity" mash-up
  • Lisbon on May 25: "The Tortured Poets Department" & "Now That We Don't Talk" mash-up and "You're On Your Own, Kid" & "Long Live" mash-up
  • Madrid on May 29: "Sparks Fly" & "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" mash-up and "I Look In People's Windows" & "Snow on the Beach" mash-up
  • Madrid on May 30 "Our Song" & "Jump Then Fall" mash-up and "King of my Heart"

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Surprise Songs For Summer 2024

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

  • Lyon on June 2: "The Prophecy" & "Long Story Short" mash-up and "Fifteen" & "You're On Your Own, Kid"
  • Lyon on June 3: "Glitch" & "Everything Has Changed" mash-up and "Chloe, Sam, Sophia or Marcus"
  • Edinburgh on June 7: "Would've, Could've, Should've" & "I Know Places" mash-up and ''Tis The Damn Season" & "Daylight" mash-up
  • Edinburgh June 8: "The Bolter" & "Getaway Car" mash-up and "All Of The Girls You Loved Before" & "Crazier" mash-up
  • Edinburgh on June 9: "It's Nice To Have A Friend" & "Dorothea" mash-up and "Haunted" & "Exile" mash-up
  • Liverpool on June 13: "I Can See You" & "Mine" mash-up and "Cornelia Street" & "Maroon" mash-up
  • Liverpool, on June 14: "This Is What You Came For" & "Gold Rush" mash-up and "The Great War" & "You're Losing Me" mash-up
  • Liverpool on June 15: "Carolina" & "No Body, No Crime" mash-up and "The Manuscript" & "Red" mash-up
  • Cardiff on June 18: "I Forgot That You Existed" & "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" mash-up and "I Hate It Here" & "the lakes" mash-up
  • London on June 21: "Hits Different" & "Death By A Thousand Cuts" mash-up and "The Black Dog" & "Come Back...Be Here" & "Maroon" mash-up
  • London on June 22: "thanK you aIMee" & "Mean" mash-up and "Castles Crumbling" with Hayley Williams
  • London on June 23: "us" with Gracie Abrams and "Out of the Woods" & "Is It Over Now?" & "Clean" mash-up
  • Dublin on June 28: "State of Grace" & "You're On Your Own, Kid" mash-up and "Sweet Nothing" & "Hoax" mash-up
  • Dublin on June 29: "The Albatross" & "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" mash-up and "This Love" & "Ours" mash-up
  • Dublin on June 30: "Clara Bow" & "The Lucky One" mash-up and "You're On Your Own, Kid"
  • Amsterdam on July 4: "Guilty As Sin?" & "Untouchable" mash-up and "The Archer" & "Question...?" mash-up
  • Amsterdam on July 5: "I'm Gonna Get You Back" & "Dress" mash-up and "You Are in Love" & "Cowboy Like Me" mash-up
  • Amsterdam on July 6: "Sweeter than Fiction" & "Holy Ground" mash-up and "Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" & "So High School" & "Everything Has Changed" mash-up
  • Zurich on July 9: "Right Where You Left Me" & "All You Had To Do Was Stay" mash-up and "Last Kiss" & "Sad Beautiful Tragic" mash-up
  • Zurich on July 10: "Closure" & "A Perfectly Good Heart" mash-up and "Robin" & "Never Grow Up" mash-up
  • Milan on July 13: "The 1" & "Wonderland" mash-up and "I Almost Do" & "The Moment I Knew" mash-up
  • Milan on July 14: "Mr. Perfectly Fine" & "Red" mash-up and "Getaway Car" & "Out of the Woods" mash-up
  • Gelsenkirchen on July 17: “Superstar” & ”Invisible String” mash-up and “Slut!”& ”False God” mash-up
  • Gelsenkirchen on July 18: “Speak Now” & ”Hey Stephen” mash-up and “This Is Me Trying” & ”Labyrinth” mash-up
  • Gelsenkirchen on July 19: “Paper Rings” & ”Stay Stay Stay” mash-up and “It’s Time to Go” & ”Better Man” mash-up
  • Hamburg on July 23: “Teardrops on My Guitar” & ”The Last Time” mash-up and “We Were Happy” & ”Happiness” mash-up
  • Hamburg on July 24: “The Last Great American Dynasty” & ”Run” mash-up and “Nothing New” & ”Dear Reader” mash-up
  • Munich on July 27: “Fresh Out the Slammer” & ”You Are in Love” mash-up and “Ivy” & ”Call It What You Want” mash-up
  • Munich on July 28: “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” & ”imgonnagetyouback” mash-up and “loml” & ”Don’t You” mash-up
  • Warsaw on August 1: “Mirrorball” & ”Clara Bow” mash-up and “Suburban Legends” & ”New Year’s Day” mash-up
  • Warsaw on August 2: “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” & ”I Can See You” mash-up and “Red” & ”Maroon” mash-up
  • Warsaw on August 3: “Today Was a Fairytale” & ”I Think He Knows” mash-up and “The Black Dog” & ”Exile” mash-up
  • London on August 15: “Everything Has Changed” & ”End Game” & ”Thinking Out Loud” mash-up with Ed Sheeran and “King of My Heart” & ”The Alchemy” mash-up
  • London on August 16: “London Boy” and “Dear John” & ”Sad Beautiful Tragic” mash-up
  • London on August 17: “I Did Something Bad” and “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” & ”Coney Island” mash-up
  • London on August 19: “Long Live” & ”Change” mash-up and “The Archer” & ”You’re on Your Own Kid” mash-up

