Taylor Swift Before She Was "Taylor Swift"
I took this photo of Taylor Swift at the 2006 CMA Music Festival. She was singing on the Riverfront Park stage and was introduced as a new face in country music. I could tell she was a bit nervous and rather timid onstage, but she seemed to charm the crowd nonetheless. As I was looking through the viewfinder, clicking away, I knew she had something special.
Today she announced her Fearless Tour 2009 with Kellie Pickler and a new act, Gloriana. I couldn't help but think back to this summer day when she was just a fresh-faced, 16-year-old hopeful. This was about the time she had released "Tim McGraw," a sweet little ditty she had written in high school. This was long before she let anyone know about Drew or her "Teardrops," before she had a "Picture to Burn" or advice in "Should've Said No." This was prior to the days she would reign as the Academy of Country Music's top new female vocalist, before she had become a triple-platinum selling artist, before she would become a top-selling artist throughout all genres ... and before national stardom.
In just three years, Taylor Swift has lived the dreams most could only imagine. It makes me smile to think back when she was just a newcomer. Look at her now, a Fearless favorite.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
nel says:
Sharon, this article isn’t about you.
Anyways, great article Whitney!!!
bkb says:
does cmt news annouce everybody’s tour shcedule like they did swift’s? we need to get a little balance here and give other artists the chance to be in the news. these blogs about swift are about to make me sick. get on to some other artists.
Melissa says:
I love this article, Whitney. I think that’s a good picture, too. It’s interesting to think about stars before they were stars.
Kris says:
The majority of country music fans want to hear what Taylor Swift is up to, YOU my friend are in the minority, not the majority!
Thank you for the fantastic article Whitney, It was awesome!
Gail says:
So glad to be in the minority!
name. says:
That’s fantastic. She’s come so far and her fans are so proud of her. Thank you!
Vicki says:
I must be in the minority too for every darn day this week it’s been something new about Taylor. Is Taylor part owner of CMT?
BPAP says:
bkb — Yes, CMT does report with news articles most of the time when artist’s announce tours/tour dates. It’s a very nice service to the fans that they do that. And a lot of the times, a CMT blogger/employee may write a blog about the upcoming tour, etc. — depending on the blogger and the artist, I suppose.
bkb says:
bpap, i can think of many intertainers that do not enjoy the cmt treatment, if they did cmt wouldn’t have the print or time to publish all of the tour dates. this is special treatment and we all know it is. has vicki said. swift must be part owner of cmt.
Jerad says:
Another annoying blog about Taylor? classic. Doesn’t CMT realize most of us adults over 20 cannot stand the girl and are sick to death of hearing about her? I am starting to think this site is owned by Taylor’s rich daddy… seriously.
Note to CMT: There are other artists to talk about that are more worthy, and who can actually sing.
Allison says:
We should all stop coming to this site so it gets less hits… then maybe CMT will start treating other artists fairly. Not even Carrie Underwood gets this much special notice. In fact, compared to Taylor, she has been ignored the past year.
When carrie was inducted to the Grand Ole Opry, a big deal, CMT barely mentioned it except in a small paragraph. If it was precious Taylor-can’t-sing-Swift, CMT would dedicate the entire home page to her.
It is sickening. Please, CMT, stop shoving the girl down our throats as we cannot stand it anymore. You are losing fans and people are really beyond tired of this over-rated, over-exposed, little girl who cannot sing her way out of a paper bag.
Melissa B. says:
Dear CMT: I beg of you, give us back our old site that used to treat everyone fairly. This over-exposure of Taylor is beyond annoying. I hate this site lately. Every day, you log on and it is yet another article about Taylor. The girl is arrogant enough as it is. Do we really need to feed her ego anymore? If she could at least sing, that would be one thing. Enough is enough.
I swear I agree with the others that CMT is owned by Taylor Swift Incorporated. Taylor bought her way into a Katie Couric Grammy special when she is not even a Grammy nominee, so that should tell you how much money and power her family has. She is a rich little daddy’s girl from Pennsylvania, without a single country cell in her pop-remixing body. So why is she even on a country site at all? She belongs in pop radio, with her bubble gum re-mixed pop songs.
guess! says:
I am sick of coming to cmt.com or watching cmt and all they got to talk about is taylor. I dont watch cmt any more because of that and they are losing alot of fans. Its time to show fairness to all artists not just one!!!!
Melissa B. says:
Guess- I agree with you. Thank God for someone with the guts to tell the truth. Why on earth does Taylor get special treatment when she is not even country? She is remixing her entire album to pop, and is on pop radio more then country even. She was never country anyway, so why do we have to have her shoved down our throats 24/7? It is making me really mad. I want my CMT back from before Taylor Swift was forced fed down our throats till we vomit her up over and over, but they keep shoving her back down. We cannot escape…It is getting downright sad and depressing to see the state that country music is in today. Someone who can’t even sing a note on key to save her life, is running CMT and Nashville. Maybe I will start following Rap.
Country fan 4 life says:
99% of Taylor Swift fans here on CMT are adults over 20. There are three generations of Taylor Swift fans in my home and I’ve talked to many other mature people that love Taylors music also.
For those of you who imply Tayor or her Father owns CMT, that is a compliment! :) but just to let you know the real reason Taylor is getting so much attention from the media everywhere (not just CMT) is because not only was she the highest selling artist in 2008; she alone was responsible for over 25% of country music sells just last week!
Thank you for the great article CMT!
Michael says:
Maybe we should all move to Canada as they seem more fair on their CMT site. Taylor is on there frequently, but it is not over-kill the way it is here. I do think her label pays big bucks for ads here, that is for sure. But it is more then that. She must have obtained part ownership in CMT, which explains why she won the CMT music video awards last year with a crummy juvenile video that no one liked but her 12 year old fans.
guess! says:
The only reason she is the top seller is because she remixs her songs so they can be play on country and pop which is not right!! Simply put SHE CANT SING IF HER LIFE DEPEND ON IT!!
Michael says:
CountryFan4Life: that is a lie. 99% of Taylor’s fans cannot even write full sentences. They are all teens under the age of 20, and even taylor herself admits that.
I bet about 5% of the taylor fans are adults. For you to say 99% of her fans are adults, is laughable, and wrong by Taylor’s own statements. She has said many times that the majority of her fanbase is made up of kids and teens.
At the Stagecoach concert in California last year, her whole fanbase was screaming tweens. The rest of the adults went off to get a beer before the real artists came on. She was horrid.
Country fan 4 life says:
On the contrary guess! CMT isn’t losing fans, Taylor has not only brought more revenue to country music she has brought at last count over a quarter of a million new country fans into country music! It’s probably higher now, that count is at least two weeks old.
guess! says:
PLEASE! Gimme me a break!
Michael says:
Oops,sorry- CountryFan4Life: I meant to say, that the kids under 12 here that are Taylor fans cannot write well yet, so it is clear they are very very young. That was not meant to insinuate that Taylor’s fans are dumb. I meant that they are not very articulate yet, as they seem very very young by their writing style and comments here on CMT. You are perhaps the first person that sounds like an adult.
Michael says:
CountryFan4Life: Taylor is not bringing in new fans to country music. They are not buying anyone’s albums but Taylor, nor supporting any other artist but Taylor. They are still pop fans and admit that. In fact, most of them HATE country music and still do. They only like Taylor because (in their words) she is not “twangy” or “too country”. They do not buy Kellie Pickler’s albums despite the fact that she is Taylor’s BFF. If Taylor were truly brining in new fans to country, they would buy Kellie’s albums too, to support Taylor’s BFF. But they are not, because they said Kellie is “too twangy” and country for them. Taylor is only helping Taylor, no one else.
Country fan 4 life says:
Michael Taylor is #1 in Canada too! lol
The Canadian Press — Top 10
TORONTO — The following is HMV Canada’s top 10 CDs based on national sales for the week ending Jan. 28.
country
1 Fearless - Taylor Swift
2 Kicking Stones - Johnny Reid
3 Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
4 Carnival Ride - Carrie Underwood
5 Greatest Hits Volume 1 - Rascal Flatts
6 Good Time - Alan Jackson
7 Greatest Hits: 19 Kids - Keith Urban
8 Little Honey - Lucinda Williams
9 Play - Brad Paisley
10 The Foundation - Zac Brown Band
guess! says:
I agree! Taylor is only thinking about taylor and only helping herself. Shes a spoil little rich girl or should I said child that her daddy is part owner of cmt.
thisismywish says:
To the people who do not like Swift: why do you post comments on the blogs about her? Do not open them. If you want to show CMT not to post so much about her, stay off. For those of us who are fans, it would be nice to see something about her without all of the negative comments. Thank you, Whitney, for the great blog. I hope you continue to post more about this great artist.
guess! says:
The truth just hurts does it thisismywish!!!!
Country fan 4 life says:
You tell us if the truth hurts guess! :)
Keep up the great articles Whitney, thank you!
Good night!
Michael says:
CountryFan4Life: I never said Taylor wasn’t selling well in Canada. I said their CMT site is impartial and gives everyone attention, not just Ms. over-exposed Swift.
We would love to not have to keep commenting on these blogs, but the blogs will not end.
