Taylor Swift Makes History with "I Knew It, I Knew You"
A Record-Breaking Return to Country Radio
This week, Taylor Swift's song "I Knew It, I Knew You" from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack made history. It became the first song by a woman to achieve a "panel close" on country radio. This means every country radio station reporting to Mediabase signed on to play it during its debut week.
"I Knew It, I Knew You" is the first song by a woman to close out the country radio panel on impact.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
Swift's last Country Airplay Number One was the 2013 duet with Tim McGraw, "Highway Don't Care." Since then, she serviced tracks like "No Body No Crime" and "Betty" to country radio, but they did not gain significant traction.
"The Right Song"
RJ Curtis, executive director of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., commented on the milestone. He stated that country radio had been waiting for the perfect track from Swift.
"Given the right song, country radio will support her again and welcome her back with open arms."
— RJ Curtis
A Perfect Storm of Milestones
The resurgence comes at a significant time. Swift's recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and her eligibility for the Country Music Hall of Fame have been widely noted. The release also coincides with the 20th anniversary of her debut single "Tim McGraw" on June 19—the same day Toy Story 5 hits theaters.
Coincidental Airwaves
In an interesting twist, Swift shares the country radio airwaves this week with John Mayer. Mayer is featured as a guest on Lainey Wilson's new single, "Phone, Keys, Wallet."