Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest Teen

Taylor Swift named CMA entertainer of the year

2012-02-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Though still largely the domain of men, triumphs by Taylor Swift and The Band Perry at the Country Music Association Awards show that the young women of country music are finding their voices and shoving the boys out of the way.

Swift won the CMA's entertainer of the year for the second time Wednesday night, Kimberly Perry of sibling act The Band Perry took home song of the year and two other awards with her brothers, Neil and Reid. Add in wins by Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and Sugarland, and the songwriting strength of today's country girls is undeniable."When Taylor won entertainer I secretly sang (Beyonce's) `Who runs the world? Girls,' to Blake," Lambert said after she and husband Blake Shelton repeated as male and female vocalist of the year. "I'm just really happy that females are starting to be very prominent and it is the female singer-songwriter.

"It's so cool that Kimberly wrote song of the year by herself. And that's a dream of mine. I'm just so happy the girls were really celebrated tonight."

Celebrated like rarely before. Swift became the second woman to win entertainer of the year twice, joining Barbara Mandrell, and she did it by the age of 21.

"To win it twice is like the coolest thing ever happening to me twice," Swift said backstage. "I'm freaking out right now."

She's inspired legions of young girls to take up guitar and write their own songs, and she has spread the gospel of country music to the Far East, filling stadiums like few others can. She crossed the 20 million mark in album sales and has almost no rival in the genre when it comes to bringing converts over the wall.

She's made all that headway on the strength of her songs. She loves nothing better than the process of turning inspiration into something that makes a connection with people all over the planet.

"All of the sudden this idea that was just yours is now everybody else's and they sing it in their cars and sing it about their breakups or falling in love and they incorporate it into their lives," Swift said.

Perry experienced a similar kind of revelation when her song "If I Die Young" conquered country radio then began to crossover on to pop stations. Rarely do country songs resonate across genres, and that the melancholy "If I Die Young" ran hard in the face of the successful formula so many follow made it even more impressive.

The song earned Perry song of the year, which goes to the writer, and The Band Perry, which includes her brothers, single of the year and new artist of the year.

Perry said the song came to her one afternoon and she got most of it down right away. She showed it to her mom and said she thought she'd bring it to Nashville to get help from another songwriter to finish it, but her mother encouraged her to keep ownership. It turned out to be the right choice.

"We sort of feel like we are part of the country evangelism scene and we love to hear country songs on pop radio," she said.

Crossing over was another strong theme of the night.

Jason Aldean, who earned his first major CMA award when his platinum-selling "My Kinda Party" won album of the year, also won musical event of the year for his duet "Don't You Wanna Stay" with pop star Kelly Clarkson. And Kenny Chesney won music video of the year for his duet "You and Tequila" with rocker Grace Potter.

Lady Antebellum, whose crossover appeal is rivaled only by Swift's, won its third straight vocal group of the year award and Sugarland took vocal duo of the year for the fifth straight time.

That theme also carried over to the stage where stars from different genres came together for some of the CMA's strongest performances. The show also featured plenty of sexy dancing, fire and belching smoke special effects and, at one point, acrobats spinning down from the ceiling on lengths of unspooling fabric.

Lionel Richie had every star buzzing on the red carpet before performing duets from his new country album with Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and Little Big Town. He posed for a picture with Lambert and gave advice to Lady Antebellum on the red carpet.

Gregg Allman joined fellow Peach State natives Zac Brown Band on "Georgia on my Mind," Natasha Bedingfield, in a dress that featured a fluffy red skirt, joined Rascal Flatts on stage to perform their duet "Easy," and that was just the start of genre shuffling.

Shelton and Kenny Loggins opened the show with a high-energy version of Loggins' hit "Footloose." Later, Glen Campbell, one of country's biggest crossover pioneers who is now battling Alzheimer's disease, was given a musical tribute when Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley sang three of his songs.

Richie hadn't performed on the CMAs since 1986 when he appeared with Alabama. He noted the show has changed dramatically over the decades, as has country music.

"It's Cirque de Soleil ... it's full-on production," Richie said. "This is off-the-chain. This is the Oscars of the music business, the CMAs."

Lambert and Shelton made a little history when they took male and female vocalist of the year. They're the second married couple to win the awards in the same year.

"Congrats to my hubby, too," Lambert shouted from the stage to Shelton on the eve of her 28th birthday. "It's going to be a good night tonight, baby!" The camera cut to Shelton, who rubbed his hands together and smiled devilishly.

Taylor's Dating Woes

2012-02-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Why can't Taylor just catch a break? The teen star has reportedly ended her secret rendezvous with the British actor, which is too bad -- the two looked really cute together.

Oh no, Taylor Swift, you'd better get your guitar out.

It looks like the popular teen country music star will have some bittersweet inspiration for a new song, after it is reported that she was dumped by boyfriend and British actor, Eddie Redmayne.

According to Us Weekly, the 30-year-old My Week with Marilyn costar had a secret romance with Taylor, after they met when she was auditioning to play the role Eponine in a film adaption of Les Miserables — which she lost to Broadway veteran Samantha Barks.

In any case, after the two met they started secretly seeing each other."They hung out in New York City with the movie's execs," said a source to Us Weekly. "And Taylor developed feelings for him fast."

Sounds like the Taylor we know.

Taylor and Eddie even met up in London while she was there, and the two got cozy in Swift's hotel room. But it wasn't long before Taylor's love story became a sad story, after Eddie said that he was "not interested in a long-distance relationship."

Why does Taylor Swift have such bad luck with relationships? We're hoping that she finds her Prince Charming.

Taylor Swift previews song from 'The Hunger Games' soundtrack

2012-02-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift gave a sneak preview of her music video for "Safe & Sound," which will appear on the soundtrack for "The Hunger Games."

"So excited for Grammys on Sunday. So excited for the Safe and Sound video premiere Monday on MTV!" Swift wrote on Twitter on February 10, with a still from the music video.

Swift is slated to be one of the performers at the 2012 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12 and is up for three awards, including Country Album of the Year. Swift already has four Grammy Awards under her belt.

In the music video, which is "The Hunger Games" lead single, will debut in full on Monday. The video shows Swift walking through a forest in a long white gown.The video also offered a glimpse of her accompaniment, Joy Williams and John Paul White of The Civil Wars. The band is also nominated for two Grammy Awards this year, including Best Folk Album for "Barton Hollow" and Best Country Duo Performance for the album's title track.

"Safe & Sound" was recorded in the home studio of producer T Bone Burnett. The song was co-written by Swift, Williams and White.

"The Hunger Games," which is the film adaptation of the popular novel by Suzanne Collins is slated to hit theaters on March 23, 2012.

"Hunger Games" is the first book in the trilogy of novels based around the character Katniss Everdeen, who will be played by "Winter's Bone" actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Everdeen lives in the post-apocalyptic North America, which is now called Panem. In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual televised event put on by the government in Capitol city, where a boy and a girl from each district fight to the death.

The new photos also include new looks at co-stars Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Josh Hutcherson, 19, stars as Peeta Mellark, a baker's son who competes for Everdeen's affections. The character accompanies Everdeen into the 74th annual Hunger Games as the boy chosen to fight from her district.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Liam Hemsworth plays Gale Hawthorne, Everdeen's childhood friend who shares a "transcendent bond" with her.

On August 8, it was announced that the sequel for the film called "Catching Fire," based on the follow-up novel to "The Hunger Games," will be released on Nov. 22, 2013.

The films also stars Donald Sutherland as President Snow, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna who is Mallark and Everdeen's stylist for the Hunger Games, Woody Harrelson as their mentor Haymitch Abernathy and Elizabeth Banks, who takes on the role of Effie Trinket.

Taylor Swift to Premiere ‘Safe and Sound’ Video Next Week

2012-02-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

The media conglomerate Viacom and Taylor Swift just announced that they’re joining forces for the first-ever MTV global music video premiere, featuring Taylor Swift’s ‘Safe and Sound’ video from the soundtrack to the upcoming flick ‘The Hunger Games.’ The video is set to debut Feb. 13, and because of the scope of the media giant and the popularity of the ‘Mean’ singer, Viacom expects the video could air in as many as 600 million homes around the globe.

“I’m not sure we’ve ever done a global artist video premiere across all of our channels domestically much less globally,” the president of Viacom Music & Logo Group, Van Toffler, told TheWrap. “What a great way to reach hundred of millions of people around the world and let them know about a movie and song.”While there’s a chance it may not hit quite that many households, the way this video premiere is going to unfold does sound pretty epic. The music video, which features vintage duo the Civil Wars, will debut at 7:54PM ET on MTV and will at the same time hit MTV channels in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Australia, Asia and Canada.

