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Once Upon A Prom
MTV Reality TV Show | 2008
In 2008, as part of MTV’s Once Upon A Prom, Taylor and her best friend Abigail attended prom at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. To give her a chance to experience the high school dance she had missed while launching her country music career, 50 senior boys submitted video proposals, hoping to be chosen as Taylor’s prom date.
Table of Contents
Background
Once Upon A Prom was an MTV reality series that followed teenagers as they prepared for one of the most memorable nights of their high school lives—prom. From nerves and outfits to limousines and, of course, the quest for the perfect date, MTV captured it all while helping a few prom dreams come true.
Premise
In the 2008 edition, 50 senior boys submitted video proposals hoping to be chosen as Taylor’s prom date. She had been on the road nonstop all year, but a day off from her tour with Rascal Flatts provided the perfect opportunity to experience Senior Prom:
«Platinum record sales. Multiple CMT Music Awards. A Grammy nomination. Eighteen-year-old Taylor Swift has already crossed off some impressive milestones. But as of Friday night, she still hadn’t done one thing: Senior Prom.»
MTV followed Taylor as she prepared for the night, documenting both her and her date, senior Whit Wright, whom she had selected. “This guy was so down to earth and all-American,” Taylor said, having been homeschooled for the previous two years. “He was unbelievably sweet.”
Taylor picked up Wright in her tour bus, and upon learning he had chosen a pink tie and vest to honor a friend’s mother battling breast cancer, she changed into a pale pink dress. “I felt so much like I was in high school again—in a good way, without any drama, without anyone being catty,” Taylor recalled. “It was the coolest thing!” She had otherwise missed her own prom at Hendersonville High in Tennessee due to touring.
Wright, who bought Taylor a corsage, told the Tuscaloosa News, “I thought I was going to prom solo and I’m going with Taylor Swift! It’s just been the best senior year I can possibly imagine.” The pair double-dated with Taylor’s best friend Abigail and his best friend, Wayne Dedrick, celebrating with other seniors on the riverboat “Bama Belle” before heading to the dance.
Taylor picked up Wright in her tour bus, and upon learning he had chosen a pink tie and vest to honor a friend’s mother battling breast cancer, she changed into a pale pink dress. “I felt so much like I was in high school again—in a good way, without any drama, without anyone being catty,” Taylor recalled. “It was the coolest thing!” She had otherwise missed her own prom at Hendersonville High in Tennessee due to touring.
Wright, who bought Taylor a corsage, told the Tuscaloosa News, “I thought I was going to prom solo and I’m going with Taylor Swift! It’s just been the best senior year I can possibly imagine.” The pair double-dated with Taylor’s best friend Abigail and his best friend, Wayne Dedrick, celebrating with other seniors on the riverboat “Bama Belle” before heading to the dance.
Whit Wright
In his application video, Whit Wright explained that he had just moved to Hillcrest High School and didn’t really know anyone there yet. He also mentioned that he was a fan of Taylor and had a massive crush on her—before learning that she would be his prom date. He still seems to like her. In 2023, he revealed on Twitter that he had been unable to get tickets to “The Eras Tour” (2023-2024). After the tweet received over 120,000 likes, he added:
«Wow! I never could’ve imagined the attention this would get and the positivity from everyone! Firstly, my tweet was out of pure fun, I had no motive for recognition or handouts. The MTV gig was a great memory and everything that came with it was fantastic! Thanks for the love!!»
Watch: Once Upon A Prom
General Information
| Network | MTV |
|---|---|
| Starring | Taylor Swift Abigail Anderson Whit Wright |
| Director | Andrew Huang |
| Original Airdate | June 21, 2008 |
| Length | 42 minutes |
| Production Company | MTV News and Docs |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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