Phil Collins has long been enchanted by Taylor Swift, he recently revealed.
In an interview with BBC Radio 2 published on Aug. 2, Collins praised Swift's massive success.
"I'm so pleased that she's the hugest thing in the world now 'cuz she kind of feels like she deserves it," he said. "I mean, it's easy to knock someone that's got so much success, but I think she really deserves it."
The "In the Air Tonight" singer's newest comments came days after he revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times that, when he was hospitalized in April 2024 due to his heavy drinking, he came close to dying.
The 75-year-old said in 2025 that he hasn't felt "hungry" to make new music in light of his health issues, which now require him to receive 24-hour care.
Here's
what else he said about Swift.
Phil Collins reveals which Taylor Swift song he has a 'soft spot' for
During the BBC Radio 2 interview, Collins also revealed that Swift's song "White Horse" is among the 10 that have soundtracked his life.
The Genesis drummer said he first heard the song when Swift performed it at a Songwriter's Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010. At the time, Collins' daughter, actress Lily Collins, introduced him to Swift, he said.
"I'd kind of known the name but she wasn't anywhere near the star she is today and very nice lady," he said.
The Englishman said when Swift performed "White Horse" with her guitar on stage, "it blew me away completely."
"Not only was the song great and the sentiment of the song really got me, but she sang it beautifully and it was just so simple, you know, her on a guitar," he added. "So I've always had a soft spot for this song since then."
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phil Collins praises Taylor Swift, says she 'deserves' massive success