As for an online debut, the ‘Safe and Sound’ video will only be available at TaylorSwift.MTV.com, which currently re-directs to MTV’s main site. As soon as the ‘Safe and Sound’ video makes its grand entrance on MTV, you’ll be able to see it on CMT and MTV’s digital properties, including VH1.com and MTV.com among others.

This is all set to take place just one day after both Swift and the Civil Wars perform at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Swift is up for three awards for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for ‘Mean,’ as well as Best Country Album for ‘Speak Now.’ The Americana duo received a Grammy nod this year for Best Folk Album with ‘Barton Hollow.’ Regardless of Sunday’s results, both acts can look forward to Monday’s digital takeover with ‘Safe and Sound.’

Taylor Swift dumped by secret boyfriend?

2012-02-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has reportedly been dumped by secret boyfriend Eddie Redmayne.

The 22-year-old country singer is believed to have embarked on a relationship with the 'My Week With Marilyn' star after meeting at the auditions for a film adaptation of 'Les Miserables' last October.

A source said: 'They hung out in New York city with the movie's execs.'

British-born Eddie, 30 - who attended Eton College with Prince William - kept in touch with Taylor when he returned to the UK, where they met for drinks in January before reportedly spending the night together at her hotel suite.

But with Taylor based in Nashville, US, Eddie is said to have pulled the plug on their fledgling relationship because of the distanceThe source told US Weekly: 'Taylor loved this image of a British boyfriend. Eddie's not interested in a long-distance relationship.

'The elements were against them. It's a shame.'

The bad news has not stopped their for Taylor - who has also been linked to actors Taylor Lautner and Jake Gyllenhaal, and musician John Mayer. She lost out on the role of Eponine to actress Samantha Barks, who played the character in the stage version of 'Les Miserables'. Samantha will now star opposite Eddie, who is set to portray Marius.

Taylor Swift Got Dumped Again, Says Report

2012-02-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift is slowly getting the reputation in the press of a perpetually heartbroken girl. After going only on a few dates with British actor Eddie Redmayne, the singer has been dumped – and is inconsolable once more.

A few days ago, there was a lot of talk about how Taylor was in London because she was a sure thing for the lead in “Les Miserables.”

As it turns out, the role went to someone else, but not before Swift got to meet Eddie Redmayne, who would have been her co-star – and fall head over heels for him.

They even went out on a few dates, the latest print issue of Us Weekly reports, as cited by Hollywood Life.

“They hung out in New York City with the movie’s execs. And Taylor developed feelings for him fast. Taylor loved the image of a British boyfriend,” an unnamed but reportedly reliable spy says.There was definitely some chemistry between the two, so this wasn't just a one-sided infatuation on the part of Taylor.

However, when Eddie found out that she hadn't gotten the part, he backed out of the budding romance, since he wasn't that keen on the concept of long-distance dating.

“Eddie’s not interested in a long-distance relationship. The elements were against them. It’s a shame,” the tipster explains.

Recent reports about Taylor's love life have also linked her to good friend Zac Efron, who's also been linked to Demi Moore.

At the same time, though, word has it that the cute singer still can't move on from the failed 3-month romance with Jake Gyllenhaal, who broke up with her over the phone without offering her the slightest explanation for it.

Admittedly, she was smitten with him that news they were no longer together came as a shock. If one is to believe reports, Taylor is still nursing a broken heart and doesn't know if she'll be ready to start dating again.

Taylor Swift Brightens Up "The Lorax" Press Conference

2012-02-12T05:33:00.000-08:00

Easing into what's set to be a busy month of promotional efforts, Taylor Swift partook in a press conference for her upcoming movie "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" on Tuesday (February 7).

The country superstar took to the Universal Studios Hollywood venue in a cute red frock as she posed for pictures and answered questions about the animated film for media members in attendance.

Set for March 2nd release date, Miss Swift is joined in "The Lorax" by quite the impressive cast - as it also features the voices of Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Danny DeVito, Rob Riggle and Betty White.Set for March 2nd release date, Miss Swift is joined in "The Lorax" by quite the impressive cast - as it also features the voices of Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Danny DeVito, Rob Riggle and Betty White.

Asked to tell what it was that appealed to her about her role of Audrey during another recent interview, Taylor replied, "She’s got some really extraordinary characteristics about her personality. She’s adventurous, she takes chances, she’s brave, she’s strong, all the while being the object of affection for Ted – which is this really cute crush that he has on an older girl. Also, this character, Audrey….this book was in part inspired by Dr. Seuss’ wife Audrey. Audrey is an original character in the film. For the filmmakers to create a character and name her after Dr. Seuss’ wife, it’s amazing , and to get the honor to do the voice is pretty cool, very exciting."

As for what speaks to her about Dr. Seuss’ stories, the 22-year-old dished, "My favorite thing of Dr. Seuss’ books is that he creates an entire world. His imagination spans so far that he’s created this entire world of…..whimsy and quirkiness. You’re so drawn into it that you almost forget that you’re being fed a really important message. I think the message of ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax’ is that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Appreciate what you have while you have it. Appreciate the beauty of what’s there right now, and try to preserve it for tomorrow."

Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour Is Tops for 2011

2012-02-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

We knew she had one of the most popular tours of 2011, but now we know that Taylor Swift entertained the most audience members as well. The tallies are in, and the 22-year-old officially drew the largest crowd for her Speak Now world tour last year.

The 'Ours' singer outsold U2 with the last leg of her globe-trotting trek to take the No. 1 spot, according to StubHub. Lady Gaga came in third, with fellow country star Kenny Chesney's Goin' Coastal tour claiming the fourth spot, and Katy Perry rounding out the top five.

Taylor also had the most popular music event in three major cities last year -- Hartford, Conn., Atlanta and Orlando. Kenny's tour, which included the Zac Brown Band, Uncle Kracker and Billy Currington, claimed two urban areas -- Boston and Kansas City, Mo.Taylor's 98-city outing, which featured guest appearances by artists from all genres (Justin Bieber, Usher, Tim McGraw and Hot Chelle Rae, to name a few), was so successful thanks to the attention the entertainer gave to every detail of the show.

"I am so proud of this tour, and the reason why it's so much fun is because I obsess over how to treat each song," the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year explains. "One of the things that I love about the Speak Now tour is that it's very theatrical, and each song has its own treatment. The reason I obsess over it so much is that I obsess over writing [the songs] so much."

Fans who didn't get to see Taylor shine on stage can still watch the songbird in action, thanks to a CD/DVD combo pack of her performance live. She will wrap up the cross-cultural tour in March with a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Taylor Swift's Low-Key Christmas Wish List

2011-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has revealed what's topping her wish list for Father Christmas this year.

Despite her wealth the down-to-earth country singer wants nothing more than a few kitchen essentials and some ornamental photo frames.

The 22-year-old told Twist magazine, "I want a pasta maker, antique picture frames, or anything from Free People or Anthropologie."

Meanwhile, she's been paying attention to her friends all year round to get ideas about what they might like for Christmas.

She said, "I'm getting my friends funny or thoughtful gifts based on things they've said this year."If one of my friends says something about wanting something, I'll write it down and get that for them for Christmas. I like to get my friends gifts that show that I really know them.

And one thing she can't wait for is to be back together with her family and friends.

"I plan on spending as much time with my family as possible," she said. "It's amazing to have us all together. Also, a lot of my friends are always on tour. To have everyone back in Nashville for the holidays is one of my favorite things about this time of year.

"My family and I always decorate a big Christmas tree together and look at the ornaments Austin and I made when we were kids. It's so nostalgic, looking back at all the Christmases past and comparing them to how different our lives are now."

Taylor Swift's Good Manners Recognized

2011-12-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift's excellent etiquette was recognized by the National League of Junior Cotillions in a year-end list. Swift placed fifth on the "Ten Best-Mannered People of 2011" list, which honored her "for inspiring young people with her music and her manners." Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, placed first for her poise and dignity in the public eye.

She was followed by Justin Bieber (for being courteous to fans), Paula Abdul (for encouraging aspiring entertainers) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (for setting a positive example to young athletes). TV host George Stephanopoulous, singer Jackie Evancho, TV host Erin Burnett, actress Emma Watson and Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow were also featured on the list.

'I'll spend Christmas time with my family'

2011-12-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has revealed that she will spend Christmas with her family in her native Nashville.

The 'Mean' singer confessed that her busy schedule is not always conducive to finding quality time with her loved ones, and expressed her excitement to see them over the holidays.

"I plan on spending as much time with my family as possible. It's amazing to have us all together. Also, a lot of my friends are always on tour," Swift said in an interview with Twist Magazine.
"To have everyone back in Nashville for the holidays is one of my favourite things about this time of year. My family and I always decorate a big Christmas tree together and look at the ornaments [my brother] Austin and I made when we were kids. It's so nostalgic, looking back at all the Christmases past and comparing them to how different our lives are now."