Guess!: I think it must be true that Taylor pays CMT to give her this much coverage. Even now as we speak, her annoying face is the first thing you see on the cMT home page, yet again. I am so sick of everything about her!
guess! says:
When the truth comes out about taylor, we will see countryfan4life. Because it will someday. There is more to taylor than meets the eye so we will see!!!!
lauren says:
i agree also. taylor is remixing her songs for pop and that is the ONLY reason shes selling so much. Im fact, if you go on itunes 71% of taylors sells of love story was for the pop version. Not the original she sent to country radio. She’s playing both fences.
Michael says:
Taylor’s own label gave a press release recently that she is re-mixing her entire album to pop for an international release. They said they plan to market her overseas as a pop artist, as they don’t see her as Country. They said they see her as Pop. This is from her own management team!!! So why is she still pretending to be country when her own label called her pop? She is a fake chameleon, pretending to be country to fudge the sales and get the benefits, awards, and honors in country… while pandering to pop radio and Z100, MTV, etc., daily, pretending to be pop. She thinks we are so stupid and can’t see right through her, but we can. She is fake, and using country music to get famous so she can be the pop star she always wanted to be, just like her idol Britney Spears (gag me).
Michael says:
Even Jessica Simpson sings circles around Taylor, and that ain’t saying much. lol
MoodyBlues says:
I wouldn’t dislike Taylor so much if she weren’t so over-exposed and shoved down our throats every second of every day. Enough already! I still think she sucks as a singer, but I wouldn’t mind her as much if she had laid off the pop remixing. I lost all respect for her after that. She can’t sing and she is two=faced playing both sides of the fence. She is not country. Period.
L says:
Well I feel the same about Pickler..she is an opportunist. She didn’t waste time befriending Taylor to get noticed and gigs. What happened to her BFF Kat Mcphee?
In my opinion, both Taylor and Pickler just don’t have the vocals to be a Great Artist. CMT, and GAC were promoting Pickler the same as Taylor for a while. It really isn’t right when the ones that deserve the reconition are slighted.
You wonder who is paying who??
Pam says:
Her marketing is brillant as her sales show. She is popular because she is young and that is what sells like Hanna Montana did. I am unfortunatly an adult and about fed up with all of the country sites & our local radio stations. If I have to hear Love Story one more time I think I will be ill. I actually turn off the radio now. I saw her last year in person and she was much better than on TV but again I am sick of her
MoodyBlues says:
Pam- you and me both. If I hear Taylor or see Taylor one more time I may hurl. I cannot take it anymore. Not even shania Twain got this much attention, and she was at least talented!
MoodyBlues says:
L- I agree. Kellie used to be friends with Carrie, but then she went on her site and asked all her fans to vote against Carrie, and for Taylor, for the American Music Awards. Carrie still won for best album, but Taylor won for a different category, in part, due to Kellie’s betrayal of Carrie. She should have stayed outof it instead of taking sides with one friend (taylor) over another (carrie). That was rude and hurtful, so I lost some respect for kellie too.
They should just call the tour Blonde and Blonder, and be done with it. lol
kayko says:
The same people bash Taylor every time a blog is written about her, or even when her name is included in a blog. If you are adults then I think the 12 year olds are acting more mature than you are. As mentioned by others if you don’t like Taylor nobody is forcing you to read the blogs about her. There are several blogs that don’t interest me so I just don’t read them. Maybe you should try to do the same.
guess! says:
Taylor uses people to get what she wants then drop them. Thats not being a good role model. I dont have any respect for taylor at all.
kayko says:
Guess, and who has Taylor done that to?
guess! says:
Do the research about taylor and you will find out alot about her!!!
kayko says:
You accused her, where’s the proof? If your going to accuse someone of something you better be ble to back it up.
guess! says:
I dont have to answer to you! Just do the research!!!
kayko says:
I have followed Taylor’s career and i have never hear of such behavior, as a matter of fact everything I’ve read people have talked about how sweet she is.
solongsowrong says:
These posts are priceless!!! Very entertaining to say the least. Complaints from people having Taylor shoved down their throats (how does that happen? Some one forcing you to listen or read about her?), to those who don’t like her, but spend time researching her career. I don’t care who you are, that’s funny stuff.
I listen to Country music everyday, and can honestly say, I haven’t heard one song off Swift’s newest album. I see no reason to listen to what I don’t enjoy.
Just curious, do you people stand out in a thunderstorm too, and complain that you’re getting wet?
guess! says:
When I am curious about something I do research on it! You should try it before you come over here put people down for doing that! Hey you might learn something!!
solongsowrong says:
I reseach everyday. Not too much on what I don’t like, though. Why are you curious about Swift if you don’t like her. I’m asking, because right now, I’m researching human behavour.
guess! says:
I was just curious about her!
Taylor Picked Pickler! says:
The best thing about this tour is that Taylor made the smart choice of having the best, CMT Music Awards Performance of the Year winner Kellie Pickler, open all 52 concerts. Taylor is very smart and she knows what she’s doing. I’m a Kellie fan so I hope she’s singing for more than 30 minutes. I want to see her perform for at least 1 hour! I don’t like the shorter sets since it’s not enough time for me to hear more of Kellie’s beautiful songs and vocals. The more time Kellie has the more likely I will be to go and the more shows I will go to. Kellie should be headlining a tour anyway and probably would with more promotion and airplay.
Carrie has also said she wants to tour with Kellie so I hope that’s next! Rock on, ladies!
Tenn says:
Well, the pic you took tells it all - she’s blonde and pretty - it is something special and it seems to be what sells for Taylor, without it , where would she be?
maddy says:
Ok, haters… First you can’t say “most of the adults are sick of hearing about her”, because obviously not. You are not “the most of the adults”. Please respect everyone’s taste! And secound: “Another annoying blog about Taylor”. If you don’t want to read it, than don’t, but please let those, who like her, enjoy the new articles. It’s just sad, that you are writing to be mean.
RedMaZ says:
Now….who was it again that you said complains about Mainstream Pop Country? I can prove this all day long. It’s the Mainstream Pop Country fan of course! I hope Taylor Swift gets even more popular than she already is. If it’s making your life miserable…I’d say it’s well worth it. In the meantime, I’m listening to “Taylor Pie”. Open your mind and indulge yourself. Music is infinite…
The Best says:
MoodyBlues says:
Posted: January 30th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
“L- I agree. Kellie used to be friends with Carrie, but then she went on her site and asked all her fans to vote against Carrie, and for Taylor, for the American Music Awards. Carrie still won for best album, but Taylor won for a different category, in part, due to Kellie’s betrayal of Carrie. She should have stayed outof it instead of taking sides with one friend (taylor) over another (carrie). That was rude and hurtful, so I lost some respect for kellie too.”
That is a lie! Sour grapes because Taylor won another award over Carrie? Kellie never asked anyone to vote against Carrie. She posted a blog asking fans to vote for her “lil sis” Taylor. Anyone can go to Kellie’s myspace blog and read what she wrote. She did not ask “all her fans to vote” because most of her fans are not on her myspace and many who are voted for Carrie. Taylor has won fan voted awards before and doesn’t need Kellie’s help to win more but they are like sisters. Do you know how many awards Carrie has? I lost count long ago and she said she has so many she feels selfish winning more. I heard her say that in an interview. That’s a lot of awards. Maybe she was dropping you a hint. lol Are you a fan just for awards or what? Let’s see, Carrie and Taylor won AMAs but that isn’t good enough for you and Carrie has to have both? Selfish? If you voted more instead of posting so much nonsens, maybe Carrie would have won both awards.
“They should just call the tour Blonde and Blonder, and be done with it. lol”
If Carrie and Kellie tour together like Carrie said she would like they could call that tour the same name you suggested. I don’t know, it sounds shallow.
JP says:
I agree with you lauren. Carrie deserves every award she got.
To- “The Best”- You really can put a spin on everyone’s opinions. Not sure if you comprehend what is written.
The Best says:
lauren who said Carrie doesn’t deserve awards? Taylor asked fans to vote for her but that’s not the only reason she won. If she didn’t have talent she would not have any fans to begin with and would not have been nominated.
JP I tell the truth and unspin the spin. What I say is fact and anyone can look it up. Go ahead and try to prove anything I said is wrong.
Kelli says:
Thanks for the great article! I remember when I first heard of Taylor Swift and knew she would go far! Now, everyone hears about her, let’s keep it that way! I always love the articles on Taylor, keep up the great work! :) Always a Taylor fan, Always!
Greatdivide08 says:
Taylor should be on the Disney channel in between Miley Cryus and the Jonas Brothers seeing that is the only age level she appeals too.I too am sick and tired of the constant pimping CMT does of her.I don’t think there is anyone employed at CMT that even knows what Country music is anymore.Taylor sucks, PERIOD. She may write her own songs but they are all about the same topic.And the girl can’t sing live to save her life.
James19D says:
Taylor is one of the best artists out there. Almost every award ever won, she has thanked the fans. So she’s not only for herself. She may not have the vocal range of a Carrie Underwood, but she relates to a lot of people.
bkb says:
swift thanks the fans and relates to people. don’t most artists do this. one thing for sure she does not have a voice and that is the most important point. stop making excuses for a teeny weeny.
lauren says:
The best, I never said you said Carrie didn’t deserve her awards. i was just replying to your earlier post on when you said carrie said she almost feels selfish taking all those awards. Alsoi still stick with my position on Taylor begging her fans and thats mostly why she won the award. n she found out she was nominated for an AMA she went on her myspace and practically begged her fans to vote for her. And this lasted until the voting closed. Every blog she wrote she was “hinting” to her fans that the awards show was coming up and to vote for her.! i don’t care if she told her fans to vote for her but constantly reminding them was really weird! i mean if their your fans they are going to vote for you and buy your cds or whatever it is you have so why all the constant pleadings? Also, you must be a HUGE Kellie Pickler fan because that’s all you can talk about.
