Taylor Swift brings country to Asia
Associated Press
HONG KONG
Wrapping up the Asian leg of her world tour, Taylor Swift is relishing her growing international appeal as the singer-songwriter steadily gains fans outside the U.S. with her combination of confessional lyrics and country sound.
Shortly before taking the stage at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo arena late Monday, the 21-year-old received a long line of Universal Music executives from across Asia who presented her with platinum-sales plaques. Swift’s previous album, “Fearless” sold 400,000 copies in the region. Her latest release, “Speak Now,” also is performing well, achieving platinum status in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“Some of them were really surprising to me. I wasn’t aware of every single certification we have in Asia. It really blew my mind,” Swift told The Associated Press backstage.
It’s testimony to the growing crossover appeal of the country star on foreign shores. Having just released her third album in October, the four-time Grammy winner already can boast a considerable global following. The initial Asian leg of Swift’s “Speak Now” tour has taken her to Singapore, Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo and Manila.