Taylor Swift!? AND Taylor Lautner!? OMG!!!
Everyone's already been talking, blogging, writing and podcasting about the fact that Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black from the Twilight movies) was at Taylor Swift's Chicago show on Friday (Oct. 9). But I was actually there, so at first I thought I'd give you my perspective on things. Then I thought, better yet, I'll give you my teenage daughter's perspective on things. So here's a recap of the night from my 14-year-old's point of view, as she was getting ready to meet Taylor Swift.
Maddy: Oh my God. She so tall. She is SO TALL. What's that sign around her neck say? "Voice Rest :( Have a nice day? :)" She can't talk? Oh my God. Oh my God. What should I say to her? She's so pretty. She's being so nice to everyone. Oh my God. We're next. WHAT AM I GOING TO SAY???
Me: Just say hi and tell her you love her music.
Maddy: Hi, Taylor. I love your music. Will you sign my jeans?
Swift: Thank you. Thanks for coming to the show. I'd love to sign your jeans. Hey, do you like Twilight?
Maddy: Duh. Totally.
Swift (whispering): Because Taylor Lautner is right behind you.
Maddy (frozen and freaking out and afraid to turn around): Here? Like in this room?
Swift: Yep. He's right there. Go say hi.
Maddy: OH! MY! GOD!
Me: She said go say hi, so go say hi.
Maddy: Hi Taylor. Can we get our picture with you?
Lautner: Sure. I'd love to.
Me (whispering): Who is he again?
Maddy: Are you even serious? Do you even understand how cool this is? He is the most major movie star right now. He's the werewolf from Twilight.
Her enthusiasm for the two Taylors never waned all night long. And when it came time for Swift to do a couple songs on a small stage toward the back of the arena, we sat by Swift's mom to get a better view on "Hey Stephen" and "Fifteen." But with Taylor Lautner sitting just a few feet from us, it was hard for Maddy to know where to look. At Swift, who was singing practically right to her? Or at Lautner, who couldn't take his eyes off Swift?
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
drdjwu says:
Must have been a night to remember for Maddy I bet! And congratulations to you — you just graduated from blogger to on-the-scene roving reporter, haha! Nice blog, I love when you report from a mom’s perspective.,
Fearless will be #1 in 2009 says:
yes, I think it is terribly romantic to have two young stars interested in each other. TL and Swifty are so clean cut and well behaved that the gossip mongers will only be able to say nice things about the two of them.
goldie says:
wow that must have been so awsome to see taylor and taylor!!yes congrads to you Maddy, Iam sure that made your day,year and probably your life!!!
star says:
both taylor’s are soooooooooo cute!!!
Ashley says:
I was at that concert and I think every girl in the arena was freaking out including me! That day was the BEST DAY of my life, no words could describe how happy I was to see Taylor Swift. But at the end of the day I got to see my Idol and I got to see one of my celeb crushes!
Maggie says:
I was there too!! And all of a sudden eveeybody was like “ITS TAYLOR LAUTNER!” and Taylor Swift just started the show…so no one knew where to look!!! It was so aweseome that he and taylor swift’s mom were sitting next to each other!!
dmdmdm says:
What does transfering money to your credit card account do?
snl says:
i wish i could have been their!! i have taylor 1 time early this year, but would love to see her again, she is awsome!!i would have loved to the other taylor l. too!!!!
Lee says:
I’m reporting from a 50+ perspective. It was the best darn concert I have yet to see. Now I know why Miss Swift is up for EOTY, gettit’ girl!
josh says:
i love are she is like my girl friend she is the best sing in country music
So says:
I was at the concert as well….I like her songs and my daughter’s just love her. I have one question “What was up with all that hair tossing?”
V says:
Hi,
I saw the two of them saturday afternoon at Fantasy costumes in Chicago (Milwaukee Ave and Irving Park Rd). They had a big posse. Weren’t hand-in-hand or anything but definitely were there together, anyway. She was nice I guess, no one was asking for autographs inside the store really, but outside, I heard they took pictures. Yeah, I agree: she IS really tall!!
Twangtown7. says:
:-/
Let me know when Taylor starts singing songs that aren’t all about teenage high school girls falling in love. I swear all of her songs are the same.
Doesn’t it ever get old for you guys? My god…
taylor says:
Taylor is my best friend.
You all don’t no what your talking about.
:) ;)8)
Sparky says:
Twang and fellow readers:
Taylor IMHO, is truly GIFTED; A genius, in many genres;
Singing, Musicianship, Stage Performer, crowd pleaser, Marketer, Coreographer, probably will be great actress… Whatever she wants to do.
IMHO, Taylor will probably be judged to possibly be the greatest performer I, maybe the world, will have ever seen, currently in the Country/Pop genre. Not only that, but she is incredibly humble, polite, generous, centered, focussed, and her parents are to be congratulated for their gift, at bringing Taylor to her current state of a model human being.