L says:
It was my post that The Best did a spin on.
I remember all Taylor and Kellie fans going on other artist boards and asking for votes.
The rudest thing was when they attended Carrie’s concert in Tenn and were laughing and joking around during her performance. They could never have the class that Carrie has.
rebelyell says:
Congrats Taylor
Carrie Underwood is no longer considered the “Complete Package” Taylor your singing is absolutly horrble LIVE.
Kate says:
To ‘The Best:
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but while winning ‘fan’ voted awards is a great honor the prestige of these awards pales in comparison to ‘industry’ awards’. Fan voted awards are subjective and the voting often(but not always depending on the security measures used by the company running the vote)can be sabotaged/ tampered with. The results of such awards while flattering don’t carry the weight of ‘industry’ awards. These awards depend on who has the most fans and not who is the best.Many artists have fans who are in an age group that are less likely to vote numerous times day in and day out while others have fans who do some real serious power voting ..so you see it’s not a ‘qualitative’ result it’s simply ‘quantitative;
Most of Carrie’s numerous awards are ‘industry’ awards and of course she has many ‘fan’ voted awards ..most recently 3 People’s Choice Awards.
I believe Taylor may have a couple of industry awards and Kellie has none…so far…
RedMaZ says:
The years have shaped her soulful message and melodies into familiar feelings that conjure up the images, tastes, and smells of things we thought we had forgotten.
MoodyBlues says:
TheBest– my point was that when you are friends with 2 people up for the same award, you do not pick sides. You can privately vote for one over the other if you like, but not publicly. That is hurtful and disloyal, and you know it. If my friends did that to me, I would be very hurt. A true friend would not publicly ask her own fans to vote against her Friend, ever. She should not have picked sides, and that is the truth. You can spin it how you like, but it is the truth.
Miranda says:
I think that CMT is not the only entity guilty of shoving Taylor Swift down our throats, though they are a big part of the problem. She is way over-exposed to the point of nausea. I am in my 30’s, and I want to hear Faith Hill, Sara Evans, Martina, Carrie even… but I do not want to hear off key pitiful croaks from a teen aged country version of Hanna Montana. At least Miley cyrus is on key.
Miranda says:
REdmaz– care to explain your comments? lol I get that you are a Taylor fan, but you can’t honestly find her fairy tales and castles “soulful”? lol If so, you must think Britney Spears is the Dali Lama. lol
RedMaZ says:
So Miranda, when was the last time you listen to Taylor Pie? More important when was the first time? I have no idea what you mean by “fairy tales and castles”.
RedMaZ says:
…however I DO own a pair of Tony Lama boots. Just like Dolly.
Russ Williams says:
Could you please stop posting so much of Taylor Swift. Yes is not a good singer. Yes, she is young and cute. But she can not sing that well. I heard her live in concert and she was out of tune. She sounded terrible. People will buy her music because she has a country POP sound and shehas one heck of a marketing department. There are more talented singers amd performers in the business than her.
Russ Williams says:
Miranda Lambert Is a very talented singer and song writer who sounds incredible in concert. She exactly sounds like her CD. WOW amazing…
kayko says:
What has Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood have to do with this blog?
The facts are that yes Taylor did sell 25% of this weeks Country Music. Another fact is that many critic are giving Taylor very good review’s for her music. Is she the best vocalist-no but she’s an incredible songwriter. You can rant and rave all you want to but it’s not going to change the facts.
And what alot of nonsense about who’s friends with who, very high school drama. What do you people do count how many blogs are written about who. To funny!
countryiscool says:
I’m an adult, I’m sick of Taylor, none of my granddaughters listen to her, one has a poster of Carrie on her wall. I love Kellie, and I DON’T believe there is ANY animosity between ANY of these artists. It is the FANS (fanatics) that fuel the flame. Some just cannot stand the truth that a person can actually love more than ONE artist, and choose whom they will listen to. I also believe Taylor should find a home with Disney with her white horse, knight in shining armor, fairytales, and castles, in which she can be POP princess. My annoyance with her has nothing to do with any other artist. PS, I also love Miranda, Martina, Faith & scores of other artists. I put Jessica S in the same (personal) dislike category as Taylor.
NAS says:
Taylor Swift is the present and the future of country music! If you are getting tired of her now just wait…(you might as well just not read any news articles)She will be every where. Taylor Swift is Amazing!!!
RedMaZ says:
If you look at that picture enough…part of it looks x rated. Look closely.
kayko says:
Countryiscool, I’m an adult to with a daughter and we both are fans of Taylor. I don’t understand why people have to bash those they don’t like. I’m not a fan of Carrie, but I don’t rum amuck all over the internet and make nasty remarks about her. I like to read the blogs about Taylor but I can’t enjoy them because of the haters.
countryiscool says:
I stated I’m tired of Taylor and WHY. That is simply MY opinion. I didn’t say you, or anyone else had to agree.
To each his/her own. She is not the only artist on these
boards that get bashed; Faith, Tim, Carrie have all been
on the receiving end as well. Some really NASTY/profane comments. I thought mine was rather subdued in comparison.
My point is she may well be a nice girl and all that, but she is way over-hyped, and appeals mostly to teenyboppers (and mommies) of teenyboppers. And maybe when everyone grows up, they will acknowledge she can’t sing, and start listening to artists that actually have vocal talent. Until then, I’m sure the Disney crowd will welcome you all like they have Miley.
audi16 says:
Like others have said earlier if you some of you people don’t like Taylor why read any blog that has anything to do with her? Do y’all think if you state your opnion again and again it will make Taylor go away? I’ve got news for you…It will not! Posting comments complaining about the amount of attention she recives only puts you on the maturity level of the twelve year olds you say listen to her music. As I’ve said before if you don’t like Taylor don’t turn on the t.v.,open a magazine,or even turn on your computer. Taylor is everywhere right now and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Redmaz-”The years have shaped her soulful message and melodies into familiar feelings that conjure up the images, tastes, and smells of things we thought we had forgotten.” This is why I believe some adults listen to her music. My mom and I will be going somewhere and she can sing along with most of Taylor’s songs. However, that last comment of yours was a little inappropriate don’t you think?
All of the blogs written about Taylor seem to get of subject and seem to go into an argument about whether or not people like Taylor.
Thank you for the blog Whitney! Its hard to believe someone can accomplish so much in three short years- things that many people don’t accomplish in a lifetime. Every time I hear Taylor’s story it gives me encouragement to try and achieve dreams that I have.
cmarie says:
All these comments are ridiculous. When did people care so much about whos friends with who and who “back stabbed who” This isn’t how country music rools. All this stuff you all are saying is crap. Just enjoy the music artist make and the talents they have. Taylor may not be that great live, but you have to admit she is a good song writer and if you don’t go for that stuff simply don’t listen to it and don’t get so wrappped up in this drama. And if you think this is being forced down your necks thats crap to. No one forces you to listen or read that is completly your choice. So you all need to chill and stop hatin on people. What did they ever do to you? Just enjoy country music for what it is and don’t bring personal lives into it thats not what country musics about.
RedMaZ says:
audi16, No I don’t think my last comment was inapproprite. Did you see what I was talking about? Now back to Taylor Pie…when was the first time you heard her music? Recently? Or have you been a fan for years? I remember listening to her in the 60’s with the Pozo Seco singers, but really didn’t know who she was then.
Twangtown7 says:
Well, it seems the Taylor blogs get a lot more hits than other ones, so you guys are gonna have to put up with it. I’m not a Taylor fan, but at least she seems humble and grounded, unlike some other young artists.
Twangtown7 says:
And this is off subject, but who in the hell remixed Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’? They need to be punched in the teeth!!!
RedMaZ says:
That should be punched in the “Grill”, and Taylor is hardly young.
jjh says:
I give her props for her songwriting ability but look around in Nashville there are plenty good songwriters but they are not heard on radio. Many came to Nashville to record and sing their own music but many are now known as the songwriter and not heard on radio. I’m over the fact Taylor can not sing obviously for many it does not matter but stop the masquerading as a country/pop singer. If she wants to be on top 40 and everything start there instead of using the country radio for promotion but failing to promote country when every opportunity the songs are remixed and even performed to that audience ie. SNL.
Miranda says:
Redmaz: maybe I misunderstood you. Are you a Taylor fan or not? lol I meant that calling Taylor “soulful” with her bubble gum pop songs about teen life and fairy tales/castles or white horses is like calling Britney Spears a virgin. lol
Twangtown7 says:
RedMaz…what do you mean Taylor isn’t young? Shes friggin’ 18!! THATS not young?
Robert says:
^ Taylor is 19, not 18, and she is going on 35.
