Taylor Swift Experiences Mind-Blowing Success in Asia
If there were any questions about the international appeal of Taylor Swift, they were answered as she wrapped up the Asian leg of her Speak Now world tour earlier this week.
Prior to taking the stage in Hong Kong on Monday (pictured left), the 21-year-old superstar was presented with numerous platinum sales plaques from Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Phillipines for her latest album, 'Speak Now.' Her previous album, 'Fearless,' has sold 400,000 copies in the area.
"Some of them were really suprising to me. I wasn't aware of every single certification we have in Asia," Taylor told the Associated Press backstage. "It really blew my mind."
Her album sales and sold-out shows overseas are evidence the 2009 CMA Entertainer of the Year is gaining more popularity worldwide, and she expressed how proud she is to be an international ambassador for country music.
"I love country music, and I love the fact that it's being accepted all over the world. That is so exciting for me," says Taylor. "I have heroes who have taken country music internationally. You have Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. They really did a lot for country music because they brought an awareness to it. The fact that I have the opportunity to do that, too, and go to other countries where I've never been before and play music -- it's what I've always dreamed of doing."
"The international success has been the most beautiful and pleasant surprise. Being welcomed by countries that speak a different language from the language I speak is an honor," the singer added. "It really touches me every time I look down and I see all the fans singing the words to my songs, having written the lyrics, knowing that they connect in countries where English really isn't spoken by everyone."
Fans from all over the world will be able to experience part of her Asian tour, as Taylor revealed through her Twitter page she has been filming the trek as part of her video blog. The singer also bid a fond goodbye to the fans who made her feel welcome: "This tour was unforgettable. I will love you always :) Farewell Asia!"
It wasn't all work and no play for Taylor, who reportedly spent some of her time off taking in the local sights, including visiting Singapore's Chinatown, hanging at one of Hong Kong's beaches and even getting dolled up as a geisha with her band on Valentine's Day.
She is set to kick off the European leg of her world tour March 6 in Brussels, Belgium, before launching the U.S. leg with a two-night stand in Omaha, Neb., on May 27. Check here for more information on Taylor's tour dates.
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