Bear with Taylor as she grows. The world becomes a better place because she is here. I am sure she will be standout throughout her growing career, and her songs of today will be playing 20, maybe 30 years from now. I hope I am still around 10-20 years from now to hear seasoned Pro Superstar Taylor continue to amaze the world…
She will take her place alongside the greatest of the true greats of country and I bet Pop/Rock and Roll. She will pay no quarter to greats like Cheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Stevie Nicks, Carol King, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Joan Baez, they are all up there, each unique, in rarefied air of truly great performers. When these names are mentioned together, Taylor’s will/should be there also, history will prove……Taylor… You Just go GIRL!
Throughout modern history
(and probably throughout history) Most really really great music is created from 1st person experiences, usually painful experiences. Google You tube for Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”, Eric’s extremely personal song generated from the most painful experience a parent can have, loss of a child. Look at the number of YT views of Eric’s sad song… Millions and Millions…I predict that Taylor’s body of work will quickly reach similar millions and millions of views on Youtube, if it has not, already. She said somewhere that she wants to be known to be unpredictable. What a treat for the world. She has proven her awesome versatility many times. I thought her spoof at Keith Urban’s performance proves incredible impromptu skills and creativity…and FEARLESSNESS.
It is clear that Taylor’s painful young woman experiences are probably of similar magnitude, though different, to her, as that experienced by Clapton, so many years ago. And that she absolutely resonates with most every girl within 10 years of her age.
Taylor is, what, 19? Channels her genius from her own experience, up to that age, and whatever age she has been for the last, what, 10 years of playing music?
Watch Taylor, learn from Taylor.
I dont think it will be a problem, she is so centered, but pray for her that the accutrements of superstardom don’t spoil or harm her.
Back in the 70’s is was Stevie Nicks’ musical genius and painful love experiences, hers and other members of the band, that created the Masterpieces of Fleetwood Mac. Still relevent and beautiful played today.
Taylor… the world is your oyster…enjoy…savor it…
GO GIRL…
Nashviller says:
Sparky, she’s no singer. Can’t hit high or low notes. Have you ever seen her on a awards show? Dreadful simply dreadful. Watch the crowd. They are laughing, and I’m embarassed for the poor little thing. She really needs to let the singers sing her songs.
Nashviller says:
And your comment about Stevie Nicks is off the chain. Stevie has one of the best voices around. Taylor not so much
Sheldon says:
lol @ janet. Good one!
Lautnerlovexoxo says:
Taylor and Taylor…
mwaz luv u both-
even though I lyk TL better dn TS …
Sti mwaz luv ya!!
kenny says:
Wow sparky you hit it right on the nose. Taylor is the BEST!!!
Janet you need to grow up there are some young children on here.
Great blog Allison I bet it will be a night that your Daughter will never forget.
sammy says:
Allison your blog is GREAT. GOOOOO TAYLOR!!!!!!
country says:
I can see the 12 year olds are on a rampage in this blog. You can tell by the way the posts are written that there is maybe two supporter posters over the age of 16.
Sparky - you are over the top. You clearly haven’t experienced much of history to state such an hysterical mess.
Taylor is hardly a genius, in many genres. She sings pop country sometimes and pop most of the time. That’s only two genres.
As far as skills go, she is hardly a genius in anything you listed. Singing - not at all. Musicianship - her guitar playing and piano playing is nowhere near genius, she is mearly proficient. Stage Performer - for 13 year olds and their mothers. Crowd pleaser - for 13 year olds and their mothers. Marketer - 100% genius. Coreographer - shaking your hair does not count as choreography. She’s a descent actress - not genius… She’s a tolerable songwriter for teen anx and that’s absolutely it. She shows no depth as a songwriter and is a one sided teen. She should be more than that at 19. She’s not 15. How long can you carry this same old tune off until people start saying, hey wait a minute, she’s a grown woman, not a kid.
Not one thing she has ever written comes close to the personal pain or intense communication of that pain as “Tears In Heaven”. The title of that song brings me to the floor. Taylor’s music is pleasant.
Greatest performer? HA - while he may not be everyone’s cup of tea - and so accepted - Garth is the best “performer” country music will ever see and he’s up there with the greats of other genres - Elvis, Michael, etc.
Taylor will take her place in “history” as a better influence on kids than Britney Spears teen idol.
ROXANNE says:
I agree with all the comments about the hair tossing. What is that about??? Just watched a repeat of the CMT Music Awards and her performance at the end with Def Leopard was awful. Can’t stand all the hair tossing she does.
Kirsten says:
Hey “country”, you sure are going to be eating those words when Taylor wins Entertainer Of The Year on November 11th.
“Stage Performer - for 13 year olds and their mothers. Crowd pleaser - for 13 year olds and their mothers.” …. Umm sorry, but I’m a college student. So you fail on that sentence. Oh and my mother loves Taylor as well. So do all my friends. Who are not 13 btw. Again, you fail.
“Not one thing she has ever written comes close to the personal pain or intense communication of that pain as “Tears In Heaven”. … Taylor hasn’t lost a child. Of course she isn’t going to write a song about that. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have songs of personal pain. Of course she does.
Oh and for Twangtown7, you said “Let me know when Taylor starts singing songs that aren’t all about teenage high school girls falling in love. I swear all of her songs are the same.”…
Well my answer for you is The Best Day, Change, A Place In This World, Tied Together With A Smile, The Outside. So you can stop making ridiculous posts now.
