Taylor Swift made history at the 2021 Brit Awards after becoming the first woman and first non-English artist to ever win the global icon awards. Further, she’s the youngest to ever win the prestigious award.
The 31-year-old actress delivered a very powerful speech as she accepted her award from actress Maisie Williams who referred to her as one of the “biggest names in the history of music” and “an inspiration to people all around the world.”
Swift thanked the people who inspired her throughout her career including Annie Lennox, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Kravitz.
She said, “My soul left my body when Annie Lennox was on that video. It was like 1000 surprise birthday parties and all your friends are like jumping out like, ‘Ah!’ and you’re just like, ‘This is the best,” she said as she thanked the awards committee, her fans and also the National Health Service and essential workers.”
“Last year I even almost played Glastonbury, but we all know what happened next, the world changed. And I ended up putting out three albums instead. Making folklore and evermore was one of the most unique, cathartic, extraordinary experiences I’ve ever had,” she added.
She also thanked those individuals she worked with such as Justin Vernon, Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff, and of course, her boyfriend Joe Alwyn.
“I want to thank my friends and family who know exactly who they are, 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 you every day and take note of the people who have always believed in you and never stop appreciating them for it,” she said.
“Never take them for granted. There are so many incredible new artists in this room tonight, and a lot of people watching who have goals and ambitions and dreams for themselves. 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.”
Swift also shared some advice for rising stars who were present at the ceremony. She told them, “If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you’re rising. And there might be times when you put your whole heart and soul into something, and if it is met with cynicism or skepticism, you cannot let that crush you, you have to let it fuel you. We live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything that they want about you at any time, but just please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong.”
She concluded by saying, “I love you all, thank you so much for this beautiful honor thank you to the Brits.”
