Taylor Swift's "Obsession" With Def Leppard's "Relationship-y" Songs
Friday (Nov. 7) fans will be able to enjoy Taylor Swift and Def Leppard on the same stage in their upcoming CMT Crossroads collaboration. But genres aside, this pairing still has another large difference -- their age. Swift is still in her teens, and Def Leppard was popular long before she was even born. However, this doesn't seem to bother either side. In fact, both greatly appreciate one another's music and even agree it fits well together.
Swift said her appreciation of the popular ‘80s band stems back to her childhood or birth and maybe even before that -- when she was dancing in the womb. "Obsessed," she told CMT Insider about her feelings toward her musical collaborators. "Uh, well, my mom was obsessed with Def Leppard. Umm, that's all she would listen to. And, you know, apparently when she was pregnant with me, that's all she would listen to. And then, when I was a little kid, that's all she would listen to. So that was like, that was my favorite music."
And Def Leppard? They're pretty down with Taylor, too.
"I would sit down in a studio and work with this girl anytime because I think she is very talented," said lead singer Joe Elliott. "And I think we'd all learn from each other. You're never too old to learn. You can teach old dogs new tricks."
Their collaboration on CMT Crossroads premieres Friday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, but you'll have to wait until Taylor Swift: Insider Special Edition premieres on Nov. 27 to hear Taylor talk in greater detail about her love of the British band. But here's an interesting tidbit from the show: Her favorite Def Leppard song is "Hysteria" because "it's, like, really relationship-y."
In the meantime, you can check out their Crossroads performance of another Def Leppard classic, "Photograph."
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
RedMaZ says:
“Uh well, umm, like” These guys must really need some money.
Shotgun says:
How about a team-up between Ms. Swift, and a hard day of labor out in a field somewhere? I wonder how country she’ll be after that?
I used to brag to people that “country” was music you could work to…
Kim says:
Didn’t this happen a long time ago? (in headline news time) I’ve seen it as a headline couple times. It was there, went away and came back. enough already, the horse is real dead! It wasn’t anything that special. Cross roads is an entire program! there are other episodes that were good too!
jasmine gines says:
taylor sweft is sad without joe jonas and am sad without meganee
jasmine gines says:
you guys it’s funny how the years go by so fast right
elliejay says:
I love that taylor teamed up w/ d.l. they sounded so good together right?
Enough Already says:
This has been on CMT home page for a month–you would think she was the only one that ever did cross roads, guess what she is not and it was not that good at all, she needs to stop acting so Childish and goofy on stage.
fish618 says:
I’m watching CMT Crossroads. It’s a fantastic show!
Gcandi says:
I agree. Taylor Swift is not the only one who has done this show. Come on…does anyone else think the girl over performs on stage? I am a serious Def Leppard fan but I could barely stand to watch Taylor trying to perform with them. She does act very childish and ridiculous on stage. Rock on DL!!!
mike says:
I would like to know if anyone at CMT really knows what the song Pour Some Suger On Me really means. If they did, someone has a sick sence of humor. And if they didn’t, they don’t need to be in their job.
Howdy says:
They sounded GREAT together…. Would love to see a couple road shows. Taylors voice and DL music compliment each other well!
Gcandi says:
Sorry Howdy! Don’t agree! Let DL do their own music and Taylor can stick to…well…whatever she does best!
bingo says:
THE SHOW WITH DL AND TAYLOR SWIFT WAS GREAT!!!!! THERE VOICES WENT REALLY WELL TOGETHER!SHE DID NOT ACT LIKE A CHILD, SHE JUST HAD A LITTLE FUN!!! PEOPLE NEED TO RELAX AND HAVE FUN LIKE TAYLOR LIFE IS TOO SHORT!!!
Val says:
Howdy! Howdy!
I watched this show tonight and thought it was great! The crossover for both artists was fun for me! I’m a fan of both Taylor and DL! (An OLD OLD fan, ya!) *giggle* Seeing the two perform together, sharing their songs…It was fun for me!!!
*smile*
I was delighted! I enjoyed it immensely! It would be nice if everyone could just lighten up and enjoy their own things and NOT attack other people who are trying to do the same.
Here is a good rule of thumb for you downtalkers…
If you don’t like it, try to keep in mind that it is a free world, friends! Turn the offending show off and go find something you DO like!!!
But please don’t try to take away the things that I enjoy! And don’t try to make me feel stupid for enjoying it!
*smile*
I certainly wouldn’t do that to you!