JethroTullFan says:
NAS– if Taylor is the present and future of country, the genre is officiall dead. She was never country in the first place, and now her pop remixing officially proves that. She is a POP artist, and always was. She pretended to be country to use the genre to get famous, so she could cross over to pop and be just like her idol, the GREAT Britney Spears. (sarcasm inserted here)
Redneckin4Ever says:
Kayko: I rarely post here, but you have me curious. I am more of a traditional country music fan so I don’t really enjoy much of the new pop country out there anyway. But you say you are a Taylor fan but don’t like Carrie. How can you possibly prefer Taylor’s horrid vocals to Carrie’s? Carrie is one of the best vocalists to come along to Nashville in years, and Taylor is easily the WORST vocalist to ever buy her way through Nashville’s once golden gates. I may not like every Carrie song, but I sure do love her voice. She also seems like a very sweet girl, whereas Taylor is very aggressive and full of herself. She has definetly gotten too big for her britches, in too short of a time. She is very fake. You can see the money wheels spinning in her head with every fake surprise she shows. Maybe someday she will show her true colors to you, but I can smell them a mile away. She is not country and not sweet.
RedMaZ says:
Seems to be some very confused people around here. Miranda, yes I guess you could say I’m a Taylor Pie fan. As I’ve said before I’ve been listening to her in one form or another since the 60’s. To Robert, if you have such an open mind to music, it seems you would know that Pop music is not an induvidual genre of music. It’s an industry consisting of many genres of music. Including Country.
countryiscool says:
RedMaZ, I think your reference to Taylor Pie has confused some of the country pop crowd, they think you are speaking of Taylor Swift. No way Swift could be musically construed as “soulful.” I think it’s pretty amusing though. It’s either over their head, or mistaken for the pop princess.
kayko says:
Redneckin4Ever, I never said I thought Taylor’s vocal’s are better than Carrie’s. You say you think Taylor is agressive and full of herself but I don’t see her that way. What I see is a young person who is shocked,suprised, and at the same time pleased that she has gotten as far as she has. I don’t see a thing wrong with her feeling that way, I think anyone would.
As far as Carrie goes no I’m not a fan, but I have gotten a few of her singles that I like. I think she is a very talented and beautiful young lady. I’m just not one that likes powerhouse vocal’s. Maybe I would like her better if her vocal’s were more subdued.
How do you figure Taylor bought her way into Nashville? LOL. It doesn’t work that way. Name me one person who has been able to buy their way into Nashville. The public is the one’s who make someone a success by buying their music. That’s like saying Carrie became a success because of Idol, which we know isn’t true. I think folks are just throwing crap against the wall to see what will stick.
lori jean says:
Thank you for sharing your story. I love the picture, I think it is an amazing shot!
JP says:
Well aren’t you the gullible one kayko- Anything can be bought today, if you got it. That look of surprise on TS face is so phoney and obvious, come one are you kidding!
I do agree she’s selling, but there’s ways around that too. The teens love her!
Her bff is another joke, and uses her friends and out-going ways to get her noticed. The only problem is she doesn’t have the pull to make sales.
Miranda says:
Redmaz wow I thought you were referring to Taylor Swift, not Taylor Pie. lol my bad.
SteelersRockMyWorld says:
I hate to say this, but the posters here are right. I am sick to death of Taylor Swift being pushed on us here every single day on CMT and elsewhere. It seems she does not understand the meaning of the word over-exposed. She has to be the center of attention at all times, and she cannot stand to see someone else get a little press from CMT, so she pays for these endless adds to keep herself on CMT’s home page daily. CMT is at fault for the endless blogs, but Taylor is paying for the adds. Less is more, honey. Remember that. Especially when you cannot sing. So the less people hear you sing, the better for you.
kayko says:
Redneckin4Ever, Yes we do see things alot differently. The thing is even if I’m not a Carrie fan at least I don’t feel like I need to say nasty things about her. I respect Carrie but I’m starting to loose a lot of respect for her fan’s.
CJ says:
Taylor can not sing. Plane and simple. You who think she can do not know music. Props make up and cmt on your side you would be a star also….Taylor sings monatone on all her songs. All she has written so far are teeny bopper songs…..She takes a good picture with all the make up. I saw her in person and she looked totally different…
Amy says:
I remember seeing Taylor when she first had a song on the radio. That girl has class. The way she dresses & is a bright young woman. lol so funny how all the Carrie fans love bashing Taylor. Wasn’t so long ago we were so sick & tired of everybody talking about Carrie. Now it is Taylor & soon it will be someone else.
lauren says:
Amy, you can’t think everyone here are Carrie fans bashing Taylor Swift. Because it’s not true and its bad a lot of clueless people think that the only people who do not like taylor swift.
lauren says:
^and there are many tayor fans who love bashing Carrie.
lauren says:
are carrie fans. sorry continuing from the first post.
NoDoubt says:
What is this mystical force that Carrie Underwood wields that makes her fans so damn obsessed? This is about Taylor remember? Carrie fans, you are giving her a very bad reputation with your antics. We can’t post about another artist here without hearing about her. hell, i can’t go to pop boards and post about Kelly Clarkson without hearing about her! You people are devoted, but you’re turning the moderates away by being so gung-ho. Or (as many of you are want to say) maybe I’m the one with the problem. That’s it I missed the memo that declared Carrie the queen of all music past present and future. We are not paying her the proper homage by discussing another artist and you must correct our traitorous ways…I was neutral on Carrie but between her being over exposed ad nauseum and you people I can’t stand her. At least Taylor fans aren’t that obnoxious (yet)…..yeesh
SteelersRockMyWorld says:
Kayko- I am not really a Carrie fan either, though I will admit she blows Taylor out of the water in every way. I am more of a Toby Keith fan. So it is a false, broad generalization to say only Carrie fans dislike Taylor.
Truthfully, fans of many artists here on CMT are all fed up with this over-exposure of taylor. It is way beyond anything I have seen on CMT or elsewhere. Not even Carrie or Shania got this amount of undeserved attention on CMT. I think her label is over-doing it and it is backfiring on them. They are not creaing new fans by the over-exposure. They are turning people off by the day.
And I have observed Taylor fans ragging on Carrie all over the internet. It is usually little kids and teens that do that though, I think. I haven’t observed too many Taylor fans that are adults except you. So it is actually nice to talk to you, though I disagree with you.
Miranda says:
NoDoubt: The Taylor fans bash Carrie much more then Carrie’s fans trash Taylor. You should see the nasty things said by those little teens about Carrie. It would curl your toes. I had no idea those kids had that language in them so young.
Robert says:
NoDoubt: If you see posts about Taylor on pop forums, that should not surprise you. She is not a country artist. She is a POP artist and her own label said so. They announced recently in a press release that she is re-mixing her albums to pop for release in Europe, and that she will be promoted as a POP artist, not country. So I think you missed that memo.
And before you trash me, I am neither a Carrie fan nor a Taylor fan… I am just plain freakin sick of Everything about Taylor! Carrie was never over-exposed to this extent, and at least she can sing. Taylor is beyond bad. Just no.
Allison says:
NoDoubt: Where are you getting that we are all Carrie fans here? Not true. I am no Carrie fan, though she has a nice voice. I just happen to agree that Taylor can’t sing, and she is being shoved down our throats to the point of nausea.
Did I miss the memo that you have to be a Carrie fan to dislike Taylor? Sorry, but if you can’t sing, you can’t sing.
RedMaZ says:
Are you the same “Robert” as previously?
countryiscool says:
NoDoubt, what is this mystical force that Taylor Swift yields that makes her fans so damn obsessed? The girl CAN NOT sing! I would probably love her more if she COULD, but I doubt it, since she only “sings” Disney tunes. Sorry, but I can’t relate to that. I like Carrie because she CAN sing, and she sings songs that I CAN relate to. Do you comprehend?
L says:
This has nothing to do with who you are a fan of. It’s a fact that Taylor can’t sing, and shouldn’t be at the top, that’s just wrong. There is such good talent in country music, that are more deserving of the recognition.
kayko says:
It has everything to do with who you are a fan of. Don’t insult people’s intellegence, NOBODY buy’s it. If your not a fan you wouldn’t be writing post after post about how wonderful Carrie is. Everybody on the net know’s the talking points of Carrie’s fan’s.
L says:
You show me where I’m writing post after post praising Carrie. I’m just giving my opinion, and that’s what the blogs are all about.
Allison says:
Kayko: that is so wrong. Sure some Carrie fans don’t like Taylor, but the fact is that fans on other boards that don’t follow country music at all, slammed her performances at the AMAs and the Grammy nominations concert, etc. Those people were not fans of anyone in country, including Carrie. So they were impartial to Taylor, and they still slammed her singing.
The LA Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly. CountrystandardTimes, etc., the list goes on. They all have commented on Taylor’s bad singing many times in articles. They are not fans of anyone either, just impartial journalist.
If you read the comments on the country boards too, any fans of other artists, including Martina fans, Miranda Fans, heck everyone…there is a general consensus that Taylor is over-exposed, and that she cannot sing.
PopCornPlease says:
Ok this is getting good. haha
I am a Shania fan so I don’t really like either Taylor or Carrie. I think Carrie has a good voice though. Taylor has some songwriting potential, but she definetly can’t sing.