Nice blog Alison! Sounds like you and your daughter had a really fun night! :)
Ashley says:
OMG i wish i could have been there! your daughter is soooo lucky!
janetgijoenurse says:
Hey Alison since you are connected to CMT and they don’t respond to emails, tell your employee if they are going to leak Tim’s album least they could do is have the release date right. it does NOT come out the 27th but the 20th, always has.
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
Great post Sparky….I have to say I agree with you all the way.
Taylor IMHO is now so deserving of the EOTY award. I was just at the prank filled Minneapolis show and it was the best show that I have ever been to and I have been to many. A seasoned pro at 19, I was thrilled to see the culmination of a whole summers worth of experience put on stage at the last Fearless Tour stop of 2009. Taylor Swift is indeed a genius. The Dateline episode showing how she put together the whole Fearless Tour Show from the ground up and all the intricate parts that needed to be taken into consideration to present this fantastic show were all Taylor’s. Taylor even hand picked the opening acts - Gloriana and Kellie Pickler were also superb both in showmanship and presentation - what great music!
country - you’re insulting all of Taylor’s fans when you try to put Taylor’s music into your so called ‘demographic’. It has been used before and it just
doesn’t fly anymore. Taylor’s music has transcended generations - I know daughters, mothers and grandmothers who all love Swift’s music some even in the same family. So kiss that fallacy away for good.
Nashviller - Keep at it - the more you gripe the more famous Taylor becomes - I love watching you continually eating crow.
This is a great blog topic, Alison - it proves to me what I have known along
teenagers who like country music - know good country when they hear it.
Proud_country_girl87 says:
Well i like her music and i understand that shes young but is taylor ever gunna make an album that doen’t have song aout high school on it? she has such a good voice but if i hear another song about hig school i’m gunna go CRAZY. So i hope taylor sees this and i hope tha she wll consider my request and make a new album with o high school.
hannah says:
arnt they no longer together !! yes!! more for me
Natalie P says:
Frist of all I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT, AND ONE OF HER BIGGEST FANS…… Second of all I’m 8yrs old and I’m reading all the stuff that people are saying about Taylor, and I don’t like some of it. I understand that everybody has a opion, BUT SOMETIMES KEEP IT TO YOURSELF…… My mom LOVES STEVIE NICKS and believes that she still is and always will be ONE of the BEST FEMALE ARTIST EVER…. She is Thankful for Taylor Swift for young kids like me…. I WOULD LOVE TO MEET HER… And to the people that has your Lucky… I LOVE YOU TAYLOR SWIFT…
Lily says:
omg!! maddy i’m so jealous of you!!! haha i really wish and would give anything to meet my favorite celebrity on this worlD even better to take a picture with him!! I LOVE TAYLOR LAUTNER #1 FAN RIGHT HERE!! U ARE A VERY LUCKY GIRL =D
country says:
TAYLOR for EOTY country - You say” you’re insulting all of Taylor’s fans when you try to put Taylor’s music into your so called ‘demographic’. It has been used before and it just doesn’t fly anymore. Taylor’s music has transcended generations - I know daughters, mothers and grandmothers who all love Swift’s music some even in the same family. So kiss that fallacy away for good.”
Of course Taylor has the “one off’s”. So does every other teen idol. Taylor’s primary demographic, the one’s that are buying 90% of her albums are girls between the age of 8 and 16. She admits this herself. Thus, I gave her the “genius” ranking in marketing.
goldie says:
everyone of all ages LOVES AND BUYS TAYLOR’S CD’S!!! IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT TEENS, iNO MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THEIR 50′S AND 60′S THAT LOVE TAYLOR AND HER MUSIC!!!! GO TAYLOR JUST STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!!!!!
country says:
Kristen - I didn’t say Taylor wouldn’t win EOY. I said she’s no “genius” entertainer. She’s an entertainer for kids and their moms. And, the few sober college kids that don’t want to be the designated driver at the Toby Keith concert. I actually think that Kanye sealed the deal for Taylor to win this award even though her concerts aren’t close to Brad’s, Keith’s or Kenny’s. George shouldn’t even be nominated for this particular award, but that’s just me.
You said:
“Not one thing she has ever written comes close to the personal pain or intense communication of that pain as “Tears In Heaven”. … Taylor hasn’t lost a child. Of course she isn’t going to write a song about that. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have songs of personal pain. Of course she does.
Well, Kristen, I was responding to the obsurb statement that Sparky made that her music was just that. I didn’t write the crazy rant. I just responded to it. At least you admit she doesn’t write with the greats. Her personal music is “boy” centric and she’s 19 not “Fifteen”. Although “Fifteen” and “Tim McGraw” are her best tunes.
Kristen - come on now. Let’s be honest. You say:
“Well my answer for you is The Best Day, Change, A Place In This World, Tied Together With A Smile, The Outside. So you can stop making ridiculous posts now.”
