As someone who once considered myself to be a die-hard Swiftie, I never would have predicted the day I said the words, "I can not stand her," about the woman who used to be my biggest role model. Long gone are the days of writing the number 13 on my hand, standing in a crowded arena screaming her lyrics. Though Taylor Swift has definitely not gone off the deep end like many other celebrities who acquire her amount of fame, she has recently done several things that have made me miss the awkward country singer who once helped me get over my middle-school heartbreaks.
My main issue with the pop sensation started after the release of her "Bad Blood" music video. After releasing the promotional posters for weeks, I watched its premiere at the "Billboard Music Awards" with incredibly high expectations, but after the four minute video ended, I was left stunned, but not in the way I initially thought I'd be. The entirety of the music video was spent introducing Taylor's latest posse holding various guns and violent means of getting revenge. How did she go from telling her ex that he was "just another picture to burn" to "I'm now going to violently get revenge against you". But even more upsetting than this is how her musicianship has changed as well.
During her "Speak Now Tour," Taylor Swift became known for having guest musicians perform with her at her concerts, as well as for playing covers of hits by local stars. From James Taylor to Nicki Minaj to Darius Rucker, this was one of my favorite aspects of her concert. As much as I loved the flashy outfits and elaborate set pieces, watching her celebrate great music with other phenomenal musicians was inspiring. Nowadays, on the 1989 Tour, it feels as though she's having individuals join her onstage that have nothing to do with the music industry. At her latest performance at "The Staples Center" in Los Angeles, CA, she had Kobe Bryant join her onstage. What does a famous basketball player have anything to do with girl pop anthems? To me, it seems as though Taylor Swift has finally gained the popularity status she has always wanted and feels the need to share it and prove it to the world.
What is the most disappointing about this whole "popular girl" act she has going on, is the fact that her "underdog narrative" was the main reason I was a fan of her in the first place. Though Taylor Swift's break-up anthems will always hold a special place in my heart, I can't say I'll attend one of her concerts in the nearby future. Sorry Tay!
