Taylor Swift Thanks Country Music’s Elite When Accepting Pinnacle Award at 2013 CMA Awards
If for some reason you need further proof that Taylor Swift is a class act, you needn't look any further than her Pinnacle Award acceptance speech at the 2013 CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 6).
The 23-year-old singer, who finally burst into tears during the last second of her speech, took care to individually thank country music's elite who presented her with the award -- George Strait, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley -- for everything they taught her on her ascent to becoming the most famous young country star of this generation.
First, Lennon and Maisy from 'Nashville' serenaded Swift with their sweet, chairside rendition of 'You Belong With Me,' which saw Swift singing along. "We love you, Taylor," the girls said after their performance. The singer then motioned them to come over for a hug and multiple forehead kisses.
Next, McGraw narrated a video package and montage, where the A-list likes of Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Timberlake and more wished Swift congratulations and espoused her general awesomeness.
Swift then took the stage, looking resplendent in red. "They told me this was going to happen, I didn't know there would be all this, and Lennon and Maisy and the package," she remarked.
"I remember when I was 16 and I got the call from Scott Borchetta from my label," she continued. "He said, 'Can you be on the road in two days and open for Rascal Flatts?' I said, 'It's a miracle' and he said, 'No, Eric Church got fired for playing too long."
After a minute for the crowd to laugh, Swift furthered, "George Strait taught me to play the songs your fans want to hear. Brad Paisley, who I toured with for nine months ... I sat on a speaker by the side of the stage and watched him every single night and he was funny, and I'll never be that funny."
She espoused the virtues of Urban and said Tim and Faith's style is a pinnacle she will never reach, proving her humble, modest nature.
"To whoever made this choice, you are not rewarding my hard work and exhaustion, but my family and my label and anyone who works with me and the fans who fill stadiums. I love you," the 'Red' hitmaker said.
"You made me feel so special right now, thank you," she finished, as she burst into tears.
Garth Brooks is the only artist to ever have received the Pinnacle Award, so Swift is in good company. Congrats, Miss Swift!