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Surprise Songs For 2023

Kristina Kung

Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket with rainbow star confetti.

  • Glendale, AZ on March 17: "mirrorball" and "Tim McGraw"
  • Glendale, AZ on March 18: "State of Grace" and "this is me trying"
  • Las Vegas, NV on March 24: "Our Song" and "Snow on the Beach"
  • Las Vegas, NV on March 25: "cowboy like me" with Marcus Mumford and "White Horse"
  • Arlington, TX on March 31: "Sad Beautiful Tragic" and "Ours"
  • Arlington, TX on April 1: "Death By A Thousand Cuts" and "Clean"
  • Arlington, TX on April 2: "Jump Then Fall" and "The Lucky One"
  • Tampa, FL on April 13: "Speak Now" and "Treacherous"
  • Tampa, FL on April 14: "The Great War" with Aaron Dessner and "You're On Your Own, Kid"
  • Tampa, FL on April 15: "mad woman" with Aaron Dessner and "Mean"
  • Houston, TX on April 21: "Wonderland" and "You're Not Sorry"
  • Houston, TX on April 22: "A Place In This World" and "Today Was A Fairytale"
  • Houston, TX on April 23: "Begin Again" and "Cold As You"
  • Atlanta, GA on April 28: "The Other Side Of The Door" and "Coney Island"
  • Atlanta, GA on April 29: "High Infidelity" and "Gorgeous"
  • Atlanta, GA on April 30: "I Bet You Think About Me" and "How You Get The Girl"
  • Nashville, TN on May 5: "Sparks Fly" and "Teardrops On My Guitar"
  • Nashville, TN on May 6: "Out of the Woods" and "Fifteen"
  • Nashville, TN on May 7: "Would've Could've Should've" with Aaron Dessner and "Mine"
  • Philadelphia, PA on May 12: "gold rush" and 'Come Back... Be Here'
  • Philadelphia, PA on May 13: "Forever & Always" and "This Love"
  • Philadelphia, PA on May 14: "Hey Stephen" and "The Best Day"

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

  • Foxborough, MA on May 19: "Should've Said No" and "Better Man"
  • Foxborough, MA on May 20: "Question...?" and "Invisible"
  • Foxborough, MA on May 21: "I Think He Knows" and "Red"
  • East Rutherford, NJ on May 26: "Getaway Car" with Jack Antanoff and "Maroon"
  • East Rutherford, NJ on May 27: "Holy Ground" and "False God"
  • East Rutherford, NJ on May 28: "Clean" and "Welcome to New York"
  • Chicago, IL on June 2: "I Wish You Would" and "the lakes"
  • Chicago, IL on June 3: "You All Over Me" with Maren Morris and "I Don't Wanna Live Forever"
  • Chicago, IL on June 4: "Hits Different" and "The Moment I Knew"
  • Detroit, MI on June 9: “Haunted” and “I Almost Do”
  • Detroit, MI on June 10: “All You Had to Do Was Stay” and “Breathe”
  • Pittsburgh, PA on June 16: “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “The Last Time”
  • Pittsburgh, PA on June 17: “Seven” with Aaron Dessner and “The Story of Us”
  • Minneapolis, MN on June 23: “Paper Rings” and “If This Was a Movie”
  • Minneapolis, MN on June 24: “Dear John” and “Daylight”
  • Cincinnati, OH on June 30: “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” and “Evermore”
  • Cincinnati, OH on July 1: “Ivy” with Aaron Dessner, “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” with Gracie Abrams, and “Call It What You Want”
  • Kansas City, MO on July 7: “Never Grow Up” and “When Emma Falls in Love”
  • Kansas City, MO on July 8: “Last Kiss” and “Dorothea”
  • Denver, CO on July 14: “Picture to Burn” and “Timeless”
  • Denver, CO on July 15: “Starlight” and “Back to December”

