Today, Taylor Swift appeared on 'Ellen' to perform her single 'The Story of Us' -- and to talk about living in the spotlight, her album 'Speak Now' and her dedication to helping the victims of the tornadoes down south.

Before her interview, Ms. Swift stepped out during the show's opening monologue in order to help Ellen DeGeneres -- a fellow Cover Girl model -- show what it takes to be a spokeswoman for the cosmetics line. Swift joked as she credited DeGeneres with teaching her everything she knows about being a classy Cover Girl.

After she demonstrated some trotting and lip puckering model moves, the singer joined DeGeneres for a sit-down interview. During the interview, Swift talked about her past experiences on 'Ellen' and how overjoyed she is about the positive response her fans have had to 'Speak Now.' The Nashville native also talked about opening her tour rehearsal to fans in order to raise funds for the victims of the tornadoes down south.

Swift also spoke about the personal nature of her songs, and how she will never complain about living her personal life in the public eye. "I think it's just obnoxious if I complain about anything. You know, I hear people talk about like, 'Oh, the intrusions on my privacy.' It's like there are a million other jobs you could have had," Swift said. "And for me, I've just come to an acceptance of the fact that this is my life, and if somebody wants to hide a relationship or has privacy issues, then we don't have the same view point. 'Cause for me it's just like, live your life. If people happen to take pictures, you laugh about it in the car afterward."

After her interview, Swift performed new single 'The Story of Us,' which marks her televised premiere of the song. Wearing a sassy school girl-inspired outfit, Swift rocked out onstage to the upbeat single about the awkwardness that comes with seeing an ex-boyfriend.

Post-performance, Swift took the time to surprise one of her biggest fans -- whose style appropriately reminded us of an outfit we would see Swift herself wearing -- with a basket of Taylor Swift memorabilia, tickets to her show and VIP passes, once again proving that the 'Mean' singer is all about spreading the love.

Watch Taylor Swift Perform 'The Story of Us' on 'Ellen'

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