Why Taylor Swift Deserves My Apology
The only way back to my dignity ^
For reasons I will not go into here, 2023 is not a year I will remember with fondness.
However, for Taylor Swift, it’s a different story. In fact, it’s safe to say that Taylor Swift had an amazing year and completely dominated 2023. According to Forbes*, Taylor accomplished the following last year:
- She released two Taylor’s Version albums.
- “Cruel Summer” charted #1 on Billboard Hot 100.
- She was Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally.
- She became a billionaire.
- Her Eras Tour grossed over $1 Billion.
- She negotiated a historic deal with AMC Theaters.
- The Eras Tour Movie became the top concert film in history.
And Taylor ended 2023 by being named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Now that we’re into the new year, I think it’s finally time for me to come clean and apologize.
What am I apologizing for?
For greatly underestimating her potential.
During my years in the music/live concert business, I’ve seen thousands of artists perform. Decades ago, I started keeping a “Performance Review Journal.” After each show I’d spend a few minutes sharing my thoughts about whoever performed that night.
It’s fun to look back at my entries over the years and relive those experiences.
Some excerpts from my review journal:
- Usher (1998) — This guy is dripping with talent and charm. Fabulous stage presence. Expect him to headline someday.
- Enrique Iglesias (2002) — Very likable. Some good songs. But would he be anywhere without the Julio Iglesias connection?
- Black Sabbath (2013) — Sparse stage set-up. No frills or gimmicks (what no pyro!?). Just heart-pounding, straightforward rock n roll mastery. Rock n roll at its finest.
- Joan Jett (2016) — 12th time seeing her perform live. She never disappoints. A true legend. Everyone should see her at least once.
- Loverboy (2022) — The band sounded great! I closed my eyes while they played and was transported back to the early 80s and lead singer, Mike Reno looking good in his red leather pants. I opened my eyes and I was watching Mike Reno with a dad bod singing “Working for the Weekend.” LOL.
Gulp — and here’s my Taylor Swift entry from 2007:
Taylor Swift (2007) — Just a girl and her guitar. Has some decent songs. Seems really sweet. Voice a bit weak at times. Not sure she has what it takes to make it big.
Ouch! To say that I was a bit off-base with my assessment would be an understatement.
And this is why, seventeen years later, I am openly apologizing to Taylor Swift:
Dear Taylor,
Please accept my apology for not seeing your extraordinary potential.
You are an amazing artist and an outstanding example of female empowerment.
I greatly appreciate the way you bring light to a sometimes very dark world
and I am incredibly sorry that I underestimated you.
Your devoted Swiftie,
— Kaari
Citations:
[^] Lyric from “Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” from “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”
[*] Mercuri, M. (2023) 9 times Taylor Swift crushed 2023, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicamercuri/2023/12/13/the-year-of-taylor-swift-9-things-the-singer-accomplished-in-2023/?sh=524ff8975daa (Accessed: 01 February 2024).
