Taylor Swift, named the “Artist of the Year” for the iHeartRadio Music Awards, kicked off National Poetry Month with a remarkable win. Despite her absence on the yellow carpet and at the awards show in Los Angeles, AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys and Lance Bass from N’Sync graciously presented her award at the Dolby Theatre.
In a heartfelt recorded message, Swift expressed her gratitude, saying, “I wanted to say thank you so much to anyone who voted for this award. To the fans, it’s completely up to you to choose how you spend your time, what concerts you want to go to, and what music you want to make the soundtrack to your life, and to anyone who has included me in those choices, I’m so so so thankful for that.”
Out of ten nominations, Swift clinched six awards, notably Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “Cruel Summer,” as well as Artist of the Year and Tour of the Year.
Despite not being physically present at the awards ceremony, Swift’s presence was palpable, especially with her inspiring words. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “You have to give yourself permission to fail. I try as hard as I can not to fail because it’s embarrassing, but I do give myself permission to and you should, too. Go easy on yourselves, and just make the right choices that feel right for you. And someday someone might think that you’ve been innovative.”
As the spotlight now turns to Beyoncé, set to receive the Innovator Award this year, Swift’s fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming 11th album era, “The Tortured Poets Department,” slated for release in 18 days.