*thinks*
Unless the activity you enjoy happens to be poking yourself in the eye with a needle…then I might have to call a doctor or something…
*giggle*
But sheeeesh…this is music, friends! Everyone has his/her own taste and style…
Lighten up and try enjoy life! That’s what makes it worth living, ya!
Happy day, ya’all!
P.S.
And to those who just cannot find any enjoyment in anything except tearing other people down…Today is your day, ya’all! Live in it!!! WOOOOOOHoooooooooo!!!!
Robert says:
CMT has hit an all time low, to team this very talented group with this poor young girl. I felt so sorry for Def Leppard having to put up with this not very talented girl. I thought the Sara Evans, Maroon 5 teaming was bad, this makes that look amazing. FOR once in a very long time CMT, use your musical brain when putting these teams together. I know, it makes it fun for the artist and the people sitting at home listening! or in this case trying!!
kelley says:
As a long time metal/rock fan, I was surprised that def leppard would even pull an act like this. It was painful to listen to, and I’m sure there are some country fans out there that feel exactly as I do about this program.
If you enjoyed it, great, I didn’t.
In my opinion, this should have never happened, it was a joke. This childish female doesn’t have a tenth of the vocal skills required to sing rock, even light rock like def leppard. She should stick to country, her little stories about her high school experiences, and her cute little mindless songs. As for def leppard apparently their career is over, they will never live this down in the rock community. ‘night ya’ll.
Tory says:
I happened to enjoy the pairing a lot
I loved their version of “Pour Some Sugar On Me”
But thats just me
I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, I think she is very talented and wonderful
I think her performances on stage are part of what makes her a great artist
Def Leppard has amazing music, and I think she did them justice :)
goody says:
Taylor rocked and looked hot! When Def Leppard was popular they had many girls her age lined up with plenty of, well, sugar waiting to be poured. lol
Rachel says:
Since this is a free country, I am going to give my 2 cents. I watched the show last night (and will again this morning) and the only performance that disappointed me was “Picture to Burn”. Otherwise, it was actually pretty great.
Shotgun says:
I’ve had a vision folks…
Due to file sharing, and the power of the unstoppable internet, gimmicks like this will very quickly lose their appeal in the face of organic, real music that actually reflects a portion of the population.
Artists will be less and less famous, and more locally renown…(sort of like hometown baseball stars…)
I can only dream…
Christina says:
The best song they did together was photograph. That could make it to number one again on the charts. As for the show, Taylor is talented in her own right, but her dancing on stage was over the top. I say this not to be mean. She was singing with gentlemen quite a bit older than her, I’m sorry to say it looked somewhat disrespectful toward Def Leppard. They didn’t seem to relate to each other through their music, because of their age differences. There wasn’t a camaraderie on stage. I really enjoyed watching Def Leppard again on stage.
CMT PLEASE, PLEASE try to get Garth Brooks and AC/DC to do crossroads together. The fans would give that show the best ratings you ever had!! GUARANTEED!! That would most definitely be the event of the year!! GUARANTEED!!
Scarlett12 says:
I think she did an excellent job! I couldn’t do that!
RedBootz82 says:
I think Taylor made an excellent choice in picking Def Leppard. They are legends and are still listened to by so many simply because you cant find that classic style of rock anymore. Its genius to me. The combo sounded great and I would pay to see them in concert and buy a possible album. As a classic rock fan and a huge country fan, I couldnt be happier! Go Taylor!
Gcandi says:
Go Kelley! I agree 100%! Remember, this is a free country and just like those of you who say nothing but good about the show…there are those of us who just didn’t like it, and like you…we are entitled to our opinion!
Steve says:
Saw this show last and it was great! Def Leppard were great, as usual and the very talented and beautiful Taylor Swift should be an inspiration to many young women (and more than a few middle aged men) everywhere! Having said that, I must agree with “Val” - lighten up & relax - you’ll live longer!
De says:
Give her a break..she is a kid and what is wrong with acting like one. She obviously loves the band Def Leppard and is excited to have the honor to perform with them. Who cares that she gets excited and is happy and even over-acts on stage…she loves what she does and compared to lots of stars her age (and even older) shows true appreciation for what she has in her life. I am not even really a Taylor Swift fan, but I am definitely a life-long Def Leppard fan and thought it was great to see two genres get together and just have fun. Why do people have to be so critical.
Howdy says:
Be Music lovers and listen to the vocals. The mix between young and old was great. Look at Robert Plant and Allison Krauss and I think you will agree that the mixing of old rockers and young vocalists is a winner.When I saw Robert and Allison I thought WHAT! Again when I saw Taylor and DL I almost didn’t watch……Glad I did the music was amazing!