For awhile it did feel like Carrie got a little too much attention, but now that I see how much press Taylor is getting on CMT alone, I have to say that Carrie was not over-exposed in comparison to Taylor. Taylor is definetly over-exposed.
ann says:
taylor hater still posting during the super bowl??? too funny! what is this the hater bowl? do you take breaks for holidays?
lauren says:
Ok. I’ll admit i’m a Carrie fan but i like taylor too, to some extent. She does get a little over-exposed and she’s not that great a singer. i mean i’m 16 and i really don’t feel i relate to her songs all that much because i’m not ALL into boys. Carrie fans can get a little protective over her if someone says something about her that isn’t all that nice. I mean Carrie said it herself ” My Fans are very protective and if anybody is like dissing their girl then their gonna have a problem with it” I try to be fair but NOT ALL carrie fans bash taylor.
kayko says:
Lauren, Your the first Carrie fan to come into this blog and be honest without bashing Taylor and I respect you for that. I also know that not all Carrie fans bash Taylor, as a matter of fact I have met some very nice fans that don’t like the way that some of the Carrie fans act.
lauren says:
^Thanks Kayko.:)
KAREN K says:
Way Over-Rated and Way Over Exposed–CMT did not even mention anyone that was invited to join the Opry this year–not Charlie Daniels Band, not Carrie Underwood and not Craig Morgan! When have you ever seen a song hit number one on the Top 20 and then 3 weeks later hit number one again?? NEVER!! Every song that hits number one on the countdown is then rushed down the chart till it is gone from the chart completely! Even tho the fans are still voting the same amount of votes each week!! Over-rated Swift is the only one and the only one who gets this much exposure PERIOD!! And her head continues to swell each and every day!! And the other channel is getting just as bad to the point I dont even read the front pages anymore and I stopped watching them on tv!! And the week that Swifts song went back up to number one they opened the voting on Monday and closed it on Tuesday so that it would go back up to number one! Very Unfair!!
countryiscool says:
kayko, what you’re NOT understanding is that people are saying Taylor can’t sing, at least not LIVE. She sounds better studio-enhanced, and on radio & Video. She’s a lovely YOUNG girl, whose song writing material will hopefully grow & matures as SHE ages, but she also needs voice lessons. If that is considered “bashing” then so be it. If you can overlook the vocals and accept it, accept her, great! But MY opinion has NOthing to do with liking Carrie, Shania, Martina, Faith, and any other artist. They simply have far better vocals, and more mature material I can relate to.
RedMaZ says:
countryiscool, there is no doubt this is way over these Pop Country music fans heads. Not only that, I can sit here and insult them to no end without them even defending themselves. How cool is that? Along with growing a pair, they might invest in a backbone too.
Kayko says:
KarenK, How many weeks was “Just a Dream” number 1 on the countdown? How many weeks has “Chicken Fried” been on the countdown? Which video was number 1 for the year on CMT?
Leigh says:
Miranda, you are quite wrong. I believe a lot of Carrie supporters (not all Carrie fans) are the ones always posting rude and nasty comments on blogs and articles about Taylor. When there’s an article on Carrie, you don’t see Taylor fans blasting the articles with rude comments. Granted, there are certainly times when some Taylor fans don’t like Carrie and aren’t mature enough to know how to put it in nice words, but…you are quite wrong in your statement.
This shouldn’t even be a conversation! There shouldn’t be an argument. Nobody can compare Carrie and Taylor, just like nobody should be. Nobody can compare Faith Hill and Miranda Lambert, or Dolly Parton and Kellie Pickler. Honestly, WHY do people always have to compare Carrie and Taylor? There are WAY more singers in country music than just Carrie Underwood. Taylor’s in the spotlight right now because of her new album and she’s been marketing herself well and taking every opportunity she can to get her music heard. There’s no crime in that. Taylor isn’t simply going to go away just because people leave nasty messages on blogs and articles. The sooner people understand that, the better. Carrie had her spotlight, too, and soon wasn’t the hottest news. That day will come for Taylor, too.
Alison says:
Since when do people have to be either a taylor fan or a carrie fan?? I love them both. Carrie is obviously the better singer, but that doesn’t mean Taylor doesnt have good songs.
CJ says:
Kids never stay with any one artist long. Her 15 minutes of fame are almost over. I think we would like her better if she could sing. She is a cute girl and takes a nice picture but that does not make her sing any better.
Twangtown7 says:
Gretchen Wilson blow Taylor and Carrie away.
The End
The Best says:
lauren says:
Posted: January 31st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
“Alsoi still stick with my position on Taylor begging her fans and thats mostly why she won the award.”
I think she won it mostly because she has millions of fans and over 1 million myspace friends. Taylor isn’t the only AMA nominee who asked for votes on their myspace and some artists who don’t personally blog, their label posts about voting for them. Some artists post on their myspace and others their labels handle it. Taylor always personally posts on her blog so that’s why she posted about it. A few posts about the AMAs is not begging to me and since Taylor’s myspace has the most friends, over 1 million now, she has plenty of voters and they vote a lot. In 2007 they voted her to win a CMT award over Kellie and that was when Taylor didn’t have nearly as many myspace friends as she has now. Kellie had a lot less because her label kept her very popular myspace completely inactive with no friends added for months. so many thousands of people sent friend requests and they were lost.
“Also, you must be a HUGE Kellie Pickler fan because that’s all you can talk about.”
Actually I’m talking about the same artists you are, Taylor, Kellie, Carrie, and others. The blog is mostly about Taylor and Kellie’s tour and starting with the 11th post someone mentioned Carrie. I’m a huge fan of the best country songs, singers and artists and that includes Kellie since she’s the best new songwriter, singer and artist in the past 3 years. She’s also the 3rd best-selling new artist in the past 3 years and only the 2 artists that have more promotion and airplay sold more. Kellie could sing the phone book and it would sound great. I’d just like to see her make some new songs more traditional country like some of the songs on her first album. I like steel guitar and I’d love to hear how she sounds with fiddle and banjo, which is one thing country fans love about Taylor’s and many other artists’ songs. Every artist’s style is different but those are the most loved traditional country instruments, and like a famous Alabama song says, “if you’re gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.” Alabama is one of the best and most successful bands in the history of country music and a good influence for country artists. Kenny Chesney and a few other great country artists don’t use much fiddle or banjo so it’s not a requirement. I like it and I believe most country fans do, and since Kellie is one of the best country singers I think she would sound great with it. I think it would be good for her to try at least.
Taylor is also a great artist and a big teen sensation. More young teens relate to Taylor than to other country artists because she writes and sings about teen life and experiences, and she’s closer to their age especially when her first album debuted. I’m not a teen so I can’t relate to her lyrics as much although I like some of her songs. She makes great music and I’m sure her big fans think she’s the best. I prefer Kellie’s songs, which based on what I’ve seen more broadly appeal to the same age groups as Carrie’s, from teens to senior citizens. When I listen to radio I’d love to hear Kellie’s songs a lot more often. She doesn’t get nearly as much airplay as she deserves and it’s unfair to her and country music fans including those who voted her to win the most CMT awards in 2008, all 3 awards she was nominated for. Country radio programmers and executives voted Kellie 1 of 5 artists to perform at the next New Faces of Country Music show, the prime concert at the largest country radio industry event of each year, Country Radio Seminar. DJs say they love her and some say she’s their favorite. So the radio industry loves her and to increase her airplay and sales she mostly needs more label support and promotion like Taylor and Carrie have always had. Some of Kellie’s best songs have not been released and those that have were not promoted to radio enough. I Wonder was the best song released from her debut album, it deserved #1 and didn’t make top 10. Taylor has never had a lack of promotion nor have any of the other best new artists so they all have top 5 hits. Kellie also has many teen fans, just not nearly as many as Taylor. Like Carrie and Taylor, Kellie has some of the best pop/rock crossover songs so I believe she could gain more teen fans if only those songs were promoted to pop radio, which many millions of teens listen to, so that’s the best way for teens who don’t listen to country radio to discover music.
No matter how good any artist is, no one can gain millions of fans and sales without first getting heavy promotion and airplay. That’s just how the business works. People have to find out about you somehow and radio and TV are the biggest ways to do that. Millions of radio listeners deserve to hear Kellie’s songs more often and more of her songs, more singles released. She also needs more videos so CMT can show them. I’m surprised they haven’t already made one for Best Days of Your Life starring Kellie and Taylor since they wrote and sing the song together, and not doing this is not good marketing. How does this sound for a fun video? Kellie and Taylor sing together and Taylor plays the other woman (Kellie’s ex’s new gf) or at the end of the video Taylor comes back as the other woman, and Kellie has a shocked look. Then at the very end they both laugh about it. Kellie could also come back to haunt the guy while he’s out on dates with Taylor. lol “I’ll be there in the back of your mind, from the day we met to the very last night.” Example they go to a movie and Taylor sees the real movie on the screen while the ex sees something he and Kellie did when they were together like a movie they went to years ago. lol Only trouble is they might need to ask for the real ex’s permission for someone to act out his role.