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

  • Seattle, WA on July 22: “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” and “Everything Has Changed”
  • Seattle, WA on July 23: “Message in a Bottle” and “Tied Together With a Smile”
  • Santa Clara, CA on July 28: “Right Where You Left Me” and “Castles Crumbling”
  • Santa Clara, CA on July 29: “Stay Stay Stay” and “All of the Girls You Loved Before”
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 3: "I Can See You" and "Maroon"
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 4: "Our Song" and "You Are In Love"
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 5: "Death by a Thousand Cuts" and "You're On Your Own, Kid"
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 7: "Dress" and "Exile"
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 8: "I Know Places" and "King Of My Heart"
  • Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 9: "New Romantics" and "New Year's Day"
  • Mexico City, Mexico on Aug. 24: "I Forgot That You Existed" and "Sweet Nothing"
  • Mexico City, Mexico on Aug. 25: "Tell Me Why" and "Snow On The Beach"
  • Mexico City, Mexico on Aug. 26: "Cornelia Street" and "You're On Your Own, Kid"
  • Mexico City, Mexico on Aug. 27: "Afterglow" and "Maroon"
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina on Nov. 9: "The Very First Night" and "Labyrinth"
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina on Nov. 11: "Is It Over Now?" & "Out Of The Woods" mash-up and "End Game"
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina on Nov. 12: "Better Than Revenge" and “Slut!”
  • Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on Nov. 17: "Stay Beautiful" and "Suburban Legends"
  • Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on Nov. 19: "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" and "Bigger Than The Whole Sky"
  • Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on Nov. 20: "Me!" and "So It Goes..."

Does anyone sing Taylor Swift's Eras Tour surprise songs with her?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Taylor Swift will occasionally bring out her opener to sing the surprise songs with her, like she did with Sabrina Carpenter in Sydney, Australia! After crazy weather preventer Sabrina from performing her set at the beginning of the concert, Taylor brought her out for a medley of "White Horse" from Fearless (Taylor's Version) and "Coney Island" from Evermore.

How does Taylor Swift choose surprise songs?

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

It seems that Taylor Swift's surprise song choices are somewhat last minute and based on what she wants to play, but we're thinking that two of her songs from Houston are more than meets the eye — er, more than meets the ear?

Twitter users recently brought up Speak Now (Taylor's Version) when images of Taylor filming in Liverpool went viral. The other two people in the photos appear to be Joey King and Taylor Lautner, who both played a role in the original Speak Now: Joey King was featured in the "Mean" music video and Taylor Lautner is the subject of

And we're talking about Speak Now (Taylor's Version) again after the April 22 concert because of her surprise songs. After all, "A Place In This World" (which is featured in Joey King's Ramona and Beezus) and "Today Was A Fairytale" (which is a part of Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner's Valentine's Day) feels very intentional. Turns out, we were right because she brought Joey and Taylor onstage during the Speak Now (Taylor's Version) launch party to premiere the music video!

In addition to playing requests from her openers during the surprise song segment, Taylor seems to choose songs based on her celebrity attendees. The Summer I Turned Pretty's Jenny Han and Lola Tung attended the May 27 show, where Taylor played "False God," which was featured in season one.

And during her last performance in LA, Taylor Swift chose "New Romantics" from 1989 and "New Year's Day" from reputation. This is very telling because for one, "New Romantics" was the only song from 1989 that she hadn't sung yet, and it came right after the 1989 (Taylor's Version) announcement! And based on this frame from the "Karma" music video, we might be getting reputation TV after 1989 TV. So "New Year's Day" was the perfect follow-up!

November 19 and 20, at the end of Taylor Swift's time in Rio de Janeiro, she played two songs from Reputation: "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" and "So It Goes..." (both of which are two of my all-time favorite Taylor songs and are very under-appreciated). This leaves "I Did Something Bad" as the final Reputation surprise song, and Swifties are convinced we'll get the announcement before the end of November. Fans also pointed out both "Me!" and "So It Goes..." feature a 1,2,3 countdown in the lyrics — and there are only three shows left before Taylor takes another break. It's the perfect time for an announcement if you ask me!

What surprise song would you like to hear during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for the latest pop culture updates.

This post has been updated.

In case you missed it, a new rom-com following a pair that bears a great resemblance to the internet's favorite “It” couple is coming to Lifetime for the holidays! Although the film isn’t technically inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story per se, the story line is quite uncanny to their high profile romance (but more on that later). From the release date to the plot, here's everything we know about Lifetime’s Christmas in the Spotlight. Read up on Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown — and the Kelce who joined the cast!