Funny the one’s you mentioned weren’t released as singles. There’s a reason for that. They have little in the way of “real” substance. They are an attempt at substance that can be used in just such circumstances as this. Grown ups catch on to that right away. The jr. set oo’s and awe’s over the “substance” of their teen idol.
drdjwu says:
Country, why don’t you and Nashviller and Twangtown all go cuddle up with an album by some dirtbag singing about how he just woke up in a motel room with a bottle of whiskey again, and y’all can say, “Now THIS is DEEP, man!” You think that stuff like isn’t every bit as cliched as teen romance?
country says:
drdjwu - “Tears in Heaven” is by some dirtbag singing about how he just woke up in a motel room with a bottle of whiskey again?
And, now I understand the Taylor Swift set.
There are a ton of country songs out there with some depth and meaning. The writers don’t jump on one subject and stay there either.
Mark says:
Taylor is nearly 20…will she continue singing teen love and high school songs? She can’t sing those kinds of songs forever.
Twangtown7. says:
LMAO @ Sparky’s post.
Wow, that was almost as bad as Taylor’s singing!!
Nashviller says:
Twangtown, Taylornation is a very young demographic. Their posts are always very adolescent and hilarious.
Melissa says:
Hahahhaa, that’s so funny. I don’t think they’re dating, though. I think they’re good friends.
drdjwu says:
Well, “country”, I was referring to your drown-their-own-beers- musical heroes, not Eric Clapton. Eric, in addition to being one of the all-time great rock and blues guitarists, has been many things, but not a one of ‘em is “country”.
drdjwu says:
However, if you really want to compare Eric and Taylor, ok. Eric is a better guitarist. He’s better than most anybody.
As a performer, well … Clapton plays guitar; Taylor is already far, far more charismatic as a performer.
As a writer, Clapton’s songs with Cream were just unfathomable, probably written on drugs — a problem which plagued Eric throughout his early career. His songs on “Layla” are an improvement, but they continue to sound like guitar riffs that got turned into songs by attaching some uninspired lyrics.
Interestingly, there are MORE songs on “Layla” about a real-life love triangle — Eric’s infatuation with Beatle George Harrison’s wife — than on Taylor’s first 2 albums combined. They just aren’t nearly as well-written, honest, or sung as well as Taylor’s. And unlike Taylor who, at 13, had the wisdom to hold her tongue, Eric was unable to prevent himself from breaking up his “good friend” George’s marriage.
Both artists were very good,very young. Clapton started making a name for himself as a guitarist on the English blues scene at 17. As a solo record artist, he didn’t have the confidence in his singing until 25 or 26 to record “Eric Clapton” and “Layla”, the latter considered a rock masterpiece due to the guitar interplay of Clapton and Duane Allman.
Taylor was when she recorded her first album, using songs that she had been writing since 12. Her writing, as the New York Times, NEW YORKER and ROLLING STONE have all noted, is remarkably mature, poignant and beautifully constructed. “Layla” may be a classic , but BOTH of Taylor’s albums, recorded at a much younger age, have far more memorable songs and consistency than Eric’s first two albums.
Experience? Eric has seen a lot of life … drugs, divorce, and a tragic death of his child. Taylor has less to draw from, but people who believe that the teenage experience isn’t important haven’t been paying attention to teenage suicide rates.
Dismissing songs like “The Outside” (alienation, disconnection with others”), “Tied Together With a Smile” (low self-esteem, hidden eating disorder, self-destructive tendencies), or “15″ — the best coming-of-age song ever written — because they weren’t SINGLES … either doesn’t have kids, or is in serious parenting trouble.
Oh yeah, singing. Taylor is much better. She could sing Eric right off the stage.
janetgijoenurse says:
Hey Alison, since you think you are so almighty, get cmt to change the date of Tim’s dud of an album date. It’s Dec20 not Oct 25.
country says:
Actually drdjwu, that was your crazy friend sparky that wanted to compare them. I said there is no comparison.
While Eric is clearly an adult with a troubled life, his songs have much more depth than both of Taylor’s albums combined. While most of that depth is troubled, it is still depth.
Taylor clearly is stuck in “boy” mode and she’s not 15. She should be writing and releasing music with substance and depth and she’s not. She is NOT 15 even if she used to be. That’s an insane arguement. “She used to experience this so it’s depth because she’s pretending that then is now in some weird world”? I could sing about lollipops because I used to eat them age 5, but that would not mean there’s depth to my song just because I experienced lolipops at 5. The definition of shallow is “staying on or near the surface” and that’s right where she’s at - the surface and barely treading water.
kayko says:
Country, have you even listened to Taylor’s song 15? It’s not about her being 15 now, it’s bout her remembering what it was like to be 15. The songs on Taylor’s album are songs that she had written when she was younger. If indeed her songs had been written about more mature topics I can well imagine what the the comments would have been. What I’m seeing is some folk’s just looking for something to critize her about.
Gemma says:
I just found this blog, having read another article about this. Wow, it must have been an exciting night! Will pop back to read other posts… loving the mum’s perspecitive in this one!! hehe !! These two make such a gorgeous couple don’t they. :)
drdjwu says:
country, you are starting to sound irrational, you should stop referring top other people as “crazy” and “insane”.
