Taylor Swift receives honorary degree from NYU, gives appreciation speech

Taylor hit song “22” takes on a whole new meaning after gracing the stage with New York University’s class of 2022.

The Grammy-winning singer and songwriter received a Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, from the Manhattan-based university Wednesday, delivering the commencement speech with a timely joke.

The main reason I’m here is because I have a song called ’22,'” she said as she thanked the university, praised the graduates and expressed gratitude for her parents.

NYU called the Yankee Stadium occasion “an unprecedented ‘doubleheader’ event” as it celebrated this year’s class of graduates as well as students from the 2020 and 2021 classes whose ceremonies were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hi, I’m Taylor,” Swift opened her commencement speech. “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.”

Swift, entered the stadium in the same procession as the rest of the students wearing doctoral regalia and a red lip while throwing up peace signs and waving to audience members before taking her spot with the rest of the commencement’s platform party.

The singer addressed the class of 2022 on behalf of other honorary degree recipients. Lifelong disability rights advocate Judith Heumann, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, addressed the classes of 2020 and 2021 in a separate ceremony.