  • Lifetime's Christmas in the Spotlight is a new holiday movie premiering this November.
  • The movie follows a popstar who starts dating a pro football player after they meet at one of her concerts.
  • The film stars Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai, and Haley Kalil.

What is Christmas in the Spotlight about?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Plot

Set to be a part of the network's “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which officially starts November 16, Christmas in the Spotlight follows a famous pop star named Bowyn (Jessica Lord), who always sings about falling in love, but has yet to find The One. Right when she's given up on finding Prince Charming, sparks fly when she meets a handsome professional football player named Drew (Laith Wallschleger) after one of her shows. However, they don’t start dating until after Drew publicly declares his feelings for Bowyn. Sound familiar?

The movie synopsis continues, “With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger…but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family.” I need this on my screen now!!!

Is there a trailer for Christmas in the Spotlight?

Well, no. (At least, not yet). But there is a preview teaser for Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which features numerous clips from the upcoming Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-esque holiday film Christmas in the Spotlight. In the first few seconds of the teaser, co-stars Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger can be seen gleefully walking side by side while surrounded by holiday decor. Meanwhile, another clip shows Lord’s Bowyn wearing a blue football jersey. Now, if that’s not TayVis-coded, then I don’t know what is.

When is Christmas in the Spotlight coming out?

Christmas in the Spotlight Release Date

Be sure to mark your calendars because Christmas in the Spotlight is scheduled to debut on Lifetime November 23, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT. Let the countdown begin!

Where can I watch Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

If you can’t catch the premiere on Lifetime, then don’t worry because we have you covered! After the movie premieres on the Lifetime channel, Christmas in the Spotlight will be available to watch on TVE/VOD in addition to the Lifetime Movie Club.

Who’s in the cast of Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Cast

Aside from Lord and Wallschleger, Christmas in the Spotlight stars former The Real talk show host Jeannie Mai, who will portray Bowyn’s manager. But she won’t be the only familiar face in the ensemble cast. And if you’re constantly on TikTok, then you may recognize TikTok influencer Haley Kalil, who, according to People, is set to make her onscreen debut as Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole.

Stay tuned for more updates about Christmas in the Spotlight and 2024 Christmas movies — & follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

If I'm completely honest, there are very few celebrity couples I care about the way I care about Tom Holland and Zendaya. Aside from the fact this couple is like a walking friends-to-lovers plotline IRL, and are both power houses on their own, these two actors and philanthropists are just unstoppable together. They also keep their relationship pretty private, so here's the latest news on it.

The Latest News On Tom Holland And Zendaya's Relationship

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

July 2016 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Join Spider-Man: Homecoming

Tom Holland and Zendaya met and became friends when they were cast in the MCU's Spider-Man: Homecoming. Tom had already made an appearance in Captain America: Civil War, but the new Spider-Man movie was a huge deal for both Marvel fans and the couple themselves! Not only did Tom Holland and Zendaya spend time together on set, but they also hung out at the pool together during their free timeand goofed around during San Diego Comic Con.

Image via Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

November 2016 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Are On The Cover Of The Hollywood Reporter

Tom Holland and Zendaya basically broke the internet when they graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter's Nov. 2016 issue. The shoot was filled with plenty of classic Hollywood throwbacks, but I have always *loved* the blue dress Z wears on the cover. "Over the moon with my first cover," Tom writes on Instagram. "So grateful that I got to share it with the one and only @zendaya. Thanks mate for helping me out."

"Honored to share it with the very best...Spider-Man himself @tomholland2013," Zendaya says in her post. "Thank you for this beautiful cover @THR."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

May 7, 2017 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Attend The MTV Movie And TV Awards

At the 2017 MTV Movie And TV Awards, Tom Holland and Zendaya premiered a clip from Spider-Man: Homecoming...and Tom did a flip onstage and then asked Zendaya to homecoming.

Image via Robert Marquardt/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

July 13, 2017 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Are Reportedly Dating

In July 2017, a source seemingly confirmed what many fans had been wondering for months: that Tom Holland and Zendaya had been dating. Considering the two other sets of Spider-Man leads (Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield) both dated, it felt like this was one relationship that was bound to happen.

"They started seeing each other while they were filming Spider-Man," the insider tells People. "They've been super careful to keep it private and out of the public eye but they've gone on vacations with each other and try and spend as much time as possible with one another."

"They're both really ambitious and they challenge each other — but, most importantly, they make each other crack up," says another insider. "They seem to have a really similar sense of humor and love joking around together."

Tom Holland and Zendaya actually took to Twitter (now X) to tackle the rumors. "Wait wait...my favorite is when it says we go on vacations together HA! I haven't been on a vacation in years!" Zendaya says, to which Tomreplies, "Does the press tour count[?]"

