Taylor Swift has become a household name and rightfully so. Whether you’re a fan or not, there is no denying Swift has made music history and is not stopping anytime soon. Stereotypically, being a girl in the music industry is challenging. There are constant pressures of beauty standards and societal music expectations. But, Swift is not afraid to make her voice heard and break the mold. Here are five times she truly embodied what it means to be a “girl boss”:
She didn’t let the music industry control her
In 2019, Swift went through significant drama when departing Big Machine Records. In short, record executive Scooter Braun and Big Machine Records own Swift’s master recordings of her first five albums. This means they both will profit from the music’s use “in perpetuity,” and they must give permission any time that music is licensed.
However, her contract states she can legally re-record her first five albums starting November 2020. By re-recording her previous music, Taylor can own the master recordings herself, taking back control of her career and taking profit away from greedy Braun and Big Machine Records. Swifties everywhere anticipate the exciting re-release of Taylor’s first five albums with the fresh perspective of an adult and new Taylor.
She dropped Folklore with less than 24 hours notice
July 23 was just like any other average Thursday, that is until Taylor Swift’s Instagram post changed everything. Surprising fans and the music industry alike, Swift announced she would be dropping her eighth studio album, Folklore, at midnight. Like most new music lately, Folklore was created in isolation during COVID-19 and is some of Swift’s most heartfelt music yet.
Despite the short notice, the album boasts incredible success. On the Billboard charts, Swift was the first artist in history to debut an album (Folklore) and single (“cardigan”) at No. 1 in the same week. She had other singles close behind on the chart with “The 1” at No. 4 and “Exile,” featuring Bon Iver at No. 6. Variety states Folklore sold an impressive 1.3 million copies in only 24 hours. Swift also “broke the global record for first-day album streams on Spotify by a female artist with 80.6 million streams, and delivered “the most-streamed pop album on Apple Music in 24 hours” with 35.47 million streams.”
She flawlessly transitioned from country to pop with her album 1989
Swift’s debut album was self-titled Taylor Swift, released in 2006. It featured a classic country mixed with her style. Fearless and Speak Now followed in suit, country with a pop twist. While different, Red also still held on to her country roots. In 2014, Swift made the switch to totally pop with the electronic and upbeat album 1989.
The work went on to win the album of the year at the 2016 Grammy awards. She didn’t miss a beat and only continued to grow in fame. Swift has not stopped there; her most recent album, Folklore, was indie pop and alternative, showing another side of her music. Over eight albums, Swift seamlessly crosses genres and explores music styles, proving she is one of few artists who can do it all.
The American Music Awards named her artist of the decade in 2019
Take a look at her stats and you will understand why Swift was crowned this title in 2019. She has won a record-breaking 29 American Music Awards (surpassing Michael Jackson’s 26). Her trophy case also holds 10 Grammy’s, 24 Billboard Music Awards and 12 Country Music Awards. She is truly timeless, building a connection with listeners through her personal, catchy and relatable lyrics.
Plus, she is arguably one of the least problematic superstars, with no drug addiction, no psychotic breaks and no rude outbursts. Swift handles incredible fame with poise, using the platform to express herself and be a role model for others.
She handled her 2009 feud with Kanye West gracefully
It can’t be easy being targeted by one of the most famous rappers. It all began at the 2009 MTV Music Awards. Swift won best female video for “You Belong With Me.” West stormed the stage during her acceptance speech and rudely announced that “Beyoncé had the best video of all time.” Taylor was shocked but admirably kept herself together while Kanye stole an important moment from her.