CJ says:
I watched but think Def Leppard was good. Did not like the dancing and singing by Taylor. She sings monatone all the time. At least that is how I hear it. But to each his won. Some like it some don’t. Just an opinion but I do agree with Kelley.
kayko says:
Watch out everyone, the Underwood fans are on the prowl again.
Daniel says:
As a longtime DL fan, this worked well and I enjoyed it! It’s music people. This isn’t save-the-world-gosh-it-matters stuff.
Q says:
What a fantastic performance by both artists. Taylor look to be having a blast, as did all other band members. Def Leppard were absolutely amazing WOW!!! those guys are timeless Joe sounded great. Taylor was also fantastic she is so fun to watch, kinda like the leps when they were her age, all in all it was a slam dunk great show. Good job CMT and good job Def Leppard/Taylor. I truly hope to see more from them together. Q
DIAMOND says:
TAYLOR WAS GREAT AND I AM SURE UNDERWOOD FANS WILL NOT LIKE IT. SHE IS 18 LET HER RELAX AND HAVE SOME FUN ON STAGE WITH DL. I THOUGHT THE SHOW WAS RGEAT!!!!!!
laurie says:
i thought this was the best crossroads ever. def leppard has proven again their range and talent. went to see them in march, 2008 at the beginning of their tour and they were awesome!
Music Fan says:
In my opinion DL’s and TS’s crossroads collaboration was amazing, the best crossroads ever done and I would buy the CD/DVD of it if CMT was so inclined to release it. If not well, I can only hope Def Leppard and Taylor will be gracious enough to make their own and watch it go to #1………
Sound of Country says:
I was just thinking maybe Music Fans remark is why the bashers are out in full force. Maybe they are concerned this collaboration between DL and Taylor was just tooo amazing, and just maybe another Taylor #1 if DL and Taylor so choose to colaborate on any future endevors. After all which was pointed out earlier, they didn’t have to watch if they were not totaly entranced by it themselves. I’m telling you I was entranced myself. I loved it. The best crossroads ever. Great match-up CMT, you have another buyer if it’s released.
sunkie says:
I personally like when different genres combine their talents. The problem is that some people get stuck and don’t want to look at new ideas and twist. I find it personally refreshing to see something different. I like both of the artist and I feel this was done with good taste. It is to bad that so many people see the glass half empty and want to trash or put others down. But, that is our society today, for many forgot a thing called ….tact. Great Job CMT and keep expanding your ideas and pulling together different artist and cross genres. For all of you out there that are having a bad time with this, look at it this way……The woods would certainly be mighty quiet if only the best looking birds sung.
Tammy says:
I think Def Leopard and Taylor Swift were awesome together!!!
Katie says:
I think Taylor looked like she was going to break some bones trying to dance.
nik says:
Mike where have you been Pour some Sugar has been out what 20-25 years, and yes it still means the same thing as it did all those years ago. DL is a metal band NOT a pop band.
I think the show was GREAT! I like country music but I grew up with DL and I will love them at any age. They still rock hard and sometimes in the world we live in today listening to the classic rock makes the problems and worries of the world melt away at least for awhile.
Dave says:
I’m 41 and I have a 12 year old daughter. I sat and watched the show with my daughter cause she loves Ms. Swift. And when I have to explain why someone that young is shaking her butt in front of men old enough to be her father singing their type of songs and what each on means, lets just say for now on I will preview anything on cmt. And thats ashame.
Music Lover says:
Dave do you explain what every song that is sung by every artist means to your 12 year old daughter on CMT? If so, how do you explain 90% of them! My goodness how did you explain Ms. Underwoods ‘last name’? or ‘before he cheats’ or Ms. Lamberts, ‘kerosene’ or ‘gunpowder and lead’ just to mention a few. Get real! Ms. Swift gave an awesome performance as usual, and I think that’s what really irks you. Have you checked out the songs and dancing on some of videos on disney channel? lol
Shotgun says:
I agree with Dave.
As I stated in an earlier comment to this blog (that was deleted) this entire conflict speaks to a declining ability in America’s “country” culture to distinguish between what is “good” art, and what is drivel.
Our culture used to have a fair standing amongst the artistic expression of other people’s cultures out in the world. Now look at us. We have to beg for recognition by teaming up with bands like DL, while selling out the purity of our young women.
Oh how I long for a return to the day when Cowboys didn’t dance!