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

August 8, 2017 — Zendaya Shuts Down Dating Rumors

"We are friends," Zendaya tells Variety. "He's a great dude. He's literally one of my best friends. This past how many months we've had to do press tours together. There's very few people that will understand what that's like at 20 years old."

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Magazine

May 8, 2018 — Tom Holland Supports Zendaya's Iconic Met Gala Appearance

Zendaya showed up to the 2018 Met Gala (which had the theme Heavenly Bodies) as Joan of Arc, and it's quickly become one of her most iconic and recognizable carpet looks. Tom loved it just as much as we did and wrote on Instagram, "All hail the queen. Killing it mate."

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

July 2019 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Have A Very Chaotic Press Tour For Spider-Man: Far From Home

For Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon did dozens of junkets together, and many of the interviews have gone viral — like Tom and Jacob finally meeting their favorite Watch Mojo hostandthe cast playing games with Jimmy Kimmel. Junkets are always fun to watch, and this one is no exception!

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

July 2, 2021 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Are Seen Kissing

After years of denying they were dating, Tom Holland and Zendaya really and truly broke the internet when pictures of them kissing in a car showed up on social media. This was such a vital moment that I remember exactly where I was when I found out.

"THEY ARE END GAME DREAM COUPLE," one X user tweeted. "I don't know if I want to be Tom Holland to kiss Zendaya or be Zendaya to kiss Tom Holland," another user joked.

Tom Holland and Zendaya were later seen attending a friend's wedding...and sitting very close to each other.

Image via Tom Holland/Instagram

September 1, 2021 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Make Their Relationship Instagram Official

On Zendaya's 25th birthday, Tom Holland posted the sweetest picture from the Spider-Man makeup trailer on Instagram. "My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays," he says in the caption. "Gimme a call when [you're] up xxx."

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

November 17, 2021 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Open Up About Their Relationship

In an interview with GQ, Tom Holland opened up about his relationship with Zendaya and how their relationship to fame has impacted everything. "One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn’t really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world,” he says of their July 2 kiss. “I’ve always been really adamant to keep my private life private, because I share so much of my life with the world anyway...We sort of felt robbed of our privacy.”

“It was quite strange and weird and confusing and invasive,” Zendaya agrees. “I think loving someone is a sacred thing and a special thing and something that you want to deal with and go through and experience and enjoy amongst the two people that love each other."

“Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible," Tom later told The Hollywood Reporter. "We don’t think that we owe it to anyone, it’s our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers.”

Image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

December 15, 2021 — Zendaya Posts A Tribute To Tom Holland As Spider-Man

Before Spider-Man: No Way Home hit theaters, Zendaya posted a pair of photos featuring Tom in his superhero costume on set, and in a costume as a kid. "My Spider-Man," the caption reads. "I’m so proud of you, some things never change and good thing♥️." Adorable!

Image via Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

February 22, 2022 — Tom Holland Says He'd Love To Be In Euphoria

Zendaya shattered records when she became the youngest person to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Rue in Euphoria. Tom also made headlines related to Euphoria when he said he'd be interested in making a cameo in the series. "I would be in Euphoria. I think I would be a really good Maddy," he jokes during a BuzzFeed puppy interview. "I'm a big Euphoria fan. I love the show and I love season 2. I visited a lot while they were shooting it and I really, really enjoyed it...I would love to guest star or just be an extra in it. Or maybe I am and you just don't know."

Image via Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

April 20, 2022 — Zendaya Talks About Tom Holland's Support During Euphoria

"I think it's great to have that support and love around you, because you need that," Zendaya tells Entertainment Tonightduring Euphoria's Emmy For Your Consideration event. "This isn't an easy job, so it's good to have that to free you up from it every now and then."

Images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME and Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

June 1, 2022 — Zendaya Celebrates Tom Holland's Birthday

For Tom's 26th birthday, Zendaya posted a rare photo of her with Tom, captioning the post, "Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest <3."

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

March 20, 2023 — Zendaya Wears A Ring With Tom Holland's Initials

I am always in favor of cute, meaningful, and minimalist jewelry, and apparently, Zendaya is too! When Zendaya's nail artist posted a video of the actress' new ballet pink manicure, fans quickly noticed the "TH" ring Z was wearing.

Image via Ethan Miller/Getty Images

April 27, 2023 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Go To An Usher Concert

2023 was the year of concerts for everyone, including celebrities! While Zendaya attended CinemaCon to promote Dune 2, she also went to an Usher concert with Tom Holland. "Childhood dreams come true, going to an @usher concert," Zendaya said on her Instagram story (via People).

Images via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

May 4, 2023 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Attend An NBA Game

Tom Holland and Zendaya had another date night in May, complete with the perfect athleisure, popcorn, and relaxed smiles.