Your inane babbling about lollipops and your convoluted phrases (”that then is now in some weird world”??) is as bad your comments about Taylor’s writing. What does “boy” mode even mean?
If you are implying she is an empty-headed love-struck teen, you just lose all creditability entirely. Taylor is amazingly mature as a writer and in her composure. I’m with Kayko — I’m not sure you’ve even listened to Taylor’s songs, and if you did they must have been too deep for you to comprehend. You certainly don’t get the concept that songs can be written at an earlier age than they are recorded.
country says:
Your crazy world is what I was trying to describe, but crazy is very hard to describe. And, yes, I’ve listened to “Fifteen” and that song has the most depth to it than any of her other singles. It is still lacking, but is far better than anything else she’s released.
And, while this song is about “remembering” all of her other songs are generic songs about teenage lolipops. She’s 19, she can’t release a 13 year olds song and think she’s credible. I don’t care if she did write it. Write music NOW and release them NOW. Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen is fine for a time, but it’s starting to look ridiculous. She’s a GROWN WOMAN, not a child. She needs to get over Drew and the Jonas Brothers. Write about something with substance and yes, she’s clearly and empty headed teen with a great deal of business sense. I can’t fault her for making money, but I can fault her for being a fake in her profession.
kayko says:
She is a 19 going on 20 year old, that is JUST now on the brink of becoming a mature grown woman. She has been growing up before our eyes, to expect her to write about topics she’s yet to experience is ludicrous.
drdjwu says:
Six American Music awards, more than any arist in any genre — some fake!!
drdjwu says:
My favorie “country” line to date is : “Write music NOW, release it NOW!!” Taylor writes new song in her bedroom, and PRESTO! it’s a single in the store. Who needs Big Machine?? I’m just about splitting a gut here!
Sparky says:
If someone comments harshly that a particular star performer’s voice is not up to superstar snuff, can’t hit those highs, or lows, it gives me pause. I wonder if it is a Performer’s problem, or a listener’s problem. Often in open discussions, a loud or strident complainer, or nay sayer, if scrutinized closely, is later found to have internal issues, unresolved, of the same nature that they stridently publically, make negative statements about.
Witness, historically, the many public Fire and Brimstone, Religious preachers, Evangelists, who later get caught/exposed in horribly immoral or salacious secret lives, the very things they preached about/against in their pulpits.
If a singer such as Taylor gives her all, for 2 or more hours a concert, with 2, sometimes 3 concerts a week, for months, and receives standing ovations at every concert, of long minutes duration, never seen before, or at least, not in decades, by screaming fans, who are immesnsely satisfied with their experience, I guess there might always be someone, a pro sound; music expert, who can pick out a second here or a second there, where the performer’s voice struggles a bit, and therefore writes off that performer as someone who can’t sing. It is sad, for that person.
I am guessing that professional evaluators, if they heard early demo tapess of a lot of historical superstars, might have written them off before they became superstars. The superstars might not have made it merely on the theoretical quality of their voice, but somehow did, due to a holistic gift of performing.
Think, or look up some of the following superstars, and give a cold analytical evaluation of their early voices:
Joe Cocker
Rod Stewart
Bob Dylan
Bonnie Tyler
Janis Joplin
Joe Walsh
Louis Armstrong
Greatful Dead
I think all of these folks technically have “Defects” in their singing voices, which actually became “hooks” to their audiences, and drove them (along with exceptional performing skills) to superstardom. If Taylor has any defects, she is awfully good at changing them over to “hooks” to her audiences.
I have only heard Taylor’s music, on line, and on the radio, so don’t know how much “pro tools” have been used to perfect it for production. I do know that almost every known performer both live and in the recording studio in modern times uses these “pro tools” between the mic and the speakers, in their performances. I did not learn this until recently. But it does not matter.
Pro Tools were explained to me by an industry pro, as being like what Photo Shop is to photographs, only to the audio Side of things.
A music concert has to be looked at holistically. It is a combined effort of hundreds, maybe thousands of professionals who are show biz folks, and containing many categories of performing or entertainment, All working with the “Talent” to make a happy customer, the fan. Not only is there singing, but there is theme design, stage design,sound engineering, marketing, fan acknowledgement and support, room for artist creativity, and spontaneous unplanned creativity.
As I said before, story telling, of the best quality comes from direct experience. Therefore some may be expected to frustrated or critical of Taylor’s simplistic, teeny bopper themes.
How soon Taylor’s moves on to more “mature” music involves overcoming the inertia, and the financial feedback that is telling her and her business department, “Please dont stop doing this.” If it aint broke don’t fix it. She is probably frustrated at how long it takes to bring her increible mind creations to the market, and I would be curious how long that “incubation” time is, from concept, lyrics, musical accompanyment, production, developent, marketing, mass production, and building a world concert tour, is. How long does that take? 6 months, A year? Two?
I bet dollars to donuts (as my mom used to say) Taylor’s work will evolve and mature as she evolves and matures. When she is in her mid 20’s I bet she will still be superstar, and even better seasoned. Like a 3 year old well done Cabernet.
I think there should be an award out there for Performer’s treatment of their fans. If there was one, Taylor would be also “double platinum” in that category, too.