Kim says:
Uh, shotgun when was that? cowboys have always danced. do you watch John wayne movies? I can think of countless examples and circumstances where dancing was a perfectly acceptable social practice, that was practiced by cowboys and their ladies. There are places where it still done today.
and in the music scene, the decline is felt by everyone in every genre.country is no exception and it is not alone.
Dave says:
In responce to what Shotgun said, all I will say is I don’t think DL’s music will ever be played on country radio . And the day a song like Pour Some Sugar On Me is played will be the last time I let my daughter listen. Cause I do believe it is up to the parents to watch and listen to everything. And for me having to explain what certain songs being played means, it is my job. And songs that are about just pure sex I choose to wait just a lttle longer. And songs like Before He Cheats and Gun Powerder and Lead are not about sex but about getting even and self defence. That’s the differance.
nik says:
Yeah Music lover!!!!! You tell them………
I think really what this whole thing is about is that a Metal Band such as DL came into the country scene and rocked… But when Bon Jovi came on with SugarLand I heard none of this I wonder why? Because they are a softer rock. What are people going to say when Posion hits the show with someone? For Taylor Swift I believe she was doing something not only for herself but for her Mom, Not all of us start out as country fans, but because of crossover music BY THE COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS alot of us started listing. So if Country music is a shame of us hard rockers maybe they should keep their music on their own charts? Oh that would mean less money for the country singers.. oh my bad……
Dave says:
sorry I meant music lover not shot gun
pamela says:
Take me back to the time when everyone was not trying to out-do everyone else! Could we just have some plain old singing instead of everything having to be media worthy? The only possible reason to pair these 2 is for the shock value!! I watched it and was so embarrassed for that young woman I had to turn it off. All I can say is that her marketing agent needs to go to Washington and fix the mess we are in as they are obviously miracle workers!!
nik says:
Dave this show had been advertised what a month in advance? You should have researched it first? I agree about what our kids watch and listen to. But if you think some of the songs that music lover listed are NOT affecting your daughters thinking you are wrong. And if you think getting even is an ok concept? I would hate for my kids to go to school with yours.
RTR says:
I thought the show was great. As a mom of a 14 year old daughter I am now listening to Taylor Swift and I have always been a fan of Def Leppard. I thought the show was tastefully done due to the age difference. I did not share the meaning of any songs with the 14 year old either, and yes I would buy a CD if done.
nik says:
What it really comes down to is this, if you are raising your daughter to be a good, down to earth person. The dancing and the words to a song will and should not matter. Just because people dance or sing certain words does not make a child or adult do the things they do, they do the things they do because they made a choice.
I listened to DL in my early and late teenage years, but the values that my parnets instilled in me never left. Its a choice, which I think that is what parnets should be talking about with kids. Everything is a choice you can rock and dance and listening to music like DL and watch Taylor dance but it is your choice how to handle your own life to do that or not?
Shotgun says:
Hey Kim…
I know cowboys have always been inclined to cut a lil’ rug.
I was referencing a song by Lonestar, that contrasts the cowboy of yester year with the posers of today.
Marie says:
As a huge DL fan, I was deeply saddened to see this pairing. I could not watch. From the video that you saw every hour last week, it was clear there was absolutely no chemistry flowing, and TS looked and sounded absulotely horrible. It was shameful what she did to beloved classic songs. She needs to stick to song writing and leave the singing to those that actually can.
gayle perkins says:
love your comment Marie! You know who can really sing and is being put on the back burner for this young crap that is out is GRETCHEN WILSON. Team her up with some rock band and you’ll see a great show.
jasmine gines says:
you guys are driving me crazy stop talking about stuped things that does not matter
Tom says:
It’s kind of funny, on these blogs I hear nothing but bad things about Taylor but when I see artists interviewed talking about her they love her. Like on the crossroads Def Leppard members were saying how they would team up with her again. In country weekly magazine George Strait had her on his list of favorite people. I guess the only people who dislike her are the ones who can’t relate.
Shotgun says:
Yeah Tom…
Give me a few million dollars from a record contract, and I’d put whoever they want on my “list of favorite people” as well…
Till then…let me know when you hear about George and Taylor going out and having a beer together at the local bar…
Nikki says:
What is the matter with you people. Taylor is young and wants to have a good time living her dream. All of ya’ll are so negative and mean. At least Taylor is having fun in life. All you guys do is sit on the computer all day and decide you wanna tear down someone else with your snotty comments. Can’t you think of something better do than crush and tear people down? I’d like to see all of ya’ll go sing with DL and Taylor. (p.s. I’m only talking to the people who wrote mean things). You are all negative, lazy, selfish people who need to find something better to do in life than tear other people down.
