This decade is just two months from being over, and with the end comes a series of analyses to determine what have been the most iconic and emblematic moments of the last 10 years. 2019 isn’t over yet, but the American Music Awards have already decided who they are naming Artist of the Decade, and it’s none other than country-pop star Taylor Swift. But is she really that representative?
Taylor Swift is one of those artists who can divide an entire crowd based on how passionately they love or hate her. So, before you start hating me, let’s clarify that I’m literally in the middle of that debate: I don’t love her, but I don’t hate her either, so I guess I can be somewhat neutral. Okay, disclaimer over. Let’s discuss this.
For me, personally, Artist of the Decade should be awarded to someone who has been crucial in the industry, whose work and creativity have defined the sounds of a decade, and whose image has made a cultural impact. Does Swift have that? That’s questionable. We could say that she has definitely had an impact on the industry due to the massive success she’s had amongst her fans (we’ll go there in a sec), but a cultural impact? I really doubt it.
Has her music defined the sounds of the decade? Also no. Actually, if there’s something I give to her haters is that she kind of turned her back to her origins and the genre she represented at the beginning. She became known as a country musician and left it all to amass a fortune on the most mainstream genre, pop. Now, it’s okay to change the course of your career (there’s nothing wrong with that), but the fact that she kept being awarded and recognized as a country artist for years when she wasn’t doing anything within the genre, is not okay.
Having said that, according to the standards of the AMA’s to define the Artist of the Decade, well, she does fulfill that, which is being the most nominated and awarded artist on their program. Swift has won 23 AMAs so far (being the most awarded female artist in their history) and is close to beating Michael Jackson’s record, which could happen this year.
Now, this criteria doesn’t say much. Of course, being named Artist of the Decade by a particular event doesn’t say much either. The fact that these awards are decided by the fans has a lot to say, and when it comes to fans, Taylor does have a huge fanbase of really intense and passionate followers. So, in this regard, it could make sense. But I insist, is this enough? Sorry, but I think not. If you ask me, and I stand on the same ground as with Taylor, if there’s someone who’s changed the music industry, and that deserves that so acclaimed award, it should be someone like Beyoncé.
Anyway, Taylor Swift will receive the honor on November 24, and to celebrate with her fans, she’ll be doing a performance with some of her greatest hits of the decade. Let’s see how it goes.
Photos from @taylorswift
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