myerstownherald.com

By MOLLY DAVIS
I don’t like country music.
But I like Taylor Swift.
Correction — I love Taylor Swift.
Who doesn’t?
The angelic artist is the epitome of class, grace and elegance.
Not to mention she’s one little bundle of adorable-ness.
The 19-year-old Wyomissing native has attracted millions with her honesty, subtle humor, independence, tenacity, and her ability to inspire girls.
An incredible talent, her draw is that she appeals to all ages, young and old.
Her fan base extends well past teens – she more than 3 million copies of her latest effort, “Fearless,” and her 2006 self-titled debut album went triple platinum.
She won album of the year at the 209 Academy of Country Music Awards — the youngest singer in history that can claim the title.
Her music speaks to her fans — young and old alike.
You’ll never see her caught in a compromising position, mouthing off about her rivals, or partying into all hours of the night – and that really says something in today’s culture.
When Swift’s acolytes are busy having public feuds or swilling vodka at the latest trendy LA club, Swift is nowhere to be found.
She’s a trendsetter, not a Hollywood hanger-on.
Following up on the heels of this year’s many successes is her double duty as host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on Nov. 7 — a high honor only bestowed on the worthiest of celebrities.
And since everything else in her life has fallen into place, the next logical step would be her own real-life “Love Story.”
Which seems to be blossoming in the form of 17-year-old Taylor Lautner.
Taylor squared?
These two have been seen hanging out at hockey games, he sits in the front row at her concerts, and Hollywood gossip sites are dishing about Taylor/Taylor dalliances.
Reports of the two cuties kissing and holding hands are spreading like wildfire through the ranks, but Miss Swift is shy on the topic, saying she “didn’t know” whether or not the two were dating.
The pair are starring on the big screen together in 2010’s big budget “Valentine’s Day.”
I think it’s a match made in heaven.
So do her fans, who unfailingly root for Swift.
You remember the MTV “VMA’s?”
Never has there been such a public outcry for some Tinseltown justice as there was on the heels of “Kanye-gate.”
When Taylor won Best Female Video for ‘You Belong With Me,” Kanye jumped onstage, grabbed the mike from the country singer’s hands and delivered this rant:
“Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ma let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time,” he yelled. “Of all time!”
He was booed at the show, and publicly shunned immediately following the debacle.
Swift had to perform the song about five minutes after Kanye’s outburst.
She gave an unbelievable performance. She was the picture of poise and class, and absolutely shined.
As usual.
Swift was more gracious about the event than her fans, saying she didn’t want to start anything and declined to bash her tormentor.
But her supporters did it for her — she is truly loved by her fans and the entire entertainment industry.
Kanye apologized.
She forgave him.
Her fans did not, and probably never will.
But Taylor, ever humble, has moved on to bigger and better things.
She has no time to waste on such trivial drama — she’s worked too hard and long for her standing.
Because while her female contemporaries, singers Miley Cyrus and Carrie Underwood, had huge backing to get their start (Disney and “American Idol”), Swift had nothing.
No fancy agents, no launching vehicles — just tenacity and pure, raw talent.
So while it took her longer to reach the top of the heap, where she presently resides with some self-absorbed status seekers, the journey has paid off.
And keeps accumulating with every new feat she conquers.
Success will never spoil Miss Swift.