Swift also extended a holiday wish to her many fans, adding: "I hope that they're happy, wherever they are... I hope that this holiday season, they feel loved by the people around them. And most of all I hope they feel appreciated by me. My life would look nothing like this without them."

The 20-year-old's Covergirl mascara ad was recently banned in the US for excessive use of Photoshop.

Earlier this year, Swift was named 'Artist of the Year' at the 2011 American Music Awards.

Taylor Swift Photoshopped Mascara Ads Pulled

2011-12-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

The lush lashes Taylor Swift is sporting in the commercial and print ads for CoverGirl’s NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara aren’t really from the product itself, photoshop had a hand in creating the glam look and it’s gotten the ads banned and pulled.

The campaign had come under fire in the UK by the Advertising Standards Authority with the group banning the Swift featuring ads.

Now the US is getting into the act with the National Advertising Division saying enough is enough.

The NAD took issue with Proctor & Gamble, the company behind CoverGirl, and their claims the beauty product provides “2X more volume” and “superior performance” while using a photoshopped image of Swift’s lashes. NAD’s director Andrea Levine told Business Insider, “You can’t use a photograph to demonstrate how a cosmetic will look after it is applied to a woman’s face and then – in the mice type – have a disclosure that says ‘OK, not really.’”

The country superstar’s ads won’t be shown anymore, according to the NAD.

“… [P&G] advised NAD it has permanently discontinued all of the challenged claims and the photograph in its advertisement. NAD was particularly troubled by the photograph of the model – which serves clearly to demonstrate (i.e., let consumers see for themselves) the length and volume they can achieve when they apply the advertised mascara to their eyelashes. This picture is accompanied by a disclosure that the model’s eyelashes had been enhanced post production.”

Swift’s endorsing spots aren’t the only fashion and beauty ads to get the once over by the advertising boards on both sides of the pond.

Maybelline had an ad for an anti-aging product featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington yanked for digitally retouching their skin.

Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs have had their ads featuring under-18 actresses Hailee Steinfeld and Dakota Fanning pulled.

In the Jacobs ad for his fragrance, Fanning is seen with the perfume bottle sitting between her legs. The UK’s ASA prohibited the ads for “sexualizing a child.”

The same agency ruled that Steinfeld’s photos “depicted a child in an unsafe position” for having the True Grit star pose on railroad tracks.

Taylor Swift Shows Off ‘Corporate Not Chic’

2011-12-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

The latest behind-the-scenes clip from Taylor Swift‘s ‘Ours’ video is all about her character’s on camera look: bland office attire, unkempt hair and hardly any makeup. “I call this corporate not chic,” Swift says in the brief video seen below, which is the sixth in a series of 13.

“These are the shoes that I come into the office with, and I change shoes at my desk because I don’t want to be uncomfortable,” she adds, modeling a pair of running shoes. “Nothing says ‘I don’t care about my job’ like wearing these.”

Swift’s stylists had to come up with a look that felt natural and realistic for her average working girl character — a look that is quite the opposite from the sparkly stage costumes and glamorous red carpet ensembles that she’s usually seen in.“I told Declan [Whitebloom] I really don’t want this to be something where it looks like it’s trying to be a cute music video as far as, like, fashion sense,” the singer explains. “I didn’t want it to be anything fashionable or anything you would aspire to.”

In the words of Whitebloom — the ‘Ours’ video director — Swift’s look is meant to be “dowdy, frumpy, not attractive.”

Watch the new behind-the-scenes webisode now, and keep Taste of Country bookmarked to see the rest of the ‘Ours’ series as it’s released.

Taylor Swift's beauty praised

2011-12-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

Friday Dec 9 2011 - Taylor Swift is a "beautiful girl", says designer Ken Kaufman.

Ken and partner Isaac Franco founded high-end brand KAUFMANFRANCO seven years ago. The pair boast an impressive A-list clientele, having dressed the likes of Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway and Megan Fox to name a few.

However, it's US singer Taylor who the designer twosome are most in awe of working with.

"Most people say, 'Oh a country western singer; we don't dress country western singers,' but we looked at her and said, 'What a beautiful girl. I don't care what she sings, boys, love, whatever,'" Kaufman told Style List."She's got a beautiful voice and she's talented. Like, hello, an amazing woman wants to wear our clothes? We're like, 'I'm sorry, we love you!'"

Despite their array of star-studded clients, Kaufman and Franco have their sights set on another Hollywood beauty. The pair are inspired by one of the film industry's leading ladies.

"Easy answer, Angelina Jolie," Kaufman gushed when asked who they would love to dress. "We're very taken by her just because she's definitely our muse. Like with 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' she was flying down buildings, but dinner was on the table at 6pm. I think she's really like that."

Franco added: "I mean six kids, hot man. She's everything we all want to be."

Taylor Swift Gets 'Much Love' From Flo Rida

2011-12-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has shared the stage with some of the biggest (and most surprising) artists during her Speak Now Tour. Everyone from Nicki Minaj and Selena Gomez to Bruce Springsteen has graced the stage with the pop darling in 2011.

During a Miami tour stop last month, the singer brought Flo Rida onstage to perform his very blush-inducing track "Right Round." And if you were surprised to hear about the collaboration, Flo told MTV News at Los Angeles' Jingle Ball over the weekend that he was just as shocked.

"I was in Australia. I got home, and I was actually staying in my condo for the day," he explained. "And I looked down, 'cause my condo, it's right across the street from the arena, and I was like, 'I wonder who's performing?' So I went down there, spur-of-the-moment, and they told me it was Taylor." Initially, Flo Rida just wanted a chance to catch the show, but when he spoke to her people, it turned into a whole different opportunity. "I spoke with them, and they asked me to perform," he said. "And she was very nice and very humble. I had an amazing time. Her fans are over-the-top. It was crazy. Much love to Taylor Swift."

Swift wrapped up her tour in New York last month. During her Atlanta stop over the summer, she brought another rapper onstage with her: T.I. "I was pleasantly surprised and confused," T.I. told MTV News of receiving the phone call from Swift. "I was confused because I know it's a phenomenal opportunity, but being T.I. — the Rubberband Man — and Taylor Swift being America's Sweetheart, I had just gotten out of prison, like, two days [earlier], and all of a sudden my phone rings."

While the hip-hop appearances on her tour might seem surprising, Swift assured us in October that she really loves the genre. "I'm a huge hip-hop fan, and it's been so amazing to have so many incredible artists come out and to get to sing the hooks on their songs that I've been blasting in my car for the last couple years," she said. "It's been awesome. I couldn't have asked for more amazing special guests on this tour."

Taylor Swift Keeps a Secret

2011-12-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has wrapped up the 2011 leg of her Speak Now World tour, and she's now spending some time off the road putting the finishing touches on her fourth studio album. The Grammy winner, who has become one of the top-selling artists of all time by singing autobiographical tunes covering a myriad of topics, is pleading the fifth on all the details of the new album -- including the title -- but says it will show her fans a whole new side of her.

"I can't tell you [the title], because it's a secret," the 21-year-old tells MTV. "It will be unveiled when it all comes out, because they all seem to have a theme to them, the records that we've put out so far, and this one is no different. It's very different in what it's about, but it's no different in the fact that it has its own name."
The Pennsylvania native has hinted for awhile that listeners might be surprised by the tone of the new set of tunes. "They're sad, if I'm being honest," she revealed to the New Yorker earlier this year. "[The songs are] about achieving contentment ... you're not always going to be ridiculously happy."

The recently crowned Billboard Woman of the Year will take the rest of 2011 off, before she heads out for the 2012 leg of her Speak Now World tour, which will take her to Australia and New Zealand.

Taylor Swift raises $750,000 for tornado victims

2011-06-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift took home a slew of awards on Sunday at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, but the singer’s biggest achievement might have been the night before, when she helped raise close to $1 million for tornado victims.

“It was so wonderful,” Swift told Access Hollywood guest correspondent Jayde Donovan about her rehearsal benefit show in Nashville, Tenn., for victims whose lives have been affected by the recent tornados. “It was almost like playing our first show because were playing for 13,000 people and it’s the whole show the way we would do the last dress rehearsal and I’m just so excited that we got to raise $750,000 dollars for the victims of the tornadoes,” she continued.

Swift said she was touched by people’s kindness.

“It was such a wonderful night and I’ll never forget it — the fact that that many people on last minute’s notice wanted to come out and pay for their tickets and donate that money to them,” Swift said.

The singer, who took home the awards for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Album, said she most appreciated the fans at last night’s festivities.

