Taylor Swift ‘Freaking Out’ After Singing With Def Leppard
Taylor Swift and Def Leppard traded hits Monday for a taping of the CMT series, 'Crossroads,' which pairs country stars with artists of other genres for a televised concert. While Swift wasn't even born when Def Leppard broke onto the music scene, her love of the band was already in her genes. Her mom, whom she referred to as "stalkerazzi" while hanging out with the rockers before the taping, has loved their music for years.
"My mom was a huge fan of theirs when she was pregnant with me," Swift told PEOPLE magazine. "So growing up, the music that was playing in my house was Def Leppard. It was music that she liked that I could like too."
'Crossroads' is known for its sometimes unlikely pairings, such as Dave Matthews and Emmylou Harris, and Maroon 5 and Sara Evans. But this pairing was all Swift's idea.
"Every time I've seen 'Crossroads' on CMT I've always thought, 'If I ever get to do one of those, it has to be with Def Leppard!" she gushed. "So this is really a dream come true for me. I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years ... so it's amazing that I'm gong to get to share a stage with them this year!"
Equally exuberant was Def Leppard's lead vocalist, Joe Elliot, who joked to reporters that Swift has as many hits as they do. He says his band is equally honored.
"How cool is this? Country's hottest young star wanting to work with us!" Elliot tells PEOPLE.
There were some humorous moments during the 'Crossroads' taping, including when Elliot sang one particular line in Swift's new single, 'Love Story': "You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess." After singing the line, he deadpanned, "I'm comfortable with my feminine side!"
"This is my childhood dream come true," Swift told the crowd after singing Def Leppard's 'Photograph.' "I'm freaking out that that just happened!"
This isn't Def Leppard's first foray into country. They duet with Tim McGraw on 'Nine Lives,' a song on their 'Songs From the Sparkle Lounge' CD, as well as McGraw's 'Greatest Hits 3' collection.
'Crossroads' with Taylor Swift and Def Leppard premieres on CMT November 7.
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