I have not heard a live concert of Taylor’s but would like to, if I could possibly get a ticket, so I cannot judge 1st person the quality of her live concert voice.
My chance might come at one of her concerts next year, either at San Jose, CA or Fresno CA.
Even if I heard a second here or there of imperfection, I would smile, and think ever more highly of her for being fearless, and having an indomintable spirit and work ethic, and relish her future, for Taylor’s voice, like wine, will continue to improve with age and experience.
It is good to see that, like Celine Dion, who does not speak hardly at all after a concert, to protect her voice, Taylor does something similar, according to some images I’ve seen on her video clips.
I can make a judgement holistically, of the quality of overall concert performance, based on media clips, and feedback from fans, you can find on the web. I, and I guess millions of others, think, and if you follow the money, think Taylor is a uncommon, first rate standout.
My roots, and primary interests are not in Country, but in Blues (Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Rock and Roll. (Earlier: Pink Floyd, Emmerson Lake and Palmer, Boston, ELO, then, U2, Cold Play, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles)
Taylor stopped me in my tracks when I first saw/heard her only a few months ago. Big Big WOW factor, not only due to her ease on the eyes, but her performing skills. Then she, personally, created the Subway performance at RCMH, in New York, and the Kieth Urban spoof.. shows amazing talent, creativity, and Fearlessness.
I am sensing the Country community, particularly those that are unhappy, with current stars, are suffering from the evolution of country away from its classical signature sounds and themes heard in previous decades. We all find comfort in our early experiences in music, and probably some discomfort or trepidation as music styles change.
It would be really interesting for the concert producers to put a mic at the arena exits, anonomously gathering fan impressions, as they leave the arena. Also cameras.
I bet generally, you would see be grins frone ear to ear by everyone from the < 10yrs girl sets, to Teens, to adults, of all ages.
Keep up the incredible work, Taylor!
MirandaRules says:
sparky you are really out there. Voice is either right or wrong, and not subjective. If you don’t hit notes, you don’t hit them. That’s fact, science…whatever. You are one of the most dilusional posters here.
God bless you,
Miranda Rules
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
Sparky - I just saw Taylor last Sunday night and I waited all summer to see her. The concert was the best I have ever seen…ever! From the ground floor up all the planning and intricacies of putting the Fearless Tour together were all in a teenagers hands. Taylor was in charge of every part of the setup and in control of all the decisions that were made pertaining to the whole Fearless show.
Songs and ideas for songs just come to Taylor. She just has hooks and melodies pop into her head - she sees the whole song in her head too - like when the fiddle is supposed to come in - when the guitar is changing a chord - everything!
It boggles me to think how others can say Taylor is not a “genius.”
I sure hope you get the chance to see Taylor in concert - she is even a better entertainer now then when the Fearless tour first took off.
Nashviller says:
Yeah, her hair is longer and she can flip it harder. Kenny, Brad and Keith are entertainers. Taylor is a field filler
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
Not this year - ya may be could have used that excuse last year - oh, wait, you did use that one last year - but not this year!
Taylor is a bona fide nominee this year! She has all the credentials needed.
And all the numbers to back it up.
Taylor is so far out in front this year she is breaking her own records! Why is she breaking her own records you ask? It’s because she has broken everyone else’s already.
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
Hey Nashviller are Brad, Kenny or Keith in the Guinness Book of World Records?
Let me answer that one for ya - no way!
Is Taylor? yep not once but TWICE!
Nashviller says:
doesn’t take much to keep kiddie entertained. Give em a disney song and a couple of special effects and they are sold!! The men don’t need the smoke and mirrors.
goldie says:
nashviller,you are on the wrong site that would be miley’s so go over there and talk about it over there!!!
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
There was no smoke and mirrors last night at the Country Music Hall of Fame concert in Nashville - Taylor was Awesome again!
drdjwu says:
Taylor has the best fans. From the younger ones, even with their less than perfect grammar but their oh so perfect hearts and positive attitudes, to people like Sparky who comment with eloquence and insight, her fans are as special as she is. Watching the interaction between Taylor and her fans on Oprah was the best part of the show.
Nashviller says:
Yes, ANYONE can do that and it takes no talent whatsoever. The truly amazing thing about Taylor is how she can charm the masses into believing her hype. Not me.
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
That charm you are talking about Nashiller is also a talent.
Robin says:
Come on drdjwu, I’ve been reading this thread and laughing for a few days now. Your buddy Sparky is over the top to say the first least. Unstable is more like it, but I’ll leave it at “over the top”.
drdjwu says:
Robin, could you please read Sparky’s Oct.14 comment and tell me which parts are “over the top” and “unstable”. I know it’s long and gets a little intellectual, but I am sure you can read it… well, a lot of the words, anyway … and just point out the sections that make you laugh so much.
I don’t know Sparky so I can’t say we’re “buddies” (Do you just mean everyone who supports Taylor are “buddies”? There’s about a zillion of us, then, I suppose.) but I do find Sparky’s post to be carefully considered, politely stated and rational, with a willingness to weigh pros and cons and to see the bigger picture.