“The sound of the crowd screaming is like the most beautiful sound in the world,” she explained. “I love going on stage. I love getting to do this and the fans are the best part about the whole thing.”

Watch Taylor's Story Of Us

2011-06-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Filming a music video is a dangerous job, just ask Taylor Swift! The country darling reveals she was forced to hide from tornadoes during the filming of her new video, Story of Us.

When you watch Taylor Swift's Story of Us video, keep in mind that outside those library walls a tornado was bearing down! Speaking of filming her new video, the 21-year-old told MTV News, "There were a few complications. This was actually when a bunch of tornadoes were hitting Nashville."

Taylor Swift continues, "We had to hide. All of us, we had to hide in a room where there were no windows, so that was a little bit crazy. [But] other than that, it was incredibly fun."Taylor's tornado close-call during the Story of Us video shoot inspired her to perform a benefit concert in Nashville. "We were rehearsing and one of my dancers, who is from Alabama, came in and showed us a picture of a cyclone in her backyard and we were just floored."

Not one to sit idly by, Taylor Swift says, "I just felt, if there was any way that I could help with the damage done and all the families who've lost their homes, then I had to think of one. It came to me really quickly that here we are at a rehearsal in an arena where there are empty seats. What if we filled those empty seats and gave all the proceeds to the victims of the tornadoes?"

The $750,000 proceeds from the tornado benefit show were given to assist the area.

Swift stunned by global success

2011-02-28T04:30:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has said it's a pleasant surprise to find her music is such a hit all over the world.

The 21-year-old country singer has achieved global stardom, but she was shocked to hear her latest album Speak Now had gone platinum in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.Taylor said: "Some of them were really surprising to me. I wasn't aware of every single certification we have in Asia. It really blew my mind."

She added: "The international success has been the most beautiful and pleasant surprise. Being welcomed by countries that speak a different language from the language I speak is an honour.

"It really touches me every time I look down and I see all the fans singing the words to my songs, having written the lyrics, knowing that they connect in countries where English really isn't spoken by everyone. It means the world to me."

The Grammy winner is proud to be an international ambassador for country music.

Taylor said: "I love country music, and I love the fact that it's being accepted all over the world. That is so exciting for me.

"I have heroes who have taken country music internationally. You have Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. They really did a lot for country music because they brought an awareness to it. The fact that I have the opportunity to do that too and go to other countries where I've never been before and play music - it's what I've always dreamed of doing."

Taylor begins the European leg of her tour in Brussels on March 6.

Taylor Swift and "Glee's" Chord Overstreet Dating

Taylor Swift apparently can't get enough of the men of "Glee."

The country music star is reportedly dating Chord Overstreet from the his Fox comedy, reports US Weekly.

Swift, who is coming off a break up with movie star Jake Gyllenhaal, has been spotted around Los Angeles with Overstreet recently. The two took in a Los Angeles Kings hockey game followed by dinner on February 24.

An Overstreet confidant told US that the 22-year-old called the songstress to inquire about writing a song together and ended up going out the next night.

If the relationship rumors are true, they will surely provide grist for her creative mill as she formerly dated Overstreet's cast mate, Cory Monteith, last year.

On-screen and real life rivals in love? Sounds like a love triangle that could produce another number one hit.

Taylor Swift hasn’t built up a thick skin in the music business

2011-02-28T03:55:00.000-08:00

HollywoodNews.com: Taylor Swift may have a bit of experience in the music industry, but that doesn’t mean she has built up a thick skin to deal with some of the harsh comments.

Swift admitted recently that she still gets hurt by certain things, states Flecking Records. “I feel everything that happens to me, whether it’s a mean comment from a friend or a stranger,” Swift revealed.She admits that she hasn’t toughened up in this business, but has tried to keep her own emotions in check when she is upset.

Do you think it’s good that Taylor Swift hasn’t toughened up?

Taylor Swift and Cameron Diaz dazzle at the Vanity Fair party

2011-02-28T03:49:00.000-08:00

Neither of them were up for any Oscars - but Cameron Diaz and Taylor Swift were the runaway winners of the shortest dress competition at the Vanity Fair party last night.
Cameron arrived on the red carpet of the hottest post-Academy Awards party in a tight off-the-shoulder monochrome print mini with frill detail - although not many people were looking at her frock.

Instead, all eyes were on the 38-year-old's toned physique, which the actress has been perfecting with rigorous bootcamp-style work outs with her baseball-playing boyfriend Alexander Rodriguez, 35.

Taylor Swift is proud to be country music ambassador

2011-02-28T03:43:00.000-08:00

Wrapping up the Asian leg of her world tour, Taylor Swift is relishing her growing international appeal.

Before taking the stage Monday at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo arena, Swift received a long line of Universal Music executives from across Asia who presented her with platinum sales plaques. Swift's Fearless album has sold 400,000 copies in the region. Her latest release, Speak Now, achieved platinum status in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines."Some of them were really surprising to me. I wasn't aware of every single certification we have in Asia. It really blew my mind," Swift said backstage.

It's testimony to the singer's growing crossover appeal on foreign shores. Swift said she's proud to be an international ambassador for country music.

"I love country music, and I love the fact that it's being accepted all over the world," she said. "I have heroes who have taken country music internationally. You have Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. They really did a lot for country music because they brought an awareness to it. The fact that I have the opportunity to do that, too, and go to other countries where I've never been before and play music — it's what I've always dreamed of doing."

Swift kicks off the European leg of the tour on March 6. The American leg begins May 27, bringing her home to Nashville for a sold-out two-night stand Sept. 16 and 17 at Bridgestone Arena.

Taylor Swift & Jennifer Lopez Hit Up Montblanc Oscar Bash

2011-02-28T03:41:00.000-08:00

One of the many Pre-Oscar fetes taking place on the eve of the Academy awards, the biggest names in showbiz took to Soho House in West Hollywood on Saturday night (February 26).

Leading the charge, Taylor Swift paired up with actress gal pal Emma Stone at the Montblanc Cocktail Party - which was co-hosted by Tinseltown bigwigs Harvey and Bob Weinstein.Held in celebration of the Weinstein Company’s Academy Award Nominees and the New Montblanc Charity Partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, the swanky west coast soiree also drew out "American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez and her Latin singer hubby Marc Anthony.

With "Glee" hottie Dianna Agron spotted getting chummy with "Gossip Girl" actress Jessica Szohr, the slate of attendees was rounded out by lovely ladies including Kate Beckinsale and Kate Walsh.

Taylor Swift & Chord Overstreet Party at Soho House in L.A

2011-02-28T03:37:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift and her new rumored boyfriend, Glee hunk Chord Overstreet, attend the Montblanc Cocktail Party at Soho House on Saturday (February 26) in West Hollywood, Calif.

The rumored couple made sure not to take any photos together. They were spotted sitting together at a hockey game this past Thursday at L.A.’s Staples Center.Chord, 22, attended the Pre-Oscar party with his co-star Harry Shum Jr. before hitting another party. The twosome later attended the epic William Morris Endeavor party held at a private bungalow inside the exclusive Chateau Marmont. They rubbed shoulders with co-star Shelby Rabara and rumored G.I. Joe 2 director Jon Chu.

Taylor, 21, and spent some quality time with her BFF, Spider-man actress Emma Stone, at the party co-hosted by Harvey and Bob Weinstein.

Taylor Swift Visits Asia

2011-02-28T03:35:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift kicked off her ‘Speak Now‘ tour with a stint through Asia, where she greeted (and hugged) screaming fans, signed countless autographs, and never dropped that signature smile. The ‘Mine’ superstar shares a behind-the-scenes view of her trip in a 10-minute tour diary video.In this video, Swift invites us along for the ride as she hops from opening night in Singapore, to South Korea, Japan and the Philippines, playing a few shows and goofing off plenty along the way.

Watch as Swift shares some girl time with her tour mates — and even acts as their on-the-road hairdesser — in some funny scenes that give us a peek at the superstar offstage. The ‘Love Story’ singer plays a snippet of her ‘Fearless’ hit on a toy jazz flute in Singapore, and dresses up as a geisha in Tokyo in the tour diary — which draws to a close with a short side note from the 21-year-old, unveiling that she has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year, a fan-voted category, at the upcoming ACMs.

Superstitious Taylor Swift jets back to LA with her lucky charm

2011-02-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift jetted back to her native USA last night after wrapping up the Asian leg of her Speak Now world tour in Hong Kong.

Before arriving at LAX, the singer posted on Twitter: ‘Hong Kong, that show last night was unreal, this tour was unforgettable. I will love you always :) Farewell Asia!’

Swift’s successful show might have had something to do with her lucky charm – the number 13 printed on her right hand.The singer strolled through the airport with the number emblazoned on her skin, which she says is for good luck.

