Anderson Cooper sparked conversation on social media after the beloved news anchor busted out laughing while doing a ‘dramatic reading’ of Taylor Swift song for CNN’s NYE special

Longtime CNN anchor Anderson Cooper struggled to keep a straight face when he was reading the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s viral song from her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl.

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Toward the end of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s New Year’s Eve special on CNN, the Bravo talk show host, 57, had the news anchor, 58, do a “dramatic reading” of Taylor’s hit song, Wood. The ninth track on the 36-year-old pop star’s 12th studio album was evidently inspired by her NFL star’s fiancé, Travis Kelce’s, sexual prowess as expressed through the lyrics.

amy sedaris andy cohen anderson cooper

Anderson burst into giggles after trying to seriously read the playful record’s lyrics, such as “Forgive me, it sounds cocky/ He d- -k matized me and opened my eyes/ Redwood tree, it ain’t hard to see/His love was the key that opened my thighs,” which quickly went viral on X (fka Twitter).

 

“Anderson Cooper does a dramatic reading of Taylor Swift’s song: ‘Wood’ Unsurprising Anderson can’t stop laughing #CNNNYE #NewYearsEve #NewYear,” one shared on X.

Another penned, “Anderson Cooper reads the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s “Wood”. OMFG I am dead! Andy Cohen with the “KNOCK ON WOOD, BABY!” #CNNNYE.”

A third added, “Anderson Cooper does a dramatic reading of Taylor Swift’s song: ‘Wood’ Unsurprising Anderson can’t stop laughing #CNNNYE #NewYearsEve #NewYear,” one shared on X.

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A fourth noted, “Anderson Cooper reading Taylor Swift’s ‘Wood’ lyrics and giggling is the best #cnnnye.”

The NYE’s special featured many memorable moments, including when CNN’s holiday program was overshadowed by a surprise guest–Andy’s metallic blue puffer jacket.

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Shortly into the broadcast, social media was set ablaze with comments about how stylish Andy’s coat was.

“Andy’s coat looks like it would make the same sound as touching balloons. #CNNNYE #CNN #NewYear #NewYear2026,” one wrote on X.

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Another noted, “I need the details on who is the designer of @‌Andy’s coat. Obsessed. #CNNNYE @‌CNN,” as one penned, “Andy Cohen looks like a blue Stay Puff marshmallow man in that jacket. @‌CNN #CNNNYE.”

Someone else shared, “@‌Andy the jacket needs its own # we love it! #CNNNYE,” while one penned, “@‌Andy’s NYE coat looks so shiny like it’s a cat eye manicure haha #cnnnye.” Meanwhile, there was one who insisted, “Andy Cohen’s coat is a need, not a want #CNNNYE.”

New Year’s Eve Live 2026 with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen premiered on CNN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on December 31, 2025.