Charlie Puth is reacting to his Tortured Poets Department shoutout. On the title track of Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album, released on April 19, she refers to Puth with the lyrics, “You smokеd, then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist.”
On April 28, Puth responded to the name-check, sharing one of Swift’s latest Instagram posts to his Stories, which includes behind-the-scenes photos of the album’s recording sessions and a caption celebrating TTPD’s chart success.
“My mind is blown. I’m completely floored by the love you’ve shown this album,” Swift wrote, revealing that The Tortured Poets Department sold 2.6 million copies in its first week of release. “ARE YOU ACTUALLY SERIOUS?? Thank you for listening, streaming, and welcoming Tortured Poets into your life. Feeling completely overwhelmed.”
Although Puth seems appreciative of his mention on the album, “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics proved divisive online. “Charlie Puth is gonna be so annoying abt this for the rest of his life like why the hell did she say that omfg,” one tweeted, while others pointed out that Puth is already successful.
This isn’t the first time the pair have sung each other’s praises. In 2021, Puth performed a cover of Swift’s song “Teardrops on My Guitar,” and told fans, “This is why she’s such a genius, man. These are the chord changes. It’s wonderful. I think it’s wonderful.”
Puth also welcomed his “fellow Sag” to TikTok when Swift joined the platform in 2021. “I’ve lurked your account for ages! Thanks for the welcome, piano prince,” she responded at the time.
TTPD Tops The Charts
The Tortured Poets Department debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 2.61 million copies sold in the U.S. in its first week. The 31-song album marks the 14th No. 1 album of Swift’s career and has become the top-selling album of 2024 so far, breaking streaming and vinyl records.
“What do you MEAN,” the singer wrote in response to TTPD’s chart debut on April 28, adding that she is “so fired up” to continue her global Eras Tour that resumes in Paris, France on May 9.