‘I paint this on my hand before every show because 13 is my lucky number – for a lot of reasons. It’s really weird,’ she said.

Taylor explains: ‘I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album when gold in 13 weeks. My first #1 song had a 13-second intro.

Swift stunned by global success

2011-02-28T03:31:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has said it's a pleasant surprise to find her music is such a hit all over the world.

The 21-year-old country singer has achieved global stardom, but she was shocked to hear her latest album Speak Now had gone platinum in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Taylor said: "Some of them were really surprising to me. I wasn't aware of every single certification we have in Asia. It really blew my mind."

She added: "The international success has been the most beautiful and pleasant surprise. Being welcomed by countries that speak a different language from the language I speak is an honour."It really touches me every time I look down and I see all the fans singing the words to my songs, having written the lyrics, knowing that they connect in countries where English really isn't spoken by everyone. It means the world to me."

The Grammy winner is proud to be an international ambassador for country music.

Taylor said: "I love country music, and I love the fact that it's being accepted all over the world. That is so exciting for me.

"I have heroes who have taken country music internationally. You have Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. They really did a lot for country music because they brought an awareness to it. The fact that I have the opportunity to do that too and go to other countries where I've never been before and play music - it's what I've always dreamed of doing."

Taylor Swift Does Sailor Chic

2011-02-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift arrived back in the US from her trip to Asia looking impossibly chic and stylish after such a long flight.

We were smitten with her nautical inspired outfit, from the bow detailed shoes to the cute leather satchel as soon as we laid eyes on her.Firsty, start with this striped breton body from New Look. We'e gone for a body rather than a top as a top wouldn't lie flush when tucked in.

Taylor is actually wearing a skirt but we think these red Topshop shorts will be just as cute and much more practical to wear. The draping detail makes them look as though they could be a skirt too. It's a win win!

Taylor's gone for a peep toe, bow detail show but as it's still only February and raining, we've chosen these Oasis bow detailed court shoes instead.

Finally, accessorise your outfit with this cute Miss Selfridge leather satchel bag. Perfect for putting your lippy in, just like Taylor!

Taylor Swift Spoofs Herself in New "Coconuts" Movie

2011-02-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

A representative for singing star Taylor Swift has announced that Taylor will be heading up a new movie that involves a lot of music and humor.

The movie, "I've Got A Lovely Pair of Coconuts" is based on the old song, made popular by everyone from Danny Kaye to the Beatles to the Monkeys (Naturally).

However, many think the song was first sung by Monty Python, which isn't true. It was a novelty song created bu English songwriter, Fred Heatherton, an English songwriter about the old 'coconut shy' at fun fairs in England.However, in Swift's movie, it moves the star around reminiscent of the Beatles films, "A Hard Days Night" and "Help!"

Helping in this musical comedy are members of the band Def Leopard, Swift's backup group and star performances from Justin Bieber and Adam Lambert. In fact, Lambert steals the last half of the show by not only putting on a great singing performance but also playing the villain.

"I wanted this movie to be different than any other. It's funny routines, songs and music, mixed with an overall story of a girl who is coconut shy. That's me!"

Thus far critics who have viewed the incomplete film are giving it a lot of praise.

"Who would go out of her way to spoof themselves?", stated one. "She's like the Lion seeking courage, the Tin Man looking for a heart and the scarecrow looking for a brain. She's looking for her coconuts."

Taylor Swift in Manila

2011-02-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

Country singer-songwriter sweetheart Taylor Swift charms Manila and blows the roof of the Big Dome Saturday night Feb 19.

Another sold-out concert has proven Swift’s world-wide popularity when she hits Manila-Philippines to do the 4th run of her World Tour Speak Now Concert in Asia.

Taylor Swift receives a warm welcome from her Filipino fans when hundreds of them waited at the NAIA airport hours prior to her arrival in Manila. On the night of her concert, a huge mass of crowd attended the show, some of them fall in-line and waited hours before the show starts. Famous local celebrities were also spotted on the said event.

Taylor Swift will be in Hong Kong, Asia World Arena on Feb 21 to do her last run on Asia. She will be visiting Europe on March and will head to North America on May.

Taylor Swift Among Most Powerful Celebrities

2009-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift comes in at No. 12 on Forbes' 100 most powerful celebrities list, released this week. The high ranking makes the 20-year-old superstar the top-rated country musician on this list, but not the youngest celeb. Taylor's buddy Miley Cyrus has that distinction, as the 17-year-old ranks just behind Taylor at No. 13. Other youngsters on the list include the Jonas Brothers -- made up of Taylor's ex-boyfriend Joe, age 20, Miley's ex-boyfriend Nick, age 17, plus 22-year old Kevin. The pop princes rank No. 40 on Forbes' list.

The Forbes rankings are based on stars' pre-tax earnings and visibility on social and news media outlets, and includes musicians, actors and other celebrities. Taylor achieved her ranking based on her status as the "most-played" artist on the radio during 2009, her $54 million gross from concerts during the year, and record sales, including 3.2 million sales of her 'Fearless' album and 12 million downloads.

Taylor Swift: ‘We Wanted It To Be A Surprise’

2009-10-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Concert Announcements: Taylor Swift and Queen Latifah

2009-10-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 9, 2009

Queen Latifah, star of the mid-'90s Fox show Living Single, a.k.a. the greatest sitcom ever, is coming to Fillmore Miami Beach on November 17. Unfortunately, she's not taking Synclaire, Maxine, Regina, and Overton with her to do live Living Single theater. No, instead she'll be banking on her musical talent to entertain the crowd during "The Persona Tour." Persona is Latifah's first album in six years, and it's getting mixed to positive reviews. Tickets are available now through Live Nation.

Taylor Swift, country music's hottest thing and my guiltiest of pleasures has announced a second leg of her "Fearless" Tour will be coming to South Florida. According to Live Nation, the 19-year-old sensation will be visiting Sunrise on March 7, so it only makes sense she'll be playing BankAtlantic. Tickets aren't yet on sale, but stay tuned to Crossfade or Ticketmaster for updates. And check out Taylor Swift's adorably cheesy award-winning video after the jump.

Taylor Swift Has A Computer-Generated Dream

2009-10-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

The video for Taylor Swift’s coming-of-age-thanks-to-boys tale “Fifteen” is out, and its heavy reliance on computer-generated scene-setting gives it the overwhelming feeling of a bad dream in which you’re transported back to high school, and you have to deal with all the insecurity-borne crap that you thought you got past after graduation and therapy. (Uh, you guys have those sorts of dreams, too, right?) I sort of feel like the overwhelming literality of the video and cheesiness of its setting torpedo the plain-spokenness of the track a bit, but something tells me that the clip won’t stop the song’s aphorisms about youth and love from being quoted at length on many teengirl Facebook pages.

Taylor Swift shows Chicago why she has a following

2009-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2009

A lot can happen in a year. Last October, Taylor Swift was one of the acts that played near Soldier Field as part of the Chicago Country Music Festival. On Friday, she was headlining the first of two sold-out nights at the Allstate Arena.

During that 12-month span, Swift released her sophomore album, "Fearless," and saw her music cross over to the pop charts. She rode a wave of media attention that transformed her from country star to pop-culture phenomenon. Then last month, an awards show incident made Swift a household name.

Taylor Swift 'Confused By Dating'

2009-10-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 10th October, 2009

Taylor Swift is still baffled by dating and reveals she has no rules when it comes to new romances.

"I think the reason I write about love so much is because I have no idea what is going on with love." Swift explains. "It's unpredictable and I haven't figured it out yet."

"Every love story is different and I like to approach every person I meet like they're a separate book, rather than a chapter in a whole book. I don't have one general theory for how to date a person."

Despite being able to perform to tens of thousands of fans at sold-out arenas, Taylor still gets shy around guys she has the hots for.

Taylor Swift presented with three awards during the Nashville Music Awards

2009-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2009

Country artist Taylor Swift was honored at the Nashville Music Awards on Wednesday night, October 7. She collected three trophies during a reception at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 19-year old Big Machine recording artist was named Artist of the Year and Songwriter/Artist of the Year and her album Fearless earned a third award for Country Album of the Year.

Presented by Leadership Music in partnership with Next Big Nashville (NBN), the Nashville Music Awards were established to recognize outstanding contributions in all genres of music and to celebrate the diversity and quality of artists and music professionals in Nashville.

Taylor Swift tours uni with brother

2009-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

October 9 2009

Taylor Swift caused a commotion when she recently toured a college in Indiana, according to Access Hollywood. The 'Teardrops On My Guitar' singer was photographed visiting the Notre Dame University in South Bend with her family on Wednesday.

Writing on her Twitter account, she explained: "Looking at colleges with my brother."

