Born in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1989, Taylor Alison Swift began her singing career at age 10 as she performed in hometown karaoke contests, festivals, and fairs. At age 11, Taylor and her family moved to Nashville where they started handing out demo tapes to receptionists at every label on Music Row. Unfortunately, she went home with no record label but continued to sing as she wrote her first song, "Lucky You". Still trying to follow her dream of becoming a recording artist, Taylor and her family decided to move to Hendersonville, Tennessee where Taylor performed in a local cafe, the Bluebird Cafe. This is when she caught the attention of Scott Borchetta who instantly signed her to his new label, Big Machine Records.

Taylor at her eighteenth birthday party

Taylor's debut album, "Taylor Swift" was released on October 24, 2006. Swift co-wrote all the songs on the album which later debuted at #19 on the charts and sold more than 61, 000 albums. Her first single, "Tim McGraw" debuted during the Summer of 2006 which peaked at #6 on the charts during the week of January 27, 2007. The video also set a record by playing for thirty consecutive weeks on GAC's fan-voted weekly Top 20 music countdown. Since then, Taylor has won "Breakthrough Video of the Year" on the CMT Music Awards with "Tim McGraw" and the 2007 Country Music Association Awards for the "Horizon Award". Since her success, she has appeared on Good Morning America, Ellen, Regis and Kelly and at the 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Taylor at MTV's TRL in February

"This is a thoroughly charming debut - with youthful fun combined with a sophistication not expected." Amazon reviewer Parkin says of the album.

After her win at the CMT Music Awards, Taylor excitedly gasped, "I cannot believe this is happening right now. This is for my MySpace people and everybody who voted. The fans, y'all, I'm going out on tour with Brad Paisley and this is coming with me to every single [autograph] signing line so you can get a picture of the award you won for me. Thank you so much!"

Swift's second single from the album Taylor Swift, "Teardrops on My Guitar", was released on February 24, 2007. The song was inspired by a true high school event, where she liked a boy named "Drew Hardwick". Unfortunately for Taylor, he only saw her as a friend and a go-to person for advice regarding his relationship with his girlfriend. According to Taylor, he was well aware the song was written about him. The music video also guest-starred country artist, Tyler Hilton as a remake of Drew. The song became a massive hit amongst teens since the release. Her third single is rumoured to be, Picture To Burn.

She also recorded a holiday album, Sounds of the Season that was released on October 16, 2007, exclusively available at Target stores across America. The album, which was not as successful as her self-titled debut, featuring holiday classics like, "Last Christmas", and original songs written by Taylor.

"Taylor Swift's lovely and refreshing vocals make each track on this album spectacular." says High school freshman, Courtney Bowers, referring to the album. "Taylor puts her own sweet spin on each tune to make it uniquely her own."

Other than her opera singer grandmother, she also idolizes actress Keri Russell. The singer also admits part of her fasination with Keri is that she "rocks the curly hair". The actress took the time and wrote down all the products she uses for her hair, even a preferred blow dryer. "I just think it's awesome when cool people don't know they're cool. Love her." Swift adds.

Most recently, Taylor was nominated for Best New Artist against Feist, Paramore, Amy Winehouse and Ledisi at the 2008 Grammy Awards but lost to the strong vocals of Amy Winehouse. Swift is also in studio working on her second studio album slated for a fall 2008 release. She is also expected to have a co-writing credit on every track. According to Billboard Magazine, John Rich and Colbie Caillat contributed to the albums early tracks.

Other than a platinum-selling music career, Taylor launched a campaign to protect children from online predators. She teamed up with Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to combat internet sex crimes. The campaign soon launched in partnership with the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. They wish to distribute Internet safety information and materials to parents and students across the state.

"Chatting with friends and surfing the Internet is cool. But it's important to stay safe. Be safe about keeping your identity private online." Taylor adds.

Love her or hate her, the seventeen-year-old bombshell is one of country's most applauded artists today!

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