By Alexander Pimentel
Editor
ABC’s American Music Awards went out will a bang last month as 19-year-old Taylor Swift was awarded the coveted Artist of the Year award, beating out the late Michael Jackson who won four other awards that night.
The country starlet continues down her path through super-stardom as her shelves are adorned with nine big industry awards received just last month.
She has been nominated in at least one category in virtually all major award associations in 2009. These include both fan-voted and association-voted awards.
Her success is evident in winning 80 percent of her major nominations in 2009.
Swift draws much of her support from the teenage and young-adult population of the US. However her popularity has extended around the world, even to non-English speaking cultures.
This cross-over ability accounts for much of her industry success.
Although identified as a Country artist, Swift has won awards in the Pop/Rock category and has recorded collaborations with the band Boys Like Girls, a popular Alternative group.
From what it seems everyone loves Taylor. The girls screaming the lyrics to her boy-hating songs, and the teenage boys claiming to be in-love with her make up the majority of her fan base.
While her global popularity is acknowledged, all the attention on the young artist forces some to question the genuineness of her talent.
Her albums have been designated multi-platinum and she has headlined a sold-out North American tour. The tour’s popularity led to its extension with 37 additional performances planned for next year.
But why is this now 20-year-old superstar so popular? In early 2007, country music was largely regarded as an old hick genre. Now one of the biggest figures in music is a country artist.
“Taylor Swift is my ultimate favorite because her lyrics are so meaningful and they tell as story I can relate to,” said senior Lauren Saylor. Saylor has each of Swift’s albums and attended the Fearless Tour in the spring of 2009.
These sentiments are shared by hundreds of thousands of high school age fans that support Swift. However, there are those that don’t favor her records.
“As an artist, I think she is overrated, but I must admit that most mainstream music is overrated,” said senior Emilio Tello, who supports more of the underground and unknown music scene.
Tello makes a valid point. When examining Swift’s record history 20 of her 24 original songs are about boys and relationships. Those critical of her work wonder how her music will change as she matures.
Despite criticism, all must acknowledge that the music industry has valued her work and that her extraordinary sales are evidence of her early success. Many claim that this is just the beginning for Swift although she accepts awards and makes appearances like a seasoned artist.
Looking ahead, Swift holds eight nominations for the Grammy’s to be held at the end of next month.
