Category Archives: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift became one of country-pop’s brightest (and youngest) faces in 2006, when the 16-year-old singer released her first record. Although new to the American public, Swift had been playing since early childhood, taking inspiration and encouragement from her opera-singing grandmother. She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a Philadelphia 76ers game at the age of 11; the following year, she began practicing her guitar skills for several hours each day, only stopping when her fingers started to bleed. Swift’s parents realized their child’s dedication and began making regular visits to Nashville, TN, where Swift would perform casually and meet with songwriters in the area. The family then decided to move from their native Pennsylvania to an outlying Nashville suburb, which accelerated Swift’s career.

While performing at the intimate Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Swift caught the eye of songs industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who signed her to his newly formed label. Swift joined the roster at Big Machine Records and released her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” in August 2006. The song drew upon her experience as a lovelorn high-school student, a theme that Swift revisited throughout her self-titled debut album. issued in late 2008, Taylor Swift catapulted the young songwriter to stardom, spawning a handful of hits (five consecutive Top Ten singles, a new record for a female solo artist) during earning multi-platinum sales. Swift also received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, an award she ultimately lost to Amy Winehouse. Two subsequent EPs — Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection and Beautiful Eyes — helped maintain Swift’s popularity while whetting public demand for her sophomore release, Fearless, which arrived in November 2008.

Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now…Help Now”

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Taylor Swift Invites Fans to Special Rehearsal to Benefit Tornado Victims. Taylor Swift has announced she will be opening the doors for the first time ever to the last dress rehearsal of her Speak Now Tour as a fundraiser to benefit victims of last week’s tornadoes. This event will allow 13,000 fans to get a sneak peak a whole week earlier than the first tour date of Taylor’s North American leg of the Speak Now tour which kicks off in Omaha, Nebraska May 27th. “I was watching the coverage of the tornadoes backstage at rehearsals, and I wanted to do something for the families affected by the damage. I’ve never opened a rehearsal to the public before, but I felt that inviting my fans to the last rehearsal for the Speak Now Tour would be a great way to raise money. We’ll probably still be doing some fine-tuning to the show that night, since this will be a true rehearsal, but I feel like it is so important for me and my fans to help if we can.” -Taylor Swift Taylor is calling this special concert “Speak Now…Help Now!” and it will take place May 21st at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Ticket information and event details will be available and update by Monday, May 9th, you can check it out by clicking here. All of the money raised from tickets sales will go to the victims dealing with the aftermath of the storms. Bravo to Taylor, and all the other members of the country music community (Reba, Blake, Hank Williams Jr and others) who have taken that extra step to help those in their time of need. Well, done.

Taylor Swift is 2011 ACM Entertainer of the Year!

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Taylor Swift is awarded the 2011 ACM Entertainer of the Year! Hot off the heels of an international tour, Taylor Swift takes top honors tonight as your new fan-voted 2011 ACM Entertainer of the Year! With her album Speak Now breaking every record in the book, and her tours selling out within minutes of being announced, it’s no surprise that Taylor takes the trophy this year. Taylor will continue to tour the US All summer long, but now has some extra accolades to take with her. Congratulations Taylor and all the other nominees.

Taylor Swift’s Landmark

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Taylor Swift Hits 20 Million Album Milestone! Taylor Swift has officially sold over 20 Million albums, 10 million of which were sold in just the last eighteen months, a huge industry milestone! Her achievement was announced just before the sold-out final show in London, wrapping up the overseas leg of her massively successful Speak Now World Tour 2011. Big Machine Records and Universal Music International presented Taylor with a special plaque to commemorate yet another marker of her astounding successes. Congrats, Taylor!

New Love For Taylor Swift?

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Does Taylor Swift already have a new romance in the works? Taylor Swift certainly has no short list of admirers, but it seems one has a slightly better chance of reaching Taylor. Adam Young (of Owl City fame) apparently heard the rumor that Taylor’s song “Enchanted” was written about him, and decided to share a valentine’s day response. “Dearest TAYLOR, I’ll be the first to admit I’m a rather shy boy and since music is the most eloquent form of communication I can muster, I decided to record something for you — as sort of a “reply” to the breathtaking song on your current record. This is what I wanted so badly to tell you in person but could never quite put into words: Everything about you is lovely. You’re an immensely charming girl with a beautiful heart and more grace and elegance than I know how to describe. You are a true princess from a dreamy fairy tale, and above all, I just want you to know … I was enchanted to meet you too. Love, ADAM.” Listen to Adam’s version of “Enchanted“.

Taylor Swift Sells Out in Singapore

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Taylor Swift’s Speak Now Tour is officially underway, starting with a sold-out performance in Singapore! Taylor Swift is finally off on her whirlwind Speak Now tour! Her first date on the tour was in Singapore, where she sold out the Singapore Indoor Stadium last night! Taylor will continue on through 19 countries and almost 100 shows before taking a break in the fall. If her Fearless tour was any indication, you’d better get your Taylor Tickets fast because EVERY date on this run will sell out!

Taylor and Jake Find Closure

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Us Weekly has the scoop on a semi-private meeting between Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal. Sources close to Taylor Swift are apparently cashing in on tabloid interest by dishing all the dirt on Jake and Taylor’s impromptu meeting in Nashville last week to Us Weekly, and who knows who else. In an article that hits newsstands tomorrow, this inside source shares all the bittersweet details of the dinner discussion, including Jake’s apologies, and his aim for “closure”. For the full story, pick up an issue tomorrow morning, or visit USMagazine.com.

Taylor Swift – Back To December – Video

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Taylor Swift releases the official video for her melancholy hit Back To December. Taylor Swift shares her more introspective side in this emotional and wistful tune “Back to December“, and the new official video certainly matches the tone of the song. Take a look and tell us what you think! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjar7np_wuE] Taylor is currently gearing up for her largest tour to date.

Taylor Swift Single Again

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Reports are in that Taylor and Jake are no longer dating. Taylor Swift may have a few more songs in her book about love lost, but something tells me this time they’ll be even more discreet. Taylor’s relationship to actor Jake Gyllenhaal may have ended, but the impression left behind is that this one was more mature than her pop-icon-dating-past. Apparently it was a combination of media attention and the vast difference in their ages that prompted Jake to cool the burners on their quick romance.

Taylor Swift – Speak Now Video – Live

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Taylor Swift performs Speak Now live from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York! Taylor Swift visited the Ed Sullivan Theater to perform in front of an intimate audience of die-hard fans. Since not every fan could make it to the performance, CBS has been kind enough to share this web broadcast of the entire 30 minute set! Songs performed include “You Belong With Me”, “Back to December”, “Love Story”, “Speak Now”, and “Mine”. Enjoy! Country Music Photo Gallery