Swift reportedly stopped to sign autographs and pose for fans, with the Chicago Tribune claiming that around 100 students gathered to catch a glimpse of her on campus.

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:49:00.002-07:00

Taylor Swift 'Confused By Dating'

2009-10-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift at CMT Music Awards 2009

2009-10-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift is a V-Fest Vixen

2009-10-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:21:00.002-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:21:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:08:00.002-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift Country Music's Hottest

2009-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift’: Princess of country music

2009-07-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

TAYLOR Swift opened the Country Music Television awards on June 16 with a skit about living out her dreams.

The 19-year-old country-and-pop sensation went a long way towards doing just that by winning video of the year and female video of the year for Love Story. To add icing to the cake, she got to perform with one of her favourite rock bands.

“I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos, and Garth Brooks for always putting the fans first. I take my cues from you,” Swift said in accepting video of the year honours at Nashville’s Sommet Centre in Tennessee.

“I like to thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching.”

Swift with the Female Video
of the Year award for Love
Story at the CMT Music Awards.

Swift won the fan-voted award in a competitive category that included Brad Paisley’s Waitin’ on a Woman, Trace Adkins’ You’re Gonna Miss This, Carrie Underwood’s Just a Dream and Sugarland’s All I Want to Do.

Her Love Story video is an elaborate production with period costumes that echoes the story of Romeo and Juliet.

“This is for everybody who still believes in love stories, because I do,” Swift said.

She then closed the awards show by performing Pour Some Sugar on Me with the British rock band Def Leppard.

Paisley was the night’s other big winner, taking home awards for male video (Waitin’ on a Woman), collaborative video (Start a Band with Keith Urban) and performance of the year (Alan Jackson’s Country Boy with Jackson, George Strait and Dierks Bentley).

Start a Band features two youngsters playing the Rock Band music video game. Paisley and Urban also urged young viewers to learn to play.

Taylor Alison Swift was born on Dec 13, 1989, and is currently the hot rising star in American country-pop genre.

She cites Twain, her grandmother and LeAnn Rimes as her musical influence.

Although her grandmother was a professional opera singer, Swift’s tastes always ran more towards country and she developed a love for Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton at an early age.

She also credits the Dixie Chicks and Twain for demonstrating how much impact can be made by “stretching boundaries”.

Swift started writing songs and playing 12-string guitar when she was 12. She began to regularly visit Nashville and wrote songs with local songwriters.

By the time she was 14, her family decided to move to an outlying Nashville suburb.

In 2006, she released her debut single Tim McGraw, which peaked at No.6 on the Billboard country charts.

Later in October that year, she released her self-titled debut album, which produced five hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and was certified triple multi-platinum by the RIAA.

The New York Times described Swift as “one of pop’s finest songwriters, country’s foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner life than most adults”.

Her second album, Fearless, was released in the United States on Nov 11 last year. The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and the lead single Love Story became a hit on both the country and pop charts.

Through its eighth week of release, Fearless sold more than 338,467 paid downloads, making it the best-selling country album in digital history.

She released the lead single from the album, Love Story, on Sept 12. The song reached No.2 on iTunes Store Top Downloaded Songs and No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Swift’s Fearless and her self-titled album finished 2008 at No.3 and No.6 respectively, with sales of 2.1 million and 1.5 million each.

Fearless has since topped the Billboard 200 for 11 non-consecutive weeks. It also was the first album by a female artiste in country music history to log eight weeks at No.1 on The Billboard 200.
As of the week ending Feb 8 this year, Swift’s single Love Story became the country song with most paid downloads in history and the first country song to top the Mainstream Top 40.

At the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 5, Swift was honoured with Album of the Year as a performer and producer for Fearless. She is the youngest artiste in history to win this award.

Swift was also awarded the Academy’s Crystal Milestone Award, given for outstanding achievement in country music.

She was lauded for career achievements including selling more albums in 2008 than any other artiste in any genre of music, the breakthrough success of her debut album (which spawned five Top 10 hits, more than any in history for a female artiste’s debut CD), and the worldwide crossover success of her No.1 single Love Story.

As of late April, Swift has sold more than 14 million downloads, as well as three Gold Mobile Ringtones. – Agencies

Hannah Montana, Dierks Bentley lead charts

2009-07-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 2, 2009 – "Hannah Montana: The Movie" stayed atop the Billboard country album chart, and Dierks Bentley again was first on the song chart for the week ending July 11 with Sideways " Bentley assumed the top spot, switching with Kenny Chesney's Out Last Night, which was third.

Taylor Swift was second again on the album chart with "Fearless." Zac Brown Band and Chesney remained third and fourth respectively with "The Foundation" and "Greatest Hits II." Jason Aldean was fifth with "Wide Open," up one. Swift also was 11th with her debut, up 3.

Zac Brown Band remained second on the song chart with Whatever It Is. Brad Paisley stayed fourth with former number one, Then. Lady Antebellum was fifth, up one, with I Run to You. There was so little movement that songs between 8 and 18 remained exactly the same this week.

Aldean was up 2 to 19 with Big Green Tractor. Former Nashville Star winner Chris Young broke into the top 25 with Getting' You Home (The Black Dress Song).

The overall top 200 had Hannah Montana at 10th, Swift 11th , Zac Brown Band 16th, Chesney 17th and Aldean 19th.

Taylor Swift - Fearless

2009-07-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

Fearless Review

Taylor Swift broke out in 2006 with the smash single "Tim Mcgraw." the teens rise to fame was quick and sudden. Millions of copies of her self titled debut flew off the shelves and with added publicity opening for Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, the young Swift ended up being the new face of country. Swift's sophomore effort "Fearless," combines more of the charm that was found on her first album with louder guitar riffs and more mature lyrics.

It seems like these days Swift is walking the fine line between pop and country. Although her first effort could've easily been dubbed pop, the strong presence of the fiddle and lyrics that painted pictures of country roads and Chevy trucks, shut down the detractors immediately. Country music embraced the new superstar with open arms. This disc has a completely different feel. With the exception of a few tracks "Love Story," being one of them, this album was made for teens, and getting farther and farther away from the country. Whether it's Swift waxing poetic about her now infamous break up with Joe Jonas on " Forever and Always," or about how tumultuous freshman year of high school can be on "Fifteen," Swift isn't shy to target a younger demographic.

A fiddle can still be heard, even featured prominently, on a few tracks, and Swift has made it quite clear that she won't be ditching her boots for stiletto heels anytime soon. The music does seem to be swaying in another direction, indeed. The amps are turned up this time, it's no longer Taylor and an acoustic guitar. Tracks such as "The Best Day," written about times the younger, less famous, Swift spent with her mother, show off her writing abilities. There are many bright spots on this disc, ones that are brought down by tracks like "Change," an overly produced mess that was obviously written quickly, just in time to be put out on the Olympic Games album. Hopefully, Swift's next effort will show if this hard working teen can cross over and still hit the platinum status as an adult. But for now it seems the broken hearted Swift that still believes in fairy tale love will never grow old. The songs about boys, break ups, and love is what sells albums, and Swift has no problem delivering what the fans want.

Taylor Swift Raps With T-Pain, Rocks With Def Leppard At CMTs

2009-07-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

T-Swizzy, or Taylor Swift as she’s occasionally called, was the star of last night’s CMT Music Awards in Nashville, winning two trophies, performing with Def Leppard and making her rap debut with a little help from T-Pain. The “Thug Story” video — a clip worthy of a Saturday Night Live Digital Short — that opened the show saw T-Swizzy poking fun at her good-girl image by rhyming, “I’m so gangsta, you can find me baking cookies at night/You out clubbin’, but I just made Caramel Delight.” Other qualities that make our recent cover star a “thug”: her ability to knit and the fact that she still lives with her parents. Swift reportedly wrote the lyrics for the track, with T-Pain contributing his trademark (and in this case, hilarious) Auto-Tune harmonies.

(Check out photos of Swift, Def Leppard, Kid Rock and more onstage and backstage at the CMTs.)

Brad Paisley led the winners’ list with three awards, and Swift took home both Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year for “Love Story” from her blockbuster 2008 disc Fearless. Kid Rock also walked off with a trophy, scoring the “Wide Open Country video buckle” for “All Summer Long.” Still, it was Swift who owned the night, taking the stage twice more before event ended. Midway through the ceremony, Swift returned to perform her hit “You Belong To Me,” and she was back again to close out the show with her heroes, Def Leppard.

