Why "Smelly Cat" Came Up on the Friends Reunion
The Friends reunion special in December 2021 prompted many nostalgic questions, including who sang "Smelly Cat" with Phoebe. On the show, Phoebe performed the song several times, most notably with Chrissie Hynde on guitar. In the reunion, the arrangement was handled differently for the stage performance, with a different artist delivering the lead vocal alongside the on-screen cast recreation.
Who Performed "Smelly Cat" Live at the Reunion
The on-screen choir sang the first verse, while musician Renée Elise Goldsberry—best known for originating the role of Angelica in Hamilton—performed the lead vocal of "Smelly Cat" alongside the on-screen cast. This live pairing was arranged specifically for the reunion taping to recreate the moment with a new, theater-trained voice that matched the song’s playful sincerity.
The Original Sitcom Performances
On Friends, "Smelly Cat" was written as a recurring gag tied to Phoebe’s quirky musician persona. The most prominent version featured Chrissie Hynde appearing as a guest; Hynde sang the first verse and joined Phoebe on guitar for a televised performance in season 2. Other in-universe appearances show Phoebe performing the song with varying, fictional lyrics tailored to each episode’s context.
Notable In-Show Versions
- Chrissie Hynde version: Season 2, with live guitar and vocals
- Rachel and Monica harmonies: A brief a cappella snippet in season 3
- Phoebe solo: Multiple brief renditions in various episodes
How the Reunion Version Compared
Viewers expecting Chrissie Hynde or another original guest vocalist were surprised to hear Renée Elise Goldsberry leading the song. The production preserved the playful spirit of the original while choosing a performer whose vocal style suited the humorous-yet-heartbeat tone of the lyrics. This decision highlighted how the reunion could reinterpret classic moments for a live audience while staying true to the song’s legacy.
Cast Reaction and Behind-the-Scenes Notes
Cast members have discussed the careful process of recreating iconic musical moments for the reunion. Rather than replicating the Hynde appearance, producers opted for a fresh take with a well-known Broadway talent, ensuring the performance felt both authentic and event-appropriate. The staging allowed the cast to play against type while giving Goldsberry a memorable nod to the show that helped define a generation of sitcom television.
Quick Comparison of "Smelly Cat" Performers
| Performance | Lead Vocalist | Context | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original TV Performance (with Chrissie Hynde) | Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Chrissie Hynde | Friends season 2 episode, televised in-station performance | 1995–1996 |
| Friends Reunion Special | Renée Elise Goldsberry | Live stage performance with on-screen choir recreation | 2021 |
| Other In-Show Appearances | Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), various guest singers | Fictional snippets used for comedic storytelling | 1994–2004 |
Key Takeaways
- Renée Elise Goldsberry sang "Smelly Cat" live with the cast at the 2021 reunion.
- The original TV performances featured Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) alongside Chrissie Hynde.
- The reunion used a new vocalist to recreate the moment for a live audience while preserving the song’s spirit.
Final Thoughts
The reunion’s version of "Smelly Cat" was designed to honor the song’s place in Friends history while adapting it for a stage format. By choosing an accomplished performer like Renée Elise Goldsberry, the producers balanced nostalgia with a fresh interpretation. For fans asking who sang "Smelly Cat" with Phoebe on Friends reunion, the concise answer is Renée Elise Goldsberry, standing in for the spirit of the original while giving the moment a new, live energy.