On the other hand, you and your “buddies” (”Nashviller”, “MirandaRules” and “country” — although you all could just be the same person, given the way Taylor-haters tend to change their names) — absolutely refuse to consider any evidence which runs counter to your opinions. Your comments tend to be simplistic one-liners, insulting and rude, and your attitude seems to be if the whole world loves Taylor then everybody else in the world is an idiot becaue you couldn’t possibly be wrong.
Springs says:
taylor swift is a pop singer…she needs to stay on MTV or VH1…CMT is for “country” music.
Springs says:
I think Kanye West had it right…Beyonce had a better hit and deserved to win. But he didn’t need to announce it that way. I think everyone in room probably agreed with him but he went about it wrong. She’s the reason a lot of people have left country radio.
Springs says:
remember all the previous Crossroads shows on CMT? Pat Benatar/Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney/John Mellencamp, Brook and Dunn/ZZ Top…how come CMT never offered those on DVD? But yet they rush out and put Def Leppard/Taylor Swift on DVD for sale and it wasn’t any good at all. Plus she wasn’t even born when they were making hits. I can’t understand why so many people like a mediocre singer playing pop music on country radio. But then half of America voted for obama so I guess it makes some sense.
Kayko says:
Springs, evidently there was a demand for the Taylor Swift/ Def Leppard DVD. I doubt they would have offered it unless there was, don’t you think?
Nashviller says:
Actually kayko, A LOT of the critics fail to mention her voice and if they do, they call it her weakness. Selective reading there?
Springs, you make a very good analogy. Obama was “different” and was accepted as best. Taylor is just that…a kid with innocent sugary teen crush songs that appeal to a specific demographic.
Ya know what they say…God is Great, Beer is Good, and PEOPLE ARE CRAZY!!!
Kayko says:
Can you point me in the direction to a review that call’s her voice her weakness? A creditable magazine, not some rag like the globe which you seem to like to quote.
Springs says:
Great point Nashviller, people are crazy.
And Kayko…I don’t think there was a demand for her dvd but rather her people pushing for the release. Even CMT has no answer as to why. I really liked the Martina and Pat Benatar one as well as kenny and Mellencamp. The recent one with Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams was pretty good to. I thought of these as more of a true crossroads (country - rock) but thought the taylor swift one was more pop meets rock.
Nashviller says:
oh for goodness sake, kayko asked for it, I simply gave him what he asked for.
drdjwu says:
Gee, I thought this blog had run its course. But what do I find? A bunch of Taylor haters talking to each other!! What, no home to go to?
Now is it “MirandaRules”, “country”, “Nashviller” and “WSprings” all talking , or just one person talking to himself? Never can tell.
drdjwu says:
Nasviller and… Springs?? (Where did you think that one up?) Don’t you guys just love that Taylor won all those Nashville Music Awards? I thought Nashville people didn’t like her? Sure gave her a lot of awards.
And how about those American Music Awards people, nominating her for SIX awards, including all the biggies …. more than any other artist in any genre. Great stuff!
And how about how EVERYBODY is trying to associate with Swift? Rock bands like Def Lepperd and Boys Like Girls. Legendary Hip-hop producer Timberland.John Mayer. Oprah and Ellen. HOSTING and performing on Saturday Night Live.
And how about all these great live singing performances. Oprah! The Country Music Hall of Fame! The 330 Sessions. V-fest. No lip synching, no auto tune … Ooops! There goes another hater myth down the drain! (Sad face)
How about that incredible new video. And a DELUXE Fearless coming out!!
And the REALLY great thing — with one Taylor success after another, week after week,everyone will get to hear more of your hilariously jealous, whiny comments.
Don’t go anywhere now! Y’all stay right here and talk to each other, okay? I’ll check back in a week or so. Have fun girls!
Dontworrybehappy says:
I love you so much Taylor 1 and Taylor 2! I think you guys would be like the super couple. I wish I could go to her concert but dont have the money. Love you Taylor.
My fave songs of hers is: I’d Lie, Fifteen and Mary’s Song. WOO! Go Taylor! Maddi, so envious. You should have hugged Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift! But anyways I hope you had a great time at her concert all Taylor fans!
Carly says:
WOW this was sooo funny!! Why do 14 year olds act soooo ummmmm…..how to describe it?? I am happy for u MAddy…
kayko says:
Never fear nashviller, she’s not going to be on that one special but she is the first artist announced to be at the Jingle Ball 2009 at Madison Sq. Garden. That makes up for the ONE special Taylor’s not going to be on.
billflow says:
drdjwu,Iam neutral on both sides…. must say you seem to have more than your share of post on this blog!!!!
goldie says:
not everyone has a great voice in country music,but at least taylor is got a great head on her shoulders a great songwriter, good voice,great on stage,great producer,and most of all she is a great down to earth lady!!p.s. did you all no that cu stole her new song from another artist and is trying to keep it hush hush read about it on line i forgot the name but it should not be hard to find!taylor writes all of her songs so she does not have that trouble and taylor’s great at it!!by the way taylor and taylor look really cute!!
Mary says:
Holy Crap! I’m jealous! I love that “he’s right behind you!” Dude, I would have died! Yay to the Taylors, they’re both absolutely amazing, whether they’re together or not!