Go Taylor Swift!
Shotgun says:
So, Nikki…
Ever heard the pot call the kettle black?
ROSEBUD says:
I just got a chance to watch the show. I really wanted to like it because I do like Taylor’s music. Vocally she sounded better than I expected. Here’s the problem I had, I was sort of creeped out. It just made me uncomfortable watching her with these older guys. Believe me I’m not a prude, far from it, but it was creepy. I know I’m going to get blasted for my comments but I’m just saying how I felt watching it. I’m not trying to “crush” anyones dreams or anything. I just hate to see young girls in our society growing up so fast and that’s exactly how I see Taylor, a young girl. Did anyone else feel this way or am I the lone ranger on this.
Miscellaneous Rock Links: Deftone in Coma, VH1 Metal Show, Def Leppard Goes Country… | JudasPriest Blog says:
[...] 5. Last night, Def Leppard appeared with country sensation Taylor Swift for an episode of “Crossroads” on CMT [cmt.com]. [...]
Joe says:
As someone who watched Taylor at local karoke events just a few short years ago (who’s home town of Wyomissing, PA is only about 7-8 miles from my home town of Denver, PA), and also having worked in bands since 79 (several who used to do covers of Def Leppard songs), I have to say this Crossroads pairing absolutely freakin ROCKED!!!
What I like about Taylor is that she really seems to have a level head, and seems to be willing to give her betters their due ‘props’. With her talent, looks, and ATTITUDE, she’s got a very bright future indeed. Let’s just hope she can avoid the ‘wild child’ pitfalls Britney and others have fallen into at times.
What would be really cool is to see Taylor, Miley, and Shakira do a series of shows together, no?
As for her performance with Def Leppard, I thought they did each others material extremely well, and did a super job on the vocal and harmony arrangements. I particularly liked the way they transitioned from Taylor’s “Should Have Said No” to Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me”, along with Taylor’s little guitar ‘toss’ in between…
As for those who would demean Taylor’s performance as ‘overacting’, or denegrating Elliot and Co. as a bunch of dirty old ‘has beens’, let me say this: quit projecting your societal induced mental illness and archaic biases and look at this for what it really was - a meeting of two musical generations who really do respect what each other has accomplished.
Joe Elliot and Co. aren’t idiots, and if by doing a Crossroads with Taylor helps their careers, why *shouldn’t* they have done it? Look at what Run DMC did for Aerosmith! OTOH, Taylor also benefited by branching out a bit and adding another bit of experience to her brief, but meteoric career (much as Shakira did when she did covers of Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and AC/DC’s “Back in Black”)
Taylor Swift is the ‘American Shakira’, and probably just as talented, but (much like her Columbian contemporary from Baranquilla), she is still a ‘work in progress’. Give her a few more years of experience (both in life as well as musically), and this young lady is going to be even more AWESOME!!
Jenna says:
Joe, I’m amazed and dumbfounded. I *totally* agree with you about Taylor being an American Shakira!!!! I thought the *exact* same thing after watching her and DL! Although Shakira is now, what - 30? While I would have agreed with you a few years ago about her being a work in progress, I think Shakira has matured musically by this point. Still though, it would be great to see her and Taylor do a performance together. I don’t know about throwing Miley in the mix though. Although I like “See You Again” and “Fly on the Wall”, and all that, she’s a bit too… too.. young, and a bit too much like ‘orange juice from concentrate’ churned out of the Disney Kidstar Production factory if you ask me. While Miley has a good voice, and has the choreographed moves down, I don’t think of her as being ‘on par’ with Shakira and Taylor musically speaking, don’t you think? I mean Shakira and Taylor both *write* and *perform* almost all their own music, and can actually *play* guitar. Miley’s ‘Hannah Montanna’ backround just doesn’t quite fit in there IMHO.
Cole says:
My wife is wanting a CD, or DVD of the Taylor Swift, Deaf Leapord Crossroads Performance. Does anyone know if they even produce it, and if so where can I obtain a copy.
Thanks
Cole
Madason says:
dude that was to much to read
but what is with Taylor Swifts song
Tim Mcgraw
what an obsession!!!!!!LOL
tnt101 says:
I watched the CMT Awards. The last song that Taylor Swift sang was terrible, I’ve listened to Def Leppard for years the song was inappropriate and they looked really strange together and her vocals were terrible.And no I’m not a Carrie Underwood fan either.