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Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
Thursday's Connector of the Day: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has quickly made a name for herself. At 19 years old she has become one of the most successful recording artists of this decade in the United States.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/18/art.taylorswift.gi.jpg
caption="Swift is now one of the world's bestselling country artists."]
Already having two number one albums on the Billboard charts, Swift has helped bring country music back into the mainstream.
Her album "Fearless" is certified quadruple platinum, and her 60-date tour of the U.S., UK and Australia sold out in one hour.
Last year she earned $18 million.
2009 saw Swift become the first country music artist ever to win an MTV Video Music Award.
While accepting the award for Best Female Song for “You Belong With Me” at this year’s awards ceremony, Swift was abruptly cut off during her acceptance speech by rapper Kanye West. Ripping the microphone out of her hands, he announced that singer Beyonce was more deserving of the award.
Swift and the majority of the audience were stunned in disbelief of what had unfolded. Despite the embarrassment, Swift has truly become fearless in the eyes of her critics. The incident became a sensation on the internet and in the weeks that followed, Swift’s popularity and album sales only increased.
All of this success, for a woman who only learned how to play the guitar on her computer as a little girl.
Now reportedly dating teen heartthrob Taylor Lautner, Swift is topping headlines in the entertainment news.
On Twitter
Is being famous what you expected it to be?
When are you coming back to play the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield?
Taylor Swift is truly a great artist and singer. We listen to her all the time in our office and actually had a few singing telegram requests for her songs, especially the song Love Story. I also did see Kanye West perform in Shanghai, China, as well. But it's too bad he acted in that way to say Beyonce was more deserving of the award. All performers are great in my eyes. From Cheryl of Asiaroses.com.
When are you coming to Australia to perform?
T-Swizzle,
Rumors around here at Villanova are that you may be enrolling next year. Any truth to this??
I think that her songs are horrible. She basically is talking.
I do not like this new trend of not taking a breath for many words.
She's made alot of money, but people buying don't realize what singing should be.
She has no range of sounds. Her songs are boring. I turn them off whenever they are on the radio.
are you involved with any type of charity work?
junie from london, england...
how do you still feel about what happened with kanye at the awards.? and how do you explain ur reaction after wards to beyonces mature move?
If somebody told you 10 years ago that you were going to be world-famous at the age of 18, what would you have said?
could you tell me the thing that most impotance in your life?
Do you think the successful come to you only because of lucky?
although you are a young singer but do you ever think about the Complicated world nowadays. and what will you do to heal the world?. and the last question do you have any plan to help poor people in over the world?
If you had a chance to get back at kanye west, would you pounce on it?
What gives you the incentive to sing?
Since becoming a world renowned music star, have you kept in touch with your childhood friends?
I am a HUGE fan! I was wondering, how did you get to be this famous. How did your music career start? 🙂
Whats it like going from small town hit to a Big time star!!!!
PS love you work 🙂
I have no talent and I can't sing. How can I make 18 millions a year?
Is there any interest in coming to Mexico & singing in spanish someday?
Taylor Swift is a great beautiful girl. Her face is so attractive and make people so impression. She's a great singer for me and I always listen to her songs. Wish, one day I could see her face to face. I wish her a success and gain more and more supporters from all over the world.
i like Taylor Swift. you have a great voice. i really like song" you belong with me". it's seem real on my mind. can you share your feeling when you sing that song? thanks!
Would you consider entertaining our deployed troops overseas?
Taylor, I am a student living in Qingdao, China. My mom and I think you are a fantastic singer. Our favorite song is "Hey Stephen". It is really good. We were wondering what is your favorite song? Thank you.
Your best fan,
Samantha Arnold
I agree with Chris Pittman, I'm in Iraq – it would be cool if you, Carrie, Kelly, Martina etc did a USO tour.
How was working with John Mayer like?
so was the embarrasement on vma planned, just yo make you more famous?
I noticed you have some shows booked all over the UK, U.S. and Australia...Any plans to come to Japan?
Come to Israel, you have many fans!!
My daughter's dream is too,just meet you,or even a signed autograph!!
Anywho,We are big Swift fans in Chesapeake,Va
Good Luck,in all you do!!!
Are you really dating with taylor lautner? ): How could you!! HE'S MINEEEE, MAN!
Studio Manufactured Rock Star
Taylor, are you secretly dating Kanye West?
Are you going to tour Asia soon? Do you want to?
I also want to know if you are ever going to perform in Asia.
Your songs are not country but why is it that they are considered to be country?
what has been one of your most embarassing moments in life? Love from Spain.
is she really dating with taylor lautner now????
Congrats to the CMA awards and for the SNL performance. How have you felt yourself during the SNL? How much you practice a day/week?
How will you use your fame and fortune to make the world a better place?
will you marry me 🙂 please....
We remember seeing you for the first time on CMT, how long had you been waiting for that day when you made it to the media?
hey，Swift...I am from beijing china ，and just this afternoon,our music teacher had given us some recommendations on pop music .he mentioned some differences between American and Chinese singers ，that our singers are concerting too much on performances and fame while those in america just ehjoy their own music styles ,do you think that the same goes for u ？and what is your motivation and dream on country music？
Tell me about your favorite guitar.
I saw your show in Tulsa. Not only you were amazing but your band mates were all awesome musicians, especially the guy playing mandolin, banjo and guitar. You acknowledged your band at the CMAs which I thought was very nice. Do your band mates have creative freedom? Do they record with you?
I must say, your amazing vocals travel far to my country Nigeria,you are one of my favorites. As a 17year old fan,my questions are: 1.HOW big a problem of Drugs can be to rich ,talented and young Musicians?
2.WHO has been the main fuel to your Extraordinary success? Kano,Nigeria.
Hey!
I just want to say that you are a great singer and it would be awesome if you came to Belgium one time!
I was wondering if you were ever doubted by someone who you looked up to?
Thanks xx
Hello from Mauriitus, a tiny island in the Indian Ocean you have probably never even heard of. But your music is big here. So why not come & visit us? Who knows maybe you'll want to settle here.
Hi Taylor! I don't know if you're up for personal questions, but how do you manage to stay a normal person and at the same time be a famous teen star? How hard is it really to stay on the ground?
Okay, i have a few questions, i'm a huge fan 🙂
1. Who are your songs dedicated to? Anyone special?
2. When are you coming to germany?
3. Do you follow fans on twitter?
4. Are you dating Taylor Lautner?
5. Was your voice good when you were a kid?
Please answer one of them, that would be great!
How did you enjoy SNL and will you like to do it again??
I think you did a great job hosting SNL. I really enjoyed your skits. Do you plan on acting in the future?
what have you done for the community??????
p.s
please answer asap
thanks kayla