Swift, who previously collaborated with Def Leppard on a Crossroads special, reiterated her love of the band during one of her acceptance speeches: “I want to thank CMT for letting me live so many of my dreams this year. I got to sing with my heroes. Def Leppard, I love you guys so much.” When the band took the stage, Swift grabbed the microphone, fist-bumped frontman Joe Elliott and took the lead on a rendition of their barroom classic “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”

Taylor Swift Reflects on Her 15ness

2009-07-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

In 58 days, my daughter will walk through the doors of high school for the very first time. So we are all about this whole @15 thing with Taylor Swift at their side. (The @15 program is a new teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy.) She offers observations such as, “You think you’re all alone when you’re 15. You’re not.” It’s comforting in a misery-loves-company kind of way. She also provides encouragement to teens who might think they are kind of different. “In the real world, if you have something about yourself that’s different, you’re lucky,” she notes. “It’s not a curse. Don’t make high school everything. I’d like to think the best years of my life are still ahead of me.” The whole site seems like a great way for teens to connect and be heard, and for parents to stay dialed in to what’s really going on behind the rolling of the eyes and the slamming of bedroom doors.

Swift 'prepared for long-distance romance'

2009-07-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

By Lara Martin, Entertainment Reporter
Swift 'prepared for long-distance romance'

Rex Features

Taylor Swift has admitted that she is destined to endure long-distance romances for as long as her career is successful.

The 'Teardrops On My Guitar' star, who split from Joe Jonas last year, told Glamour that maintaining a normal relationship is incompatible with her hectic life.

"It’s always going to be long-distance, even if I date the boy who lives next door to me in Nashville," she said.

"I’ll be flying to see him and flying him places to see me. It feels like it would involve more scheduling, and I already deal with a lot of scheduling in my life... Of course, if I met somebody who was worth it, I would probably stop thinking that way!"

The 19-year-old is due to play a one-off show at London's Wembley Arena on November 23.

Taylor Swift, Long-Distance Lover

2009-07-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Even at the young age of 19, country star Taylor Swift has already done enough touring and traveling to know that having — and keeping — a steady boyfriend is a lot easier said than done.

"It’s always going to be long-distance, even if I date the boy who lives next door to me in Nashville," she admits in the upcoming issue of Glamour. "I’ll be flying to see him and flying him places to see me. It feels like it would involve more scheduling, and I already deal with a lot of scheduling in my life."

But considering Taylor's penchant for writing confessional songs about the real people in her life, maybe it's for the best that the young guys out there don't get their hopes up?

"For me, rebelling is done with words," she explains about her candid songs. "I love to write honest songs that name real people, then get up onstage and live out those emotions in front of 15,000 people. Penciling in a night to get wasted is not something I want to do."

Taylor Swift On Glamour: Cover Story

2009-07-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

by Amy Wilkinson in On The Newsstand

Taylor Swift Life couldn’t be better for country cutie Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old singing sensation recently won Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards (the youngest person to ever do so), and she can boast that she outsold the likes of Britney, Lil Wayne and Coldplay last year. And now, Taylor is embarking on a 52-city tour with opening act and BFF Kellie Pickler. The girl who grew up on a Christmas tree farm opened up to Glamour about naming names, early career failures, and the perils of dating.

Anyone who’s grooved to tracks like “Forever & Always” knows Taylor isn’t shy about telling it like it is, even if it’s at the expense of a certain Jonas brother. Don’t expect the singer to clam up now that she’s a bona fide celebrity. “I’ve never felt like I needed to tone down being seen as a regular person,” Taylor said. “When I first started doing MySpace, I wrote my bio in the first person. I didn’t want my MySpace page to look like a publicity promo site, so I was the one doing all the commenting, and I was the one putting up pictures and videos. And I’ve approached my whole career like that — I don’t see that ever changing.”

Though it seems Taylor struck success virtually overnight, there were a few bumps on her road to stardom. “I had a record deal that didn’t work out, and it was devastating to me, she told the mag. “When I was 13, I got a meeting with RCA Records, and they said they wanted to sign me to a development deal. [After a year] they decided to shelf me, and I had a choice to make. I could have stayed in development with them, but I figured that if they didn’t believe in me then, they weren’t ever going to believe in me. So I made a tough decision and struck out on my own.”

With a chock-a-block schedule of touring, interviews and meet and greets, the singer’s dating life is, shall we say, unconventional. “It’s always going to be long-distance, even if I date the boy who lives next door to me in Nashville. I’ll be flying to see him and flying him places to see me. It feels like it would involve more scheduling, and I already deal with a lot of scheduling in my life. Of course, if I met somebody who was worth it, I would probably stop thinking that way!”

A 'Fearless' Taylor Swift at Merriweather: Pop Without the Tart

2009-07-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

y David Malitz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, June 13, 2009

As the music industry continues to fragment into a niche-oriented landscape, Taylor Swift stands out as an exception. She's a hit at the cash register: Her 4 million albums sold in 2008 was tops in the business. She's a star on the radio: Swift owns the country charts and has made a successful crossover to pop and Top 40 stations. This summer's Fearless Tour -- her first headlining venture -- is one of the season's hottest tickets, selling out sheds in blue states and red states alike. Tickets for Thursday's show at Merriweather Post Pavilion were gone in 30 minutes, a record for the venue (since broken by reunited jam band Phish). This outing is being positioned as nothing less than the coronation of the next great pop music queen who, at just 19 years old, will be the shining star to prop up a faltering industry.

No pressure, kid.

Thursday's show made it clear exactly why Swift is viewed as a star with some serious staying power. After her opening number, the infectious "You Belong With Me" -- which, like many of her songs, had only a slight hint of twang to go with its bouncy pop delights -- she soaked in the deafening cheers at center stage. Sporting a sparkling silver dress (one of some 10 she'd wear over the course of the evening), Swift repeatedly mouthed the words, "Oh, my God" as she surveyed the screaming, sign-holding, picture-taking masses. A few minutes later she told the audience, "This is the most beautiful sight I've seen in my entire life."

It's likely that every crowd gets the same treatment. But in the moment, it was hard not to believe her, that this was truly special. She's the kind of girl you want to believe.

Of course, modest charm alone does not a star make. There's a reason the gracious guitar player at your local open mike night can't find another gig, after all. Swift's songs -- all of which she at least co-wrote -- are mostly masterful, if slightly formulaic, creations.

That Swift doesn't have the most dynamic stage presence is neither surprising nor disappointing. The dramatic hair fling was about as showy as she got, leaving the limited pomp and circumstance to a small team of extras who acted out the lyrics to "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story" in a manner as cheesy as you might expect.

It's also easy to overlook the fact that Swift has a fairly ordinary voice. Belting is not a part of her oeuvre, and there were a couple of moments of minor fluttering. But when the occasion called for it -- take the fire-breathing chorus of rage-rocker "Picture to Burn," for instance -- she proved to be game by rising above the din, all while skipping across the stage.

Still, it was the poignant ballad "White Horse" that found her most in her element. She was alone, strumming an acoustic guitar, singing words that were clearly penned by a teenage girl (" 'Cause I'm not your princess/This ain't a fairy tale/I'm gonna find someone, someday/Who might actually treat me well") but had a universal appeal. It was sentimental, just the right amount of sappy and more than plenty catchy.

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About Taylor Swift

2009-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

19-year-old Taylor Swift has had singles top both the Country and Pop radio charts, and sold more albums in 2008 than any other recording artist, in any genre of music. Her sophomore release, Fearless, was voted 2009's Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, and reached double-platinum in just four weeks. Fearless was the year's biggest debut for any female artist, and the fourth highest debut of 2008, over all. Now triple-platinum, Fearless has spent more weeks in the #1 position atop Billboard's Top 200 all-genre CD sales chart than any other album this year. Taylor, whose career record sales now top 7 million, currently holds the Billboard all-genre record for most Top 20 debuts in a calendar year. Earlier this year, Taylor sold out a show at Madison Square Garden in one minute, and one at Los Angeles' Staples Center in just two minutes.

At 17, Taylor became the youngest person to single-handedly write and sing a number-one country single entirely on her own ("Our Song" spent 6 consecutive weeks at #1 atop Billboard's Country Singles Chart), and she is the first female solo artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling debut CD. At 14, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music, and in 2006 released her self-titled debut CD on Big Machine Records. Taylor Swift has surpassed quadruple-platinum (4 million sales) status and spent more than 20 weeks in the #1 position atop Billboard's Country CD Sales Chart. Taylor is consistently ranked Country's #1 artist on MySpace, and was named Country Music's Hottest Female Artist by AOL Music and Best New Artist by the editors of iTunes.