Image via Xavi Torrent/Getty Images

January 12, 2024 — Tom Holland Confirms His Relationship With Zendaya Is Still Going Strong

After Zendaya unfollowed everyone on Instagram ahead of her new movie Challengers (Blake Lively pulled a similar move before her film A Simple Favor, as did Taylor Swift before Reputation), rumors started swirling that the pair had called it quits. When asked whether they had broken up, Tom says (via TMZ), "No, absolutely not."

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

January 14, 2024 — Tom Holland Says He Loves Watching Spider-Man: Homecoming With Zendaya

During the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Tom Holland told Extra how much he loves rewatching his first Spider-Man movie, especially when he watches it with Z. "Zendaya and I will, every now and then, watch Spider-Man 1 and reminisce about being 19 and making those movies again," he says. "I love those movies, and I love savoring those moments, so I try not to watch them as often as I would maybe like to because it’s so special. It's such a luxury, such a gift to be able to sit down and sort of relive your youth.”

Image via Tom Holland/Instagram

January 23, 2024 — Tom Holland Shows Zendaya Some Love

Since Tom Holland and Zendaya are very private, they don't often post about their relationship on social media. But when Zendaya debuted a new look at Paris Fashion Week, Tom Holland couldn't help but post a pic of Z to his Instagram story with three heart-eye emojis. We share the same sentiment, Tom, what a coincidence!

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

February 15, 2023 — Tom Holland Supports Zendaya's Dune 2

The London premiere of Dune 2 was *very* eventful. Zendaya basically broke the internet by wearing a Mugler "Machinenmensch" robot suit (before changing into this chic black dress from Mugler by Casey Cadwallader), a certain actress spoiled her appearance in the movie by showing up to the carpet, and Tom Holland and Zendaya were spotted at the afterparty together. I love the care and attention Tom shows Zendaya (I, too, would be overwhelmed if I was surrounded by paparazzi like in this video of the couple), and I hope they got to unwind after a crazy night!

Image via Tom Holland/Instagram

February 21, 2024 — Tom Holland *Also* Supports Zendaya's Challengers

After the new trailer for Challengers dropped, Tom Holland shared it to his Instagram story, promising the movie looks just as good as we're hoping. "You ain't ready for this one!" he says alongside the trailer.

Image via Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

February 21, 2024 — Zendaya Says Tom Holland Has The Best "Rizz"

When asked who has the best "rizz" (short for charisma) in the Dune 2 cast, Zendaya immediately pivots and makes the answer more personal! "Everybody's kind of got their own [rizz]," she tells Buzzfeed. "I think someone who has beautiful charisma, not on the Dune cast, but...it works for me, is Mr. Tom Holland."

"I'm more shy and kind of quiet, so it takes a little bit more to pull me out of my shell but he's great at just talking to people and getting to know people," she continues. "He's just naturally very good at that. Or as for me, I've definitely had to pull it out of me a little bit. He's got that natural gift."

Image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

March 17, 2024 — Tom Holland And Zendaya Watch A Tennis Game

Ahead of Zendaya's spring movie Challengers (in which she plays a tennis pro-turned-coach opposite Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor), she watched the BNP Paribas Open Men's Final at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Alongside Tom Holland and her assistant Darnell Appling, who she frequently calls her brother, Zendaya got comfy in a cream-colored tennis skirt, tank top, and zip-up hoodie ensemble. Spring really is here!! My favorite part of the afternoon is when Tom Holland and Zendaya sang along with Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

Image via James Gourley/Getty Images

April 9, 2024 — Zendaya Raves About Tom Holland

In her Vogue cover story for May 2024, Zendaya talks a lot about how fame has affected both her life and Tom Holland's. “His [career] changed overnight. One day you’re a kid and you’re at the pub with your friends, and then the next day you’re Spider-Man,” she says. “I definitely watched his life kind of change in front of him. But he handled it really beautifully.”

That star power was evident in 2022, when Tom Holland and Zendaya spent the afternoon at the Louvre in Paris...and almost broke the internet. “You just kind of get used to the fact that, 'Oh, I’m also one of these art pieces you’re going to take a picture of. I just gotta be totally cool with it and just live my life,'" Zendaya continues. (She also says that when the museum let them walk around after-hours, "it was like Night at the Museum.”)

This spring, Zendaya can't wait to see Tom Holland in his London production of Romeo & Juliet: "[I] could not be more proud. I’m going to try to see as many shows as I possibly can.”

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

April 10, 2024 — Challengers Premieres In London

Tom Holland showed up for the London premiere of Challengers, and got to support Zendaya in the sweetest way. In this video captured at the premiere, you can see Tom and Z share a hug and a kiss on the cheek during the evening. Even the smallest gesture can mean a lot during a busy night, and I love how in sync Tom Holland and Zendaya are!