More than anything else to help album sales, Kellie needs more airplay promotion so that should be the #1 priority at her label. Videos don’t increase sales nearly as much as radio airplay can. Really both are needed. We never see Taylor or Carrie without great airplay, videos, CD bonus tracks and prices and it’s a constant like the sun rising every day. If Kellie could just get SOME of that additional promotion then her sales would be better. Right now I don’t see this tour increasing her album sales much unless some big changes are made because she doesn’t have nearly as much airplay, her CDs are priced significantly higher than Taylor’s at the largest CD retailers, Taylor’s CDs have more tracks, Taylor has far more CDs shipped and in stores, and Kellie has no exclusive CD bonuses at Wal-Mart, Target, or any major CD retailer. She has 3 bonus songs and they put them only on itunes, which is strange and I can’t think of any other artist they do that with. To help sales it’s much more important to put bonuses on your CDs like Taylor has. So on the promotional front, everything is about the same as it was during their first long tour together in 2007. The economy is way down since 2007 so value (pricing and number of tracks) is even more important to CD buyers now, so I think Kellie’s album sales will be lower this time unless big changes are made. Like Michael said, most of Taylor’s fans have not bought Kellie’s CDs since their music, promotion and core fan bases are very different. I think Taylor even sold more CDs than Brad Paisley on the 2007 tour, mostly due to better marketing not just her huge teen fan base, which she would not have most of without great marketing and airplay. During the tour Taylor said Brad’s band was checking the chart and told her she passed their sales and she was like “no way!” If I were running Kellie’s promotion I’d do everything possible to increase her album sales on this tour and 365 days every year, same as Taylor’s label does, and I’m surprised that very little is ever done. BNA is using airplay promotion suggestions given to them for Kellie but they are using them to promote their other artists, not her, and they are ahead of her on Mediabase, so that doesn’t seem right. At least Kellie and Taylor are touring together so that’s good, however regardless Kellie’s albums deserve more promotion same as Taylor deserves.
The Best says:
L says:
Posted: January 31st, 2009 at 6:53 pm
“It was my post that The Best did a spin on.”
No I replied to your post with the truth. No spin needed.
“I remember all Taylor and Kellie fans going on other artist boards and asking for votes.”
It’s strange that’s what you remember because it’s not what happened. You say you remember “all” Taylor and Kellie fans going on other artist boards when the fact is most did not. Maybe a few did but most fans don’t even post on websites and most who do did not ask for votes on other artist boards. CMT has millions of viewers and they run commercials on TV reminding people to vote, so CMT awards are voted by many thousands of country music fans, not just the small percentage of viewers who use the boards. So even if what you said were true, which it is not, it would not matter a hill of beans. Kellie won 3 CMT awards because she obviously earned and deserved them with her best song, video, and big standing ovation performance on the CMA awards. I Wonder is one of the best songs in country music, ever, and what makes it even better is that Kellie co-wrote and performed it.
“The rudest thing was when they attended Carrie’s concert in Tenn and were laughing and joking around during her performance. They could never have the class that Carrie has.”
This junior high drama is silly. Who is the “they” you are referring to? I doubt anyone was rude during Carrie’s performance but if you can post a reliable source to back this up I will go check it out. The country women I like have just as much class as Carrie. Most do. Most just don’t get as many opportunities for interviews so not as many people see it.
The Best says:
MoodyBlues says:
Posted: January 31st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
“TheBest– my point was that when you are friends with 2 people up for the same award, you do not pick sides. You can privately vote for one over the other if you like, but not publicly. That is hurtful and disloyal, and you know it. If my friends did that to me, I would be very hurt. A true friend would not publicly ask her own fans to vote against her Friend, ever. She should not have picked sides, and that is the truth. You can spin it how you like, but it is the truth.”
Like I said, Kellie did not ask her fans to “vote against” her friend as you spinned it. I don’t think Kellie picked sides and she would never try to “hurt” Carrie, she was just trying to help Taylor, who had asked her fans to vote for Kellie once before. Kellie and Taylor said they are “like sisters.” If Kellie and Carrie were on the same tour for months maybe they would also be that close and write a song together. Maybe they will be some day. Based on their myspace numbers, nominations, etc. I believe Kellie and Taylor would have won without the help. Before the AMAs, Taylor won CMT Female Video of the Year without Kellie asking fans to vote for her, which shows she has enough voters. I already knew she did.
I’ve seen some fans assume things on this. I don’t know if it was hurtful to Carrie and neither do you. You say that’s how YOU would react but don’t assume Carrie thinks the same way. Maybe she told Kellie she was fine with it. Maybe Kellie will post a blog asking her fans to buy Carrie’s next album when it comes out. Carrie is the most successful new female artist in country music in many years and I don’t think she lost any sleep over not winning 1 more award. Just after the AMAs she won 3 People’s Choice awards right?
I’d rather not see anyone asking anyone for votes but since the industry doesn’t promote Kellie as much as some and she deserves and since other artists ask for votes, she needs to ask her fans for votes as much as possible. That’s the truth.
Taylor Fan 4 Life says:
A friend of mine said, Taylor is phenomenal. You either love her or hate her, even those who dislike her can’t help but follow her; now that takes talent. Her words are so true, just look around at your guys blogging. : ) WTG TAYLOR!!!
peppersprout says:
You’re killin’ me, RedMaZ!!! … LMSBO
“Listening to her music is like putting on your favorite pair of blue jeans, so comfortable and the fit is perfect, voice, words and music matched with real experience, character, grace, and charm … It is no wonder that Bette Midler, Tanya Tucker, Mickey Gilley, The Forester Sisters, Kathy Mattea, and Valerie Smith have performed her works.”
Yep, somebody could learn a lesson or two from ol’ Taylor Pie … :D :D :D
RedMaZ says:
Yeah peppersprout, can you believe these clowns around here? This person known as “The Best” gets the Top Clown award today, but I’m sure someone will come along to de-clown them. There always is.
kayko says:
Well since 71,ooo tickets were sold in a matter of minutes for an appearance by Taylor Swift I would think there is a huge interest in her. At least thats what Hazel Smith says.
Michael says:
The Best: You are wrong. By telling her fans to vote for Taylor, Kellie DID pick sides! How can you not see that? It is directly hurting carrie because she directly asked her own fans to vote for Taylor, knowing full well that Carrie was up against her. That is disloyal to Carrie and their friendship. Just because Kellie didn’t say the words “Vote against Carrie” is irrelevant. She didn’t need to say those words, because she asked her fans to vote for Taylor, which IS against Carrie in essence. Your efforts to spin this are admirable, but flat out wrong.
MoodyBlues says:
I am sure many of those tickets were sold to see other artists, not just Taylor. That is a gross exaggeration. And it didn’t sell out in minutes either.
The fact is, Taylor has a lot of Pop fans that hate country music and will never support it. So she is doing nothing for country music but remixing it and selling out to pop.
If Taylor was truly helping country music, her BFF Kellie Pickler would also be selling a wicked amount of albums on the coattails of Taylor. But she is not selling well at all. So taylor’s fans care only about Taylor. They don’t care to support other country artists.
A Carrie Fan says:
THIS IS POSTED ON THE CARRIE BOARD BY A CARRIE FAN AND WE TAYLOR FANS REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU SAID THERE AND ARE TRYING TO DO. THANK YOU
THREAD:
“Guilt, confession and advice-posting
The I knew “Taylor when she was just Taylor Swift” article got bombasted by Taylor bashing. I confess, horribly that I did one post that stated I was tired of seeing information about Taylor every day on CMT. I honestly don’t have anything against Taylor. But now I can see how others felt when Carrie was the only one on top. Everywhere you would read or see Carrie for 2 years and I’m sure this did not endear fans of other country stars to her.
Now Taylor is at the top with her gobs of country/pop sales. That is why she is everywhere in the news. I have to swallow and accept it for now and learn to just not post when it comes to Taylor.
Advice: As much as it is a natural human tendency to join the crowd to bash, we must take the higher road and just ignore. That bashing on that page was shameful, spiteful and just plain ugly. We Carrie fans are above this and should strive to continue to love, support Carrie and lift our heads and ignore posting against others.
I know not all the shameful posters were just Carrie fans but enough were.
So I apologize and strive to life my head and do better.
on 01.31.09 | 08:03 “
JP says:
If you ask me, THE BEST is just here plugging Kellie Pickler. This blog is just too funny!!!!!!!
Fire N Ice says:
If you are not a Taylor fan why did you even open a blog where the title reads: “Taylor Swift Before She Was “Taylor Swift”?
If you honestly felt CMT is shoving Taylor down your throats, why did any of you bashers go out of your way to open a blog labled with her name on it and READ IT not to mention take the time to leave some ugly post!
Do you get your kicks bashing an artist that isn’t your favorite? Or is it just jealousy because Taylor is doing so well?
Whatever the reason you ARE not being forced to read nor post about Taylor here on CMT, it’s a choice each and everyone of you are making by opening the articles, blogs etc. reading and posting (most posters multiple times) on one blog or article! You guys are doing it just to bash, so maybe you need to ask yourselves why? You should be ashamed of yourselves!
I personally think Taylor Swift is an awesome artist and I love her music and can’t wait for her tour!
Thank you for the awesome blog Whitney, I really enjoyed it. You had a great perspective and I loved the picture too!
audi16 says:
I would like to say something to all the people who call Taylor fake. I see it like this the first couple of awards Taylor won and the first couple of concerts she performed at she really was shocked, and overwhelmed to see the fans’ reaction. She really does care about her fans and wants to show her appreciation. This is the reason why her facial expressions sometimes look fake. I have had the pleasure of meeting Taylor and I can honestly say in my opinion she is a very real, relatable artist who trulely cares about her fans. I’m not saying Taylor is the best singer in the world, but I think fans are drawn to her for other reasons such as her songwriting ability, relatability, and I think her older fans are drawn to her because her music reminds them of things they went through as teenagers.
barb b says:
i am not to happy about cmt not
posting any thing i write
Kristy Rene says:
Personally, I am happy for Taylor Swift. As someone who has followed her career progress since her first single hit the radio stations over two years ago, it is nice seeing her finally reach this awesome level of success and seeing that it was not just handed to her.
