There's almost nothing we love more than seeing women support other women. In the ultra-competitive world of celebrities, that's not always the norm, though. Heck, it's just starting to become more normal in regular society. Over the years, we've been so inspired by some incredible female celebrities who have refused to hate on each other when it would've been easy and expected to do so, and others who've gone out of their way to acknowledge and praise other women in the industry.
Huge celebrities like music superstar Taylor Swift and elite athlete Serena Williams have stood up for other female celebs on a number of occasions and we just love the show of female solidarity. It's such a good example not just for their peers and other women around the world, but for young girls as well. We could all undeniably use more of that kind of support and a whole lot less of the sniping and snarking that women are often accused of.
Seriously, who has time to be mean and judgmental nowadays? Not us, and we're sure none of these powerful and impressive female celebrities do either. Keep reading to see which ultra-famous women have chosen not to go low and tear each other down, but to instead defend, support and build each other up.
Serena Williams & Meghan Markle
Serena Williams stood up for her long-time friend, Meghan Markle, after her and Prince Harry's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. She took a hard stance in defense of Meghan's critics saying on Instagram: "I am so proud of you for being so brave. I know it is never easy. You are strong- both you and Harry. I love you. I adore you. Your friend S," alongside a heartfelt post.
Beyoncé & Adele
In February 2017, British songbird Adele seemed to be taken by surprise when she won a Grammy over Beyoncé. She literally stopped in the middle of her speech and praised Beyoncé and her Lemonade album, saying Bey was the "artist of my life." So basically, she adores Beyoncé so much, she pulled a Kanye on herself.
Selena Gomez & Taylor Swift
Once upon a time, singers Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift were known to be besties and though they're no longer as close these days, they still stan for each other. When Taylor was going through some major drama with her former manager Scooter Braun, Selena took to social media to defend Taylor saying, "You've robbed and crushed one of our best songwriters of our time an opportunity to celebrate all of her music with fans and the world."
Britney Spears & Cher
After the The New York Times Presents episode "Framing Britney Spears," premiered, the iconic Cher tweeted her support for the popstar saying, "She Worked Hard, Was The Golden Goose, Made Lots Of , Got Sick, Now She's The CASH COW. Does anyone Who's Making Off Her Being Sick, Want Her Well!? Someone Who Doesn't Want Anything From Her Should Look Into Her Dr.& Her Meds. ……Is It a Duck!?"
Angela Bassett & Adrienne Warren
Hollywood A-lister Angela Bassett went out of her way to congratulate and praise stage actress Adrienne Warren for her portrayal of legendary singer Tina Turner in the musical about her life, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical in 2018. Angela famously played Tina Turner in the film What's Love Got to do With It in 1993.
Lady Gaga & Janelle Monáe
Mega-star entertainer Lady Gaga was caught in an incredibly authentic moment during a Janelle Monáe performance at the Grammys in 2019 when she was spotted dancing along uncontrollably. She is quite obviously a big fan and wasn't at all shy about letting the entire world see how much appreciation she has for the fellow artist.
Sandra Oh & Jodie Comer
Actress Sandra Oh left absolutely no doubt about how much she loves, adores and appreciates her Killing Eve costar Jodie Comer when Jodie won an Emmy a couple of years ago. Sandra gave her big, tight squeeze and lots of encouraging words and congratulations before Jodie even made her way up to the stage.
Cate Blanchett & Sarah Paulson
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett totally fangirled over fellow actress Sarah Paulson during an Instagram Live hosted by W magazine in 2020. "You're one of these people that everyone loves, and your reputation just preceded you," the Australian actress told Sarah of working with her for the first time.
Viola Davis & Taraji P. Henson
Actress Taraji P. Henson wears her heart on her sleeve, which is one of the reasons we love seeing her as herself at events. She and Viola Davis were both up for an Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series in 2015, and when Viola won, Taraji went crazy with cheers, giving Viola a standing ovation. Viola who was the first Black women to ever win that award then went on to thank other Black actresses including Taraji, Kerry Washington, and Gabrielle Union. It was such a moving moment.
Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda
It was the absolute cutest thing when actress and comedian Lily Tomlin was spotted wearing a handbag with the mugshot of her Grace & Frankie costar Jane Fonda emblazoned on it. It was definitely a cheeky fashion choice, but one that certainly honored her friend and colleague in a noticeable way.
Meagan Good & Leslie Jones
Once upon a time, comedian Leslie Jones posted a picture of herself during a workout and expressed some heavy emotions and self doubt, actress Meagan Good left her the most encouraging and uplifting response. "Be encouraged sis, you are one of a kind and you are so dope! God ain’t giving you away to just anybody. You too bomb for that," Meagan wrote.
Miley Cyrus & Christina Aguilera
Way back in 2014, Miley Cyrus decided to don a pair of red and black chaps and a bikini top on stage during a performance and instead of being annoyed that she had bitten off of her style, Christina Aguilera publicly praised Miley for helping her own infamous look live on. "Cheers from one dirrty girl to the next @MileyCyru…wear em' loud & proud, girl- yes!!" Christina tweeted.
Mariah Carey & Kelly Clarkson
Iconic songstress Mariah Carey isn't exactly well known for being particularly friendly to other performers, but several years ago when she was a judge on American Idol, and Kelly Clarkson admitted to being nervous about performing in front of her, Mariah walked up on stage and embraced Kelly as they both lavished each other with praise.
Oprah Winfrey & Mary Tyler Moore
When TV trailblazer Mary Tyler Moore honored journalist Oprah Winfrey by publicly thanking her for her work, it was a huge moment for women in entertainment. "What you do on this show with such intelligence, grace and sensitivity, and what you do for literacy, I am in awe of you. I am so grateful," Mary told Oprah, who has said that Mary Tyler Moore has always been one of her idols.
Female Musicians & Kesha
Female musicians including Camilla Cabello and Cyndi Lauper put on the most amazing show of support and solidarity when they joined songwriter Kesha on stage during her performance of "Praying" at the Grammys in 2018. At the time, Kesha was dealing with the fallout of her admission that she had been sexually assaulted by producer Dr. Luke.
Emma Stone & Olivia Colman
Actress Emma Stone totally freaked out over The Crown actress Olivia Colman's Oscar win in 2019, in the absolute best way possible. She was in tears and embraced Olivia with gusto. The two starred in the film The Favourite together, and clearly bonded. It's obvious that Olivia earned a lot of respect from Emma.
Taylor Swift & Olivia Rodrigo
Singer and TikTok star Olivia Rodrigo recently hit superstar status with her hit song, "Driver's License," and in celebration fellow musician Taylor Swift sent Olivia a ring similar to the one she wore when she wrote her hit song "Red." It's so special that instead of seeing Olivia as competition, Taylor chose to make room for her on the scene.
Alicia Keys & All the Ladies
Alicia Keys absolutely showed out for the ladies when she hosted the Grammys in 2019. Wearing a head wrap and almost no makeup, she called a bunch of music's top female voices including Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez as well as Michelle Obama and Jada Pinkett Smith on stage and lavished them all with praise.