The latest viral clip about Tom Holland and Zendaya also has to do with Challengers. During another Challengers press tour stop, Zendaya's overjoyed to be presented with a bouquet of gardenias. “These are my favorite flowers!” she exclaims. When asked if Tom Holland buys her flowers, she points at the camera and jokes, “I hope he's watching!”

While not every girlfriend necessarily wants a bouquet, every couple definitely has to figure out each other's love languages so they can get to know each other better — and apparently A-listers are the exact same!

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for LVMH x Vogue x NBC

August 31, 2024 — Zendaya And Tom Holland Match On A Day Date

After a summer starring in Romeo and Juliet, Tom Holland took a late-summer stroll with Zendaya in Calabasas, California. They also ended up wearing matching white tanks (Zendaya styled hers with trousers and ballet flats, while Tom opted for cargo-esque joggers and white sneakers) for the ultimate twinning moment.

Bero

October 15, 2024 — Tom Holland Launches A New Company With Unexpected Help From Zendaya

After going sober in 2022, Tom Holland announced on October 15 he was launching a non-alcoholic drink company called Bero. “When I got sober, I started exploring the world of non-alcoholic beers and realized there was space for me to fit in,” Tom says in an interview with Forbes. “My first year sober was really difficult, and had I had Bero, I think it would have been easier.”

“Zendaya hates beer, like, absolutely hates beer," he continues. And when she helped with the taste testing, a joke helped guide the overall brand. "She does not drink beer at all, and the first round of testing she was like, ‘Wow, these are really tasty’, and I was like, ‘Well, that's probably not a good sign.'"

And at the launch event for Bero in New York City, Tom and Zendaya wore matching shades of burgundy! Z stunned in a floor-length leather dress while Tom paired a short sleeve sweater with black trousers.

On

October 15, 2024 — Zendaya Reveals Why She'd Never Take A Dance Class With Tom Holland

While speaking to Teen Vogue for her partnership with On, Zendaya reveals she'd probably avoid dance classes with Tom Holland because "he's too good, it would piss me off," she jokes. "I would want to take someone who could be equally as bad as me."

"Kayaking, I would choose Tom because I think that, if I can remember correctly, with the kayak, you have to be in sync with the person," she continues. "And I think it would be hilarious because we are both very controlling and we both want to be in charge. So it would be funny to watch us be like, no, we're going to go this way. No, we're going to go that way. And I think it would be a good story after the fact."

October 31, 2024 — Tom Holland Reveals Googling Zendaya Eases His Anxiety

While appearing on an episode of Samah Dada’s On the Menu podcast, Tom Holland spoke about how protective he gets over Zendaya, which, if you ask me, is pretty clear after that viral video of her getting swarmed by paparazzi — and him physically getting in the middle.

“I’m not on socials, and I delete [the apps] when I’m not using [them],” he tells Samah. “So sometimes I — it’s more of a bit of an anxiety thing...I just give it a little Google, look [through] the news, and I’m like, ‘She’s good. We’re fine.'"

Keep checking back here for the latest news on Tom Holland and Zendaya's relationship, and see what Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are up to as well!

This post has been updated.

There's no doubt that the turkey has an unfair advantage in the Thanksgiving popularity game. You bust out the big bird once a year, and all those delicious side dishes tend to take a back seat… until now! There's no match for these 30 whimsical Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to steal the dinnertime spotlight.

Sarah Anderson

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Wedges

It doesn't get more fall than this. These bacon-wrapped sweet potato pieces are hearty, filling, and so tasty, you won't have any leftovers. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Hummus

Give your fam something to dip into before the main event. This pumpkin hummus is perfectly creamy and satiating. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Green Bean Casserole

These vegan and gluten-free green bean casseroles taste just like the real thing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spinach Artichoke Muffins

Two of our favorite comfort foods combine to create a side dish that's perfect for a down-home Thanksgiving. Creamy spinach artichoke dip makes these corn muffins rich and moist. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Triple Threat Potatoes

Why choose between baked, mashed, or fried potatoes when you can have all three in one? (via Brit + Co)

Bitter Sweet

Butternut Potato Puffs

We couldn't pass up this Thanksgiving side based on its adorable name alone! Just squeeze some seasoned potato-butternut squash puree through a large, star-topped piping bag, and bake them 'til they're golden brown all over. (via Bitter Sweet)

Fifteen Spatulas

Two-Bite Mac and Cheese Cups

Keep the kids from fighting over who gets more spoonfuls of mac and cheese by transforming the casserole into these bite-sized cups! You can thank your muffin pan for this (and other) savory munchies. (via Fifteen Spatulas)

