'It was surreal': Empire star Serayah McNeill raves about 'incredible' BFF Taylor Swift but says she was 'nervous' at first to join her Bad Blood squad 

By Kayla Caldwell For Dailymail.com

Published: 14:52 EST, 12 April 2016 | Updated: 15:19 EST, 12 April 2016

She's been inducted into one of the most talked-about and coveted 'squads' around as she became close friends with Taylor Swift.

And speaking with Esquire.com, Serayah McNeill revealed even she found it 'a bit surreal' to get the call to be a part of the 1989 hitmaker's star-studded Bad Blood video as 'Dilemma.'

'I honestly didn't know what to expect,' the 20-year-old said, adding that as she walked into a room filled with celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Selena Gomez, and Karlie Kloss, she 'was nervous at first.'

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In good company: Serayah McNeill gushed about 'incredible' best friend Taylor Swift while speaking with Esquire.com 

In good company: Serayah McNeill gushed about 'incredible' best friend Taylor Swift while speaking with Esquire.com 

'I honestly didn't know what to expect' When she was first approached to join Taylor and company in the Bad Blood video, Serayah said it felt 'a bit surreal' (pictured as Dilemma)

'I honestly didn't know what to expect' When she was first approached to join Taylor and company in the Bad Blood video, Serayah said it felt 'a bit surreal' (pictured as Dilemma)

However, it seemed she didn't have anything to worry about, as Serayah gushed that 'they were incredible.'

'They were kind and supportive, and we instantly got along and talked about everything under the sun,' she said.

Serayah continued, reflecting on her time working on the video: 'It was (and has continued to be) a very encouraging experience.'

Start of something good: The brunette beauty realized there had been nothing to worry about though, as everyone was 'kind and supportive' and they all 'instantly got along' 

Start of something good: The brunette beauty realized there had been nothing to worry about though, as everyone was 'kind and supportive' and they all 'instantly got along' 

Speaking of Taylor, the star - who recently signed a record deal with Columbia Records - shared that though they haven't made plans to record together yet, her new BFF has given her quite a bit of advice.

'She's such a talented artist and has reminded and encouraged me to stay true to how I see myself and how I want to convey myself in my music career, and to stick to that as I move forward with recording,' Serayah said.

The two have been seen spending plenty of bonding time together in addition to working on the video, with Serayah joining Taylor onstage at a stop on her 1989 World Tour as well as at her star-studded Fourth of July bash at her home in Rhode Island.

Still in touch: Serayah recently showed Taylor her support at the Grammys, where the blonde beauty picked up three awards - including one for Best Music Video for Bad Blood - (pictured with Selena Gomez, R)

Still in touch: Serayah recently showed Taylor her support at the Grammys, where the blonde beauty picked up three awards - including one for Best Music Video for Bad Blood - (pictured with Selena Gomez, R)

The pair were also spotted showing off smiles as they posed backstage at the 2016 Grammys, where Taylor picked up three awards.

Serayah cited Taylor's award-winning Bad Blood video - as well as Beyonce's controversial Formation - as pieces drawing 'more attention to the experiences of women.'

'Women are empowering each other and pushing each other in the right ways more than ever, publicly,' the Empire star said.

Working together: The Empire star also made a guest appearance during the Chicago stop of Taylor's 1989 World Tour 

Working together: The Empire star also made a guest appearance during the Chicago stop of Taylor's 1989 World Tour 

In that vein, Serayah showed her support for Beyonce's video, explaining that she didn't think Beyonce 'had any negative intentions with it and, looking at it, the video carried a great message.'

'All art, however it is expressed, is acceptable…because it's how someone feels,' she reasoned, adding: 'Some people might disagree with what is being said, but that doesn't take away from a person's right to say it.'

The confident performer also said that she has been taking notes from her Empire character Tiana, who 'always owns the space she's in.'

House guest: Serayah also celebrated Fourth of July with Taylor at the hitmaker's star-studded bash in Rhode Island

House guest: Serayah also celebrated Fourth of July with Taylor at the hitmaker's star-studded bash in Rhode Island

'It's been hugely important to become comfortable with them and to learn how to stop apologizing for myself, which women (myself included) seem to have been conditioned to do,' Serayah explained.

She stars alongside Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Gabourey Sidibe in the Fox hit, which airs Wednesdays at 9pm.

 

 

 

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