1. Can Taylor Swift appear on an awards show without getting goofy?
Apparently not. After she opened the show with an over-the-top but entertaining performance of "Blank Space" — complete with floating furniture, burning bushes, and a bunch of backup dancers who looked like they were cast at an "Impersonate Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance" contest — she held the camera with a long, meaningful stare. But once the show went to commercial and she was walking offstage with her fellow performers, Swift flapped her arms like an overexcited chicken, clearly (and charmingly) pleased that she had nailed a complicated routine.
4. Who got to use the full stage?
Since the show was a cavalcade of hit songs — with a few awards shoehorned in, handed out pretty much exclusively for people who actually showed up — most performers were allotted one-half of the stage (to allow the crew to break down and set up equipment on the other half). But four acts (out of 18) had enough clout to command the entire stage. Taylor Swift for "Blank Space" — well, she's the top-selling star in the business. Pitbull and Ne-Yo for a "Don't Stop the Party"-"Fireball"-"Time of Our Lives" medley — sure, Pitbull was the likable if awkward host of the show. Iggy Azalea and Jennifer Lopez with "Booty" — OK, it was the much-hyped show closer. Fergie with "L.A. Love (La La)" — huh? Say what now?
18. Who'll end up with the greater career, Diana Ross or Taylor Swift?
Miss Ross gave the inaugural Dick Clark Award for Excellence to Tay-Tay — so who has the upper hand? Both of them became superstars despite not being vocal virtuosos. Ross made her thin voice into a vulnerable trademark, scored 18 Number One singles (12 with the Supremes, six solo), and set the standard by which all other pop divas are judged. Swift is the most popular live performer in the country, has taken the celebrity breakup song to new heights, and (crucially) writes her own material. Right now, longevity gives the edge to Ross — but check back in 10 or 20 years.
I can't wait to see the boost on iTunes, hope it'll be huge.
And yas at the host talking about the self replacement at #1 record, it's so damn impressive.
I still wish the backing vocals weren't so loud cuz I feel like the vocals shouldn't be so loud on this song.