Beyond Kimchee

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

This whimsical Thanksgiving side dish is the number one spotlight stealer on our list, and you'll be happy to know it's so easy to make! Just slice your biscuit dough in eight segments, bake, and brush with melted butter for shine. Don't forget to finish with sliced pecan “stems." So cute! (via Beyond Kimchee)

Smitten Kitchen

Roasted Stuffed Onions

Not only do we recommend making these stuffing-stuffed onions, but we also dare you to say it three times fast without slipping up. ;) (via Smitten Kitchen)

SheKnows

Sangria Cranberry Sauce

You bet we're gonna give this sangria-spiked cranberry sauce a try at our Brit + Co Thanksgiving potluck! (via SheKnows)

Spoon Fork Bacon

Potato Rings with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch

We imagine the whole “don't play with your food" rule was set before these awesome potato rings were made. Though, maybe reserve the potato ring toss from across the dining table for Friendsgiving. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

Smitten Kitchen

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Biscuits

We're nuts about this creative concoction. A layer of bubbling marshmallow oozes through the center of these sweet potato muffins, which is sure to satisfy any mid-meal sweet tooth. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Adventures in Cooking

Applesauce Mac & Cheese

Why leave applesauce all by its lonesome when you can have it buddy up with mac and cheese? While it may sound strange, apples and cheese totally go together, so be sure to give it a try! Mix in some chicken-apple sausage to amp up the apple flavor even more. (via Adventures in Cooking)

Your Vegan Mom

Sweet Potato Tots

We love this sweet twist on classic tater tots. We'll also go ahead and say we wouldn't be opposed to dipping them in gravy during Thanksgiving meal time. (via Your Vegan Mom)

Food52

Acorn Squash Fondue

Fondue is such a fun way to enjoy a meal with family and friends, especially when it's housed in a squash. (via Food52)

Martha Stewart

Roasted Root Vegetable Pizza

Leave it to Martha to find an amazing way to make roasted root veggies irresistibly appealing. If you serve pizza at Thanksgiving dinner, you win. (via Martha Stewart)

Salt & Lavender

Whole Roasted Shallots

Shallots become sweet and caramelized after roasting in the oven. The addition of butter and tangy balsamic make this a worthy Thanksgiving side dish. (via Salt & Lavender)

Basically Cooking

Mashed Sweet Potato and Kale Puffs

Combine multiple sides into one dish with this recipe. It's finger-food friendly, so you can dig in while using your fork to scoop up plenty of turkey. (via Basically Cooking)

Culinary Ginger

Parmesan Risotto Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuff acorn squash with Parmesan risotto to make this elegant Thanksgiving side dish. It works well as a vegetarian entree, too. (via Culinary Ginger)

Salt N Pepper Here

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Sometimes a salad is just what you need to counteract the heavy holiday food on the table. This one is perfect for colder weather, made with a blend of shaved broccoli and Brussels sprouts. (via Salt N Pepper Here)

Plated Cravings

Sauerkraut Mashed Potato Casserole

Liven up a tray of mashed potato casserole with some simple additions. Tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples bring dynamic flavor to each bite. (via Plated Cravings)

Sip + Sanity

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes With Pumpkin Seed Pesto Butter

Hasselback sweet potatoes are ideal for soaking up big flavors. These are topped with pumpkin seed pesto butter, along with fragrant basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. (via Sip + Sanity)

Delightful Mom Food

Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries

Skip the glazed carrots and opt for these crunchy carrot “fries" instead. A coating of cheese, garlic, and herbs helps them crisp up in the oven! (via Delightful Mom Food)

Evolving Table

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower doesn't get enough love in the kitchen. When pureed and mixed with soft roasted garlic and plenty of olive oil, it's like the sophisticated cousin of mashed potatoes. (via Evolving Table)

Running to the Kitchen

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fall Salad

Salads aren't just for summer. This hearty version, made with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and maple tahini dressing, deserves a place on the holiday table. (via Running to the Kitchen)

Domestic Gothess

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

For really crispy mashed potatoes, cook them twice. First until they're tender; then, smash them flat, sprinkle with cheese, and finish cooking. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Did someone request a cheesy side dish that's not mac and cheese? Make this scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions side dish to satisfy their taste buds' desires. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Girl on Bloor

Crustless Jalapeño Mini Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are the perfect savory starter that also have a nice, spicy kick to 'em. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Classic Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a platter of classic deviled eggs! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Cajun Potato Salad

Tell your dad's famous potato salad to move over, because there's an updated version in town that doesn't want to share the spotlight. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

For more Thanksgiving side dishes and delicious holiday recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.