The attention Taylor receives is from a lot of hard work and it’s finally paying off and that does not give anyone a reason to criticize her.
Taylor goes the extra mile for her fans and is a great artist. Plus, she is not the only country artist being played on pop radio, so is Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, just to name a couple.
If you don’t wan’t to read about her like everyone said, just ‘don’t open the blogs and articles’
Thanks for the great blogs CMT.
solongsowrong says:
Good move Russ. I suggest going to sites that deal with the rest of Country music, that Pop Country wants people to ignore and not know about. Texas Country, Alt. Country, Outlaw Country,…. Americana. Most people who take the effort to find it…. never come back to listen to the likes of Swift.
pwlsh1 says:
I love the article. taylor is a young girl living out her dreams, and im so happy for her. i can’t get enough about her cmt. and obviously the bashers can’t either. seems they read and comment on everything published.
GO TAYLOR !!!!!!!!!!!
Tay Swift Fan says:
Taylor is an exceptionally talented artist that truly cares for her fans and works hard at her music for them. Being in this business takes way more than just great talent though, it takes guts, nerves and that extra something that is unexplainable. I call it the ‘it’ factor, and Taylor has it in spades.
Taylor is truly a rare artist with spades of talent. If anyone doesn’t appreciate her talent, simply don’t read the blogs or articles, change the channel, but I for one can’t get enough of her music daily. It’s addictive!
1PureCountryGirl1 says:
I really love Taylor with her natural talent and fan friendly approach to this business, and yes, it is a business and it seems to me that the tale of the cash register is ringing true to form. It shows most people love Taylors music, teens do because she is telling their story and the older generation love her because she reminds them of days gone by when life and love was innocent. Taylor offers something for every age.
I can’t live without my daily dose of Taylors music either. :)
nikki says:
If you don’t like Taylor, why are you even reading this article, or even care that she is headlining? Why waste your time and energy? I don’t get it.
I am very happy for Taylor. She has worked her butt off these past few years and she deserves her success. I plan on seeing her this summer-and I can’t wait!
Fearless says:
‘Notso Swift’ I would definately say you’re ‘Notso Swift’ with a post like that. Didn’t you read the thread called “Guilt, confession and advice-posting” on Carrie’s board? You’re fellow Carrie fans is asking for you not to bash Taylor anymore. Thank you
Amy says:
Oh my gosh, I read on here where people don’t come on here to read about Taylor and they are tired of hearing about her…THEN WHY IN THE HECK WOULD YOU CLICK AN ARTICLE THAT IS TITLES ‘TAYLOR SWIFT BEFORE SHE WAS “TAYLOR SWIFT” serisouly people, use your brain…or maybe it isn’t that you are sick of taylor because you obvisouly like something about it enough to click on the article, read it, and then think people care about your 2 cents. Its just so annoying. Whether you like it or not alot of people do actually like Taylor Swift (shown by her album sales of last year and her being number one for like what? 10 weeks right now) People like Taylor because unlike most on this blog…she is nice to people, she cares, she writes what people are going through and they can relate to her, she helps people with their problems and is friends with her fans…not because she has this AMAZING oh my gosh best voice ever. And if anyone on here can’t see that then they just need to give it up and stop trying to put their way into the Taylor world (haters or lovers) It just makes me mad to come on here to read a blog about one of my friends, who I could go to now matter how i was feeling and how lonely i was, and then read all these people talking bad about her…why would you click to read this blog then? I don’t get it. Ignurence is what it is…they are starving for attention and always want there opinion to be heard, no matter who they are hurting along the way. Alright well, I think i have said my peace. You can label me however you want, but that is my truth.
PEACE
The Best says:
Michael says:
Posted: February 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
“The Best: You are wrong. By telling her fans to vote for Tl aylor, Kellie DID pick sides! How can you not see that? It is directly hurting carrie because she directly asked her own fans to vote for Taylor, knowing full well that Carrie was up against her. That is disloyal to Carrie and their friendship. Just because Kellie didn’t say the words “Vote against Carrie” is irrelevant. She didn’t need to say those words, because she asked her fans to vote for Taylor, which IS against Carrie in essence. Your efforts to spin this are admirable, but flat out wrong.”
I am right. Another one assuming the worst. Can you read Carrie’s mind?
“It is directly hurting carrie because she directly asked her own fans to vote for Taylor, knowing full well that Carrie was up against her.”
Carrie is the most successful female artist in country music in many years, she has won almost every award and some several times, and you think she’s hurting over 1 award. Hilarious!
“Just because Kellie didn’t say the words “Vote against Carrie” is irrelevant.”
Then why did someone post those words? To try to spin this. Anyone can go to Kellie’s myspace to read what she wrote.
How many friends do you see on Taylor’s myspace, how many on Kellie’s, and how many on Carrie’s? Taylor wasn’t nominated for favorite album and Carrie won that award. If Taylor were nominated for album and Kellie did not mention it on her myspace I bet Taylor would have won both awards because Taylor’s myspace has about TWICE as many friends as Carrie’s so that alone is enough for Taylor to win. Also Taylor has millions of fans, they seem to vote on awards more, her weekly album sales were higher than Carrie’s during the voting, and it was when her new album was releasing so she was everywhere. You do the math. It’s simple. Both Carrie and Taylor’s myspaces asked for votes. Taylor has about twice as many friends on myspace = roughly twice as many votes, plus more from the current events during the voting.
Your claim that Kellie did anything “against Carrie” is ridiculous. Do you know how many times Kellie has said good things about Carrie? She also included Before He Cheats on her itunes celebrity playlist for a long time, and she did not include a Taylor song. Funny we didn’t see you posting about Kellie “picking sides” then. lol Posting about voting for a friend on 1 award is not picking sides. If Kellie were picking sides she would ask people to vote for Taylor on every award.
Sorry, your efforts to spin this against Kellie are not working any better than “MoodyBlues” and since you’re going on about this for over 2 months after the awards my guess is you’re trying to turn people against Kellie, sweeper of 3 CMT awards and featured artist on the HUGE FEARLESS TOUR! Good luck with that! lol
Notso Swift says:
Fearless, I am not a Carrie fan. Most people who do not like Taylor are NOT just Carrie fans. Get over yourselves Taylor fans. She’s not a good singer…not in the least. Just listen to her. It’s really bad, and if honestly think it is good, then I feel sorry for you, since you obviously can’t discern a good sound from a bad one.
trufanofcountry says:
If not for the begging for support from the Taylor fans on the regular message boards I wouldn’t even known this was here. Thanks Tayfans. I guess that means the pro-Taylor posts here are the same obsessed fans that always support her no matter what…and guess what!!! Tru is not bashing, but there are a lot of others that do agree with him.
The Best says:
JP says:
Posted: February 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
If you ask me, THE BEST is just here plugging Kellie Pickler. This blog is just too funny!!!!!!!
This blog is ABOUT Kellie and she’s on one of the biggest tours of the year, maybe THE biggest, so why would I need to do that? I respond to bashers with the truth, and like I said Kellie’s music needs and deserves a lot more label promotion and radio airplay. If I could promote it more I would and you’d see some big changes and sales increases!
Why are you here? Reading your post above, apparently to shamefully bash Kellie and Taylor. I suggest you read post by “A Carrie Fan” above, stop bashing and come over to the side of the nice Carrie fans.
Country fan 4 life says:
trufanofcountry you are a carrie fan and I know you read the thread and post “Guilt, confession and advice-posting” from the Carrie board which said;
“The I knew “Taylor when she was just Taylor Swift” article got bombasted by Taylor bashing. I confess, horribly that I did one post that stated I was tired of seeing information about Taylor every day on CMT. I honestly don’t have anything against Taylor. But now I can see how others felt when Carrie was the only one on top. Everywhere you would read or see Carrie for 2 years and I’m sure this did not endear fans of other country stars to her.
Now Taylor is at the top with her gobs of country/pop sales. That is why she is everywhere in the news. I have to swallow and accept it for now and learn to just not post when it comes to Taylor.
Advice: As much as it is a natural human tendency to join the crowd to bash, we must take the higher road and just ignore. That bashing on that page was shameful, spiteful and just plain ugly. We Carrie fans are above this and should strive to continue to love, support Carrie and lift our heads and ignore posting against others.
I know not all the shameful posters were just Carrie fans but enough were. So I apologize and strive to life my head and do better.”
I think it’s time you did the same tru! Well, I’m off to work you all have a great day!