(Personally, I don’t mind if they’re not together…..that leaves Taylor (L) for me! :D But if they do get together, I love them both, and so don’t think I’d mind too much, compared to what could be happening)
barb b says:
are you talking about what perez hilton
said i dont believe a word that comes out
of his mouth we all know what he is
barb b says:
i guess my comment are true
that is why you did not post it
OCT 17th 2oo9 at 6:45 pm
barb b says:
i am so glad you think they look cute together
ts is going to be 20 yrs old and tl is 17 yrs
old she goes after them younger than her she
need to grow up i think he is a perfect match
for selena gomez
barb b says:
goldie do you no who liz rose is
barb b says:
as far as carrie stealing some one else
song you better practice what you preach
listen to the first line of mama;s song
mama you taught me to do the right thing
sel says:
OMG THAT GIRL WAS SOOOOOOOOOOO LUCKY. im jealous ! :P
CuteChicay says:
OMG……..I HAVE THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON TAYLOR(the boy one)
HE IS THE CUTEST GUY ON EARTH
ohyeah and i hate robbert patterson he is UGLY
I LUV TAYLOR LAUTNER
goldie says:
barb, iam talking about the cowboy one, it is all over the nahville news that she cu stoled this song!!! i no her so called people are trying to keep it hush hush but no it’s true, i don’t really care what you think but that is the truth!you will see iam right!!taylor swift is amazing!!!!
barb b says:
is something going on here why
is my comment shown twice delete one
i only wrote it once i want one off
now
barb b says:
if ts handlers had anything to do
with this lie eventully it will come out
and some one will pay big time
barb b says:
oprah said that carrie is the queen
of country cant wait for carrie new
special it is going to be awesome
what a birthday present i will have
Nashviller says:
goldie, you might do some research before making statements like that. The story has been proven bogus. It was started by a disgruntled Taylor fan.
goldie says:
no it is still being reviewed,so you get your facts straight before you start to say iam wrong, and no it was from a person writing for some paper in nashville, it had nothing to do with a taylor fan!!!! that would be something a cu fan would do!
goldie says:
and one more thing oprah did NOT call cu the queen of country music that must have been in your dreams! she is FAR from a queen of anything except herself!
drdjwu says:
barb b, shoo!
Nashviller says:
goldie, there is NO REVIEW. I’m in Nashville, I know it wasn’t copied, but someone very close to Taylor called a rag mag and reported it. You might want to do some research. And um, yes, Oprah did say that. I heard it too. I’d say all thos BEST VOCALIST AWARDS account for something.
But I will say this, your anger is quite amusing. Keep complaining.
goldie says:
I am not angry at all you so call cu fans just don’t like the facts and that is all iam going to say on that for good!!! this is about TAYLOR SWIFT and TAYLOR LAUTNER so taylor swift i think will be better off with out a boyfriend she is so in demand everyone wants to work with her!!!!!!!when and if she desides to have a boyfriend i say that’s great but in my opinion she should wait a little bit!
barb b says:
nashville i want commend you for confirming
what oprah said that carrie is the queen of
country THANK YOU!!!! i got my point across
barb b says:
DRDJWU I GOT TWO WORDS FOR YOU
ANS IT AINT HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOO SHOO
goldie says:
yes drdjwu we kept our end of the deal,barb is just to obsessed with carrie and wants to tear taylor down no matter what!! weel all bets are off she does not want to stay off taylor’s blogs, she is someone we can not trust,maybe i will go to cu’s blog i don’t no i might not want to lower myself to barb’s level!!
barb b says:
your deal was broken wheh i saw
the comment about cu and as far
as being obsessed you better take
a long good look at your self you say
you cant trust me i am not some teenager
you can push around i am who i am i dont
have to disguise myself if want i could
say something about ts and you would not
like it when you put cu down i will intervene
barb b says:
goldie it looks like i am right
oprah did say cu is queen of
country i read it on OCT 19th
on ts blog what have you got to
say now probably something nasty
as usual
flower says:
this is about taylor iam not going to talk about this anymore, i no iam right so iam leaving it at that! taylor is amazing and just wait until the cma’s and the ama’s and people choice awards taylor will rule!!!
flower says:
by the way i had to change names something with my computer but i was goldie.
barb b says:
here we go again
flower says:
barb they did call taylor swift queen of country music on oct. 24 at 9:49am meieli sayer detoni wirter for ok!!!! I really don’t care what you think or if you believe me bt veryone no’s TAYLOR SWIFT IS THE NEW QUEEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC!!!!
barb b says:
flower you have a one
track mind
flower says:
barb you are the one with a one track mind not me!
Lynza says:
I am soooo jealous. Both Taylors in one room together and you guys got to talk to both…. Sighs… I’d love to see Swift live and as far as Lautner goes, If he were 5 years older I would have to kidnap him… lol just kidding but he is just sooo adorable I think I can Honestly say I am jealous of a 14 year old. Also the day you saw them was my birthday!
pretty icel ^.^ says:
omg!!!taylor swift is verryyyy lucky XD
im sooo jealous :) sigh!!!!
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