Taylor Swift has occupied a significant blank space in BRIT Award history.
On Tuesday, May 11 at the 2021 BRIT Awards—the first since the U.K’s. initial lockdown the previous spring in the midst of the Covid pandemic—the “champagne problems” singer accepted the Global Icon Award, making her the first woman and first non-British star to be conceded the honor. The 31-year-old performer joined a exclusive group of Global Icon honorees, which exclusively includes Elton John, David Bowie and Robbie Williams.
During the show, Swift watched a montage of singers praising her work, including Ed Sheeran and Annie Lennox. “Taylor is the same girl I met when I was 15,” Selena Gomez declared in the video. “She is generous and kind and cares so deeply for her fans.” Soon after, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams gave the craftsman the honor.
“I want to thank my friends and family who know exactly who they are,” Swift shared. “Whose opinion of me never changed whether my stock was up or down. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that you have to look around every day and take note of the people who have always believed in you and never stop appreciating them for it.”
In evident Swift fashion, the music superstar likewise had a inspiring message for her fans who were watching all around the world.
“I need you to hear me when I say that there is no career path that comes free of negativity. If you’re being met with resistance, that probably means that you’re doing something new,” she explained. “If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means that you’re rising and there might be times where you put your whole heart and soul into something and it is met with cynicism or skepticism. You cannot let that crush you.”
Swift added, “You have to let it fuel you because we live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything they want about you at anytime. But just please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong.”
In addition to her Global Icon acknowledgment, Swift is additionally up for International Female Solo Artist, alongside Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B and Miley Cyrus. For the exceptional event, the star made a style sprinkle in a beaded and rhinestone-adorned tank top and matching with skirt from Miu.
Alongside her loving fans, the beloved songwriter additionally has special ties to the U.K. as she’s been in a relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn since at any rate 2017 and has since invested a lot of value energy across the lake.
Prior to making a splash with the arrival of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) on April 9, Swift got the 2021 Grammy Award for Album of the Year alongside five more nominations. Presently, with this latest honor, the first half of 2021 doesn’t seem like a year Swift will need to shake off any time soon!