Jim C. says:
Just spoke with my daughter, who yes, is a fan of Taylor Swift….my daughter said Ms. Swift’s “Fearless Tour” will be more of a “Theatrical Presentation” rather than a conventional concert. It will be 90 minutes of props, costume changes and smoke and mirrors, and one can only assume that this is to diguise the fact that Ms. Swift can’t sing very well….ala Britney Spears. Personally, I could care less because I choose to not listen to Ms. Swift’s digitally enhanced music; however, I am sure I’ll be shelling out $80.00 dollars for my daughter to see her little stage show…..however, I’ll be waiting in the parking lot listening to my George Strait CD’s.
rhonda says:
I think Taylor’s voice so suits her songs. Her voice may not appeal to some but her fans (of all ages) love it. She has a great stage presence and her vocals and songwriting skills will only improve as she gets older. Its obvious Taylor has made it to the top as is evident by all the bashing she now has. No Taylor is a talented singer/songwriter/producer who will only get better as she gets older.
K says:
I don’t understand how you haters have so much time to bash Taylor. Seriously, go support the people you like and leave the ones you don’t alone. Taylor is a talented writer, and it is obvious her fans mean the world to her. She is incredibly successful, and it is obvious by her album sales she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And considering she got asked to design a line of dresses, has dolls, and has a TV role on one of the most popular crime shows right now, I’m guessing all kinds of people, including those who work in the entertianment industry, want to see more of her.
I don’t know why there is always talk of other artists on Taylor blogs, either. There is no need to bring any other artists here. I am sick of people sterotyping fans as well. I’m a Carrie fan, but not so much of Taylor. But I don’t go around constantly bashing her, saying immature things and shoving Carrie in Taylor’s fans faces. I have no intention of ever bashing Taylor, and I don’t like to hear that all of that is done by Carrie fans, because that is impossible. Many Taylor fans bring up Carrie just as much as Carrie fans bring up Taylor. It takes two people to engage in an argument, period.
And, what is all this “Kellie was hurting Carrie” stuff? If you ask me, it’s not a fan’s business to try and guess if one artist was hurt by another, or if one artist was “against” another. We don’t know the situation, and speculating about it is just gossiping. Carrie and Kellie are the only ones who can judge what went on.
solongsowrong says:
Hey K, speculating, gossiping and bad mouthing artists is what Pop Country fans do best. Yet they maintain this is the Country genre they love. Funny way of showing it. LOL
RedMaZ says:
Except for myself of course
K says:
Solongsowrong: Saying that “speculating, gossiping, and bad mouthing artists is what pop country fans do best” is clearly just your opinion. All fans in all genres of music gossip about artists. What does liking this type of music have to do with being hateful? What does “maintaining the country genre” have to do with being hateful?
K says:
By the way, so longiswrong and red: You both say pop country fans are hateful, gossiping people, yet you both post constant negativity about artists you don’t like. You are both quick to juge pop country fans as narrow minded people who should be “educated” on music, and you both repeat your negative opinons over and over, and you never want to take reponsibilty for badmouthing.
steveboy says:
Thank you for this little snippet of the early Taylor Swift.
This is one of the most talented, beautiful and intelligent artists to come along in decades. The venom and rage displayed here by certain posters is quite sad, and clearly a window into their troubles, not Taylor’s. Long after their transitory drivel has receded from view, Taylor Swift will contine to enchant the world. Sorry haters - you lose.
RedMaZ says:
Oh an impersonator. I like that! Makes me feel like Elvis.
K, How do you know what all fans in all genres of music do? I have no idea why this type of music brings out such hatefulness, but it’s a very ugly trait of this industry/genre. I absolutely believe Pop fans (including Country) are narrow minded, and uneducated musically. It’s obvious from the numerous posts confirming this.
solongsowrong says:
Look around you K. That’s certainly what this crowd does best. And saying all fans in all genres of music gossip about artists, is just your opinion, too. If everyone loves this music so much, why are so many complaining about the artists in it?
Show me what artists I have been complaining about. I’ve mentioned about not listening to certain artists. How is that complaining about them? And yes, I bad mouth Pop Country fans. I find them the most un-educated, and narrow minded people about music I have ever come across. Show me were any of these people complaining are actually talking about songs, the content of the music, the musicians backing up the artist! It’s only about this person can’t sing, this person doesn’t dress appropiately, this person doesn’t belong in Country music. I come here for the comedy level of all that. I find it extrememly entertaining. My apologies if that annoys you.
I have not one iota of a problem with people listening to whatever they like, that’s what it’s there for. But why do these people continue to listen to music they don’t like, when there is more Country music out there than you find, even if you listened to 10 new artists a day?
Also, my statement was they maintain this is the Country genre they love. I have no idea what your “maintaining the country genre”, is all about, so I don’t have a clue what that has to do with being hateful. Which is another word you’ll have to show me I used anywhere.
007 says:
Thought this might interest some people;
.”Source: CountryMusicIsLove Taylor To Release Pop Album & Tour Internationally
Universal Music Group recently landed a deal with Big Machine Records to help expand Taylor Swift’s fan base internationally. In order to do so, a new album is being planned for an early 2009 release date which will include songs from Taylor’s new album, “Fearless,” as well as her self-titled debut album. The songs will sound a bit different than what we are used to hearing; they will be remixed to sound more pop-friendly.
Taylor will also headline small shows across Europe and Australia in the spring and could possibly begin to plan a fall tour that will take her elsewhere across the globe.
“I don’t really see her as a country artist,” Max Hole, executive vice president of Universal Music Group International told Reuters. “If you listen to the records and see her play live, she has much more in common with acts like Avril Lavigne and Miley Cyrus.”
Is this disappointing to anyone else? We knew it was inevitable, but we really don’t like the fact that she is really truly crossing over to pop. We love Taylor. We respect her and think she is one classy girl, but this, this is a slap in the face to country music fans.
Country fan 4 life says:
oo7 that is old news, way back Sept 2008. and no we Taylor fans do not find it disapointing in the least. Taylor isn’t doing anything that Shania didn’t do and look at her sucess. Taylors roots are country, Taylor is country at heart and wil remain that way. Why do you think she is headling a HUGE 2009 country tour first, then going to go international and promote her international CD after. Both love her to pieces. She has been #1 in all genres for what 10 or 11 weeks, (that’s the best record since usher’s confessions in 2004)and #1 in country since nov. 11th. We support Taylor in every endevor she takes on. :)
lauren says:
Breaking news!: Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus will Deut at the grammy’s this sunday.
Neither of them are nominated so why are they performing? Everyone else is nominated who are performing. I don’t get it.
Oh, great. Two horrible LIVE singers together, that ought to be fun to listen to. haha.
guess? says:
How can they put bad singers on classy show? Thats horrible!!!!
wendy says:
hey talor how are you today?
Mattias says:
Why do i write here if i dont like Taylor Swift.Because i dont.But that’s not really why i write,she’s just an example.It’s amazing how so many artists like Taylor Swift,Keith Urban and more…could call there music country.You could call it what ever you want but,country my ass!
Of course i like ALAN jACKSON, George Strait and all the other trad.country artists they’re great don’t get it wrong, but..
My all time favourite is DALE WATSON and there’s where i want to set a standard what real country music is.But he never plays on country radio these days,that’s pity.
On the latest album From the cradle to the grave its says on a tombstone:COUNTRY R.I.P. I dont really now what that means,but i sure hope it’s not true.
RedMaZ says:
Nice to see another Dale Watson fan on this blog.
Mattias says:
Correction.It says: COUNTRY MUSIC R.I.P. to be exactly. Whatever Dale Watson decides to do in the future i’ll always be a big fan of his music and a real country lover of course.
/Mattias from Sweden.
I have ears says:
I can tell you one thing that her great marketing team and manager will never let her do, “Taylor Swift Unplugged.” Can you imagine her singing and playing her guitar with no backup. People would actually be able to hear that she can’t sing. Her management team is the real talent. Those people could sell air-conditioners to Eskimos.
Intelligent Advice On Taylormade Bag | Taylormade Golf Products says:
[...] Taylor Swift Before She Was “Taylor Swift” | CMT Blog [...]
Jamie says:
y are you on here if you hate her so mutch and its called txt tlk michel so shut you fucken pie hole and ur alowed 2 expres ur feelings but shut up 4 once i hate peps and im a huge fan of her and so are millions of peps at every age fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Hannah says:
Hey michele that girl jamie is under 14 like you said i think to
Hannah says:
Taylor swift stills many famios times of outher peoples fame and i think that she spends her time not even thinking of her fans! Plus somebody told me she gets what ever she wants when she wants from her dad and that was what somebody told me so people who like taylor swift think of the outher people that you like to listen to on cmt music!
Hannah says:
And michele and everybody who said something bad about her and everything your righ! Expecially you michele!
Taylor Anrecas says:
I hate when people call me Taylor Swift just cause my first name is taylor i mean look at all the outher taylors they probley call them taylor swift but some might like it hey taylor i have to say this STEP BACK FOR ONCE IN YOUR GOD DANG LIFE IN CMT MUSIC!
tiitii says:
no reason at all
tiitii says:
she was a special chika!
Leonurse says:
I am so sick and tired of Taylor Swift… I don’t want to hear her songs about being a teeny bopper, c’mon country music stations and cmt… a little is ok, but she is shoved in our faces, i love country music, and she don’t belong!! The majority of country music fans are over 20 years old!! what happened to country music???? Gretchen wilson, hank williams, toby keith, george strait???
Leonurse says:
Oh yea, and the girl can’t sing, could she belt out a note like Carrie Underwood? I don’t think so! Carrie has true talent, Taylor doesn’t … she just tries to sing us her childish diary! what a shame! LOL!! I laugh when i hear her sing … cause truthfully she can’t !!