In 2009 Taylor was awarded the Academy of Country Music's Crystal Milestone Award, given for Outstanding Achievement in Country Music. Taylor was the 4th artist in history to receive this prestigious award -- recipients in past years were Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Also this year, Taylor won CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year, awards she was also honored with in 2008. Taylor was named 2008's Favorite Female Country Artist at the American Music Awards, Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music, and won 2008 CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year. She was named Choice Breakout Artist at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards, and was as the 2008 Superstar of Tomorrow at the 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards, making her the first musician to ever receive this prestigious award. In 2007 she won the CMA Horizon Award, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Association International's Songwriter / Artist of the Year, and she received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Taylor has been featured on the covers of Rolling Stone (twice), Billboard (twice), Allure, Blender, USA Weekend, Seventeen (twice), Redbook, Self, Us Weekly, CosmoGirl, Girl's Life, Teen Vogue, Women's Health, First, Your Prom, and Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine. She was featured in a Vanity Fair spotlight, was named one of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People of 2008, was Cosmopolitan magazine's Fun Fearless Female of December, 2008, was Allure's Face of December, was named a Style Star of 2008 by the editors of Seventeen, and was featured on Maxim's 2008 Hot 100 list. She recently appeared on Saturday Night Live.

Taylor launched her first-ever headlining tour this spring, the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS 2009 TOUR. In the past she has toured with Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill and Brad Paisley.

Named Official Charitable Partner of the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS 2009 TOUR

2009-06-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Best Buy Co., Inc. announced today that @15, its platform to inspire and empower teens, was named official charitable partner of the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS 2009 TOUR. @15 is a teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy to connect with teens, give voice to their perspectives, and give them opportunities to direct the company's philanthropy through the @15 Fund.

Taylor Swift, an American country-pop singer-songwriter and the biggest-selling U.S. artist of 2008, is a role model for her thousands of teenage fans across the country. At just 19 years old, Swift's drive, independent spirit and originality offers teens a tangible reminder of the power and potential that lies within themselves - no matter what their age.

"We're thrilled that @15 is joining forces with Taylor Swift," said Brian J. Dunn, president and COO, Best Buy. "At its core, @15 is designed to empower and give teens a voice, and we believe Ms. Swift is one of the brightest, most inspiring teen voices right now."

Together with Swift, @15 developed a Teen Service Announcement (TSA) that will be played at each stop of the North American tour. In the TSA, Swift encourages teens to own their originality and appreciate their unique qualities.

"Looking back at being 15, I wouldn't have changed anything. If I had been popular, I would have been perfectly content with staying where I was," Swift says in the TSA. "In high school, it's cool to be different. And the farther away you get from middle school, junior high, the more you realize that. In the real world, if you have something about yourself that's different, you're lucky. It's not a curse."

The @15 platform strives to inspire teen-led social change at both the national and local levels. Philanthropic giving and community relations efforts have long been a cornerstone for local Best Buy stores across the country, as employees and management continually look for ways to strengthen their communities in a meaningful way. Through the @15 partnership, 15 Best Buy stores along Ms. Swift's tour stops will each donate 40 concert tickets and a guitar autographed by Ms. Swift (courtesy of Taylor Guitars) to a local, teen-focused charity of their choice. To date, ticket donations have been made to a number of charities, including The Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Swift success for Taylor on Bulldog

2009-04-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Australian driver Molly Taylor enjoyed a fine start to the British Rally Championship campaign with victory amongst the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup runners on the season-opening Bulldog International Rally.

Partnered by Jemma Bellingham in the only all-female crew in the BRC, the 20-year-old came home at the head of the six-strong Suzuki field to claim maximum points on her first outing in the series.

Taylor got the rally off to a good start on SS1, where she was lying in second place, just half a second off Richard Sykes. Not to be beaten, she continued to claw back time from the other crews, setting four fastest times out of only six stages.

“I only arrived in the country three weeks ago and the shakedown stage on Thursday was the first time I'd actually driven the car, so we were in at the deep-end,” she said. “I had no idea about how my pace would match that of the other crews so I was really pleased to be setting some quick times throughout the day.”

Taylor Swift Schedules Tonight Show, Hannah Montana Premiere

2009-04-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift will appear on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Thursday (April 2) for an interview and an outdoor performance. Swift will also attend the world premiere of Hannah Montana: The Movie on Thursday in Los Angeles and will perform on the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on Sunday (April 5) in Las Vegas. In related news, Swift recently surpassed 200 million streams on her MySpace page. She's also on the April cover of Allure magazine and will appear on the cover of Seventeen magazine's May issue.

Insider: Fergie Dishes... Shoeing Taylor Swift

2009-04-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Insider caught up with Stacy Ferguson (a.k.a. Fergie) just before her in-store appearance and signing at Nordstrom at L.A.’s The Grove to promote her new shoe line with Brown Shoe Co. And while the songstress said she hasn’t yet spotted fans wearing her styles, she’s excited to see the designs she helped develop in action. “It will be such a big deal. I think I’ll squeal,” she said. Of course, the Duchess has a lot to be excited about these days: In addition to her new shoe line and her January marriage to actor Josh Duhamel, she’s prepping for the June 9 launch of the new Black Eyed Peas album, “The E.N.D.,” followed by a year-and-a-half-long tour. She also is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film musical “Nine” (currently in post-production), where she met — and shared the screen with — her fashion idol, Sophia Loren. “She’s amazing,” Fergie said. “Just watching the way she came to rehearsal every day — she’s always flawless.”

Taylor Tours
Taylor Swift kicks off her “Fearless” concert tour later next month, and the country cutie will be taking some appropriately daring footwear along. Reps for Everybody Footwear told Insider that Swift (and her stylist, of course) asked the Boston-based brand to produce its Fargo boot in metallic gold and silver (sketched at right — samples are still in production) for her on-stage wardrobe. Swift is already a fan of the low-heeled style — Insider’s source said the songbird owns the boot in brown, gray and black, which she wore for her performance with fellow teen queen Miley Cyrus at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Armour Amps Up
Nike has ’em, Adidas has ’em, and now Under Armour seems to be diving further into the athlete spokesperson game. (An occasionally risky endeavor, considering the recent brouhaha over Under Armour’s potential involvement with recruiting at the University of Maryland.) But the brand is plowing ahead: At an advance peek for its fall ’09 cleat-and-trainer combo pack, to be sold with a coordinating receiver’s glove, brand reps told Insider the company was actively looking to add to its spokesperson roster. However, they wouldn’t give up the name of the wide receiver who would be associated with the new fall product. Could this be the first of many such deals for Under Armour? “We’re about speed and power,” Insider’s source said. “As we build our footwear brand, we need to deal with male and female athletes who represent that.”

Taylor Swift's latest single "White Horse" helps make her triple-platinum

2009-04-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift, the first Country artist in the 16-year history of the Nielsen BDS chart to have a single reach #1 on the Pop chart, this week scored her 4th #1 Country single. “White Horse,” from her triple-platinum sophomore album Fearless, claims the #1 spot atop the USA Today/Country Aircheck chart (powered by Mediabase), reaching a radio audience of more than 34 million listeners this week alone. Taylor’s run of #1s began in 2007 when “Our Song” spent 6 weeks at #1. Also this week, she surpassed the 200 million mark for music streams on MySpace.

She will also appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for a performance and interview, April 2. Swift will perform a special outdoor set as part of the Tonight Show’s Concert Series. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno airs nationwide on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.

She will also take the stage live at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on April 5 for a very special performance on the Academy of Country Music Awards telecast. The ACM Awards air live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT. Taylor is nominated for Album of the Year (nominated as both artist and producer), Top Female Vocalist and Video of the Year.

While on the West Coast this week, she will attend the premiere of “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Taylor makes a cameo appearance in the film, performing her original song “Crazier.” She also contributed the song “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” (performed by Hannah Montana) to the film and soundtrack.

Look for Taylor on the cover of the May issue of Seventeen magazine, on newsstands April 7. This is her second Seventeen cover, her first was exactly a year ago – the magazine’s May, 2008 issue. Taylor is featured on the cover of the April issue of Allure, on newsstands now.

Ms. Swift recently returned from a series of sold-out tour dates in Australia, where her Fearless album was recently certified Platinum. Fearless is currently Triple-Platinum in the U.S., has topped Billboard’s Top 200 Albums all-genre sales chart for 11 weeks, and is currently in its 18th week at #1 on the Country Albums Chart. Fearless is Gold in the UK, New Zealand and Norway. Taylor is the #1 best-seller in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and she holds the #1 position atop the radio airplay charts in the UK, New Zealand, Asia and Australia.

She kicks off her first-ever headlining tour, the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS 2009 TOUR, on April 23 in Evansville, Ind. The tour runs through October and all shows that have been put on sale have sold out within minutes, including an August show at New York’s Madison Square Garden which recently sold out in one minute.

Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift: ‘We Wanted It To Be A Surprise’

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Taylor Swift Attends Zac Efron's Movie Premiere in Australia

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Taylor Swift and Darius Rucker Still Stand Tall on the Charts

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