Taylor Swift Stays Fan (and Wallet) Friendly

Taylor Swift has hit yet another milestone in her soaring career. Headlining her first tour, Swift sold out the massive Staples Center in Los Angeles in a record two minutes. The show is the first of more than 50 dates for Swift in the U.S. and Canada, with opening acts Kellie Pickler and Gloriana.

Supporting her new album, 'Fearless,' that has spent every week at the top of the country charts since its release 12 weeks ago, Swift is showing she is aware of the difficult economic times. Tickets for most of her shows are as low as $20.

"I want to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to come see my show," Swift said, "so we have affordable tickets available for every date we do this year."

Excited to be headlining, after two years touring as a supporting act to stars like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, George Strait, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, Swift is clearly ready to be on her own. "Having written my own songs, they are all stories in my head, and my goal for this tour is to bring those stories to life," she says.

Known for her honest lyrics, the 19-year-old sensation has never been shy about putting her feelings to music. Writing songs about ex-boyfriends and broken hearts, she offers a direct warning to anyone in her path. "If you don't want me to write bad songs about you, then don't do bad things," Swift tells PEOPLE magazine. "I don't think honesty is ever something you should regret. I figure if I'm going to cover things up and try to hide the way I feel and try to be perfect all the time, people are going to see through that."

Swift is a bit surprised herself by her superstar status. "What blows me away the most," Swift says, "is that anyone actually cares what I have to say." Still, she is determined to keep her feet on the ground, and refuses to give in to the diva treatment that has become standard for most artists of her caliber. "If I sign an autograph for someone, I don't put them in the category of 'fan' and keep them at arm's length," she says. "If we strike up a conversation and we like the same things and we have the same sense of humor, then they're my friend."