The chart topping pop star has made a lasting name for herself since her life changed drastically only a few years ago.
Taylor began singing karaoke at festivals and fairs but it was during a traffic-stopping performance at a local shopping mall, when Swift caught the eye (and ear!) of a talent manager. A few contracts and record deals later, Taylor has become a bona fide superstar!
The New York Times describes Swift as “one of pop’s finest songwriters, country’s foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner life than most adults.”
In an attempt to let fans in on the makings of her soul stirring croons, Taylor explains that “sometimes when things impact you so intensely, it takes writing a song to get over them.” (People Magazine)
A gifted storyteller, and an obvious rebel of the rule “Don’t kiss and tell," Taylor is well known for writing songs about her exes, present loves and crushes. (Industry insiders are all abuzz speculating that the track "Dear John" from her latest album is an open letter to ex-fling John Mayer!)
Talented, beautiful, and wildly successful, Ms. Swift seems to have it all. But don’t look for her to add "married" to that list anytime soon.
“I don't focus on pining away for love, because I'm focused on being happy with what's happening right now.” (Us Weekly)
And how could she not be when she is dominating the country music scene and brokering major business deals?
At the ripe age of 20, Grammy award winning Taylor has inked a deal with Elizabeth Arden to create a signature fragrance, signed on to be the newest face of CoverGirl, accepted her third trophy as the songwriter-artist of the year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International and was CMA’s youngest Entertainer of the Year in the organization’s history.
When Taylor isn’t racking up awards, she’s busy supporting her favorite charities including Children in Need, Red Cross, Wish Upon A Hero, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and Delete Online Predators.
And what did Taylor do to celebrate her 20th birthday? This singlelista gave back to the community-- in a BIG way!
The country superstar donated $250,000 to the U.S. education system to help fund school programs, buy books and pay teacher salaries on top of a $75,000 contribution to her high school for a new sound and lighting system.
“Something I wanted to do at the end of this amazing year and especially on my birthday was give back to something I really believe in, which is education,” she said. “The schools that I went to and the amazing people I got to learn from really turned me into who I am, and I wanted to give back.”(People Magazine)
Speaking of gifts, Taylor recently released her third album, Speak Now, which sold over one million copies in the first week alone!
Singlelistas, let’s put this into perspective.
The last artist to achieve this remarkable feat was Lil’ Wayne with Tha Carter III – back in 2008.
While indisputably, a stand out in her class, this singlelista is certainly not alone.
Rumor has it that Ms. Swift is seeing a certain Jake Gyllenhaal (Did you see him in “Love and Other Drugs??!!!” I’m beyond jealous!!!!) but I think she hits the nail on the head when she explains her philosophy on love.
“I don't think that love can possibly be easy all the time, in fact, most of the time it's going to be hard. I think it's important to try to find someone who's going to tell you, ‘This is worth it,’ when you're scared, and tell you, ‘I’m never leaving you,’ when you're doubting it. I think that's the most important thing.” (Parade magazine)
You sang it, Singlelista!
For more information about the singlelista currently known as Swift, visit http://www.taylorswift.com/.
Love life...every SINGLE moment of it!
-xoxo
- Megan Holley is a contributing writer to The Singles' Salon
