Singer Kanye West takes the microphone from singer Taylor
Swift as she accepts the "Best Female Video" award during
the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009,
in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow))
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The second time at bat was the charm for country-pop artist Taylor Swift, who hit a home run and walked away with her first-ever MTV Music Video Award on Sept. 13, 2009.
Swift, 19, was nominated against some heady competition in the MTV contest's Best Female Video category; namely, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Beyonce, Kate Perry and Lady Gaga.
When Swift's name was announced as the category's VMA winner for her “You Belong with Me” clip, the camera that rested on the teen captured her utter surprise, including a prounounced "What?!" that even any non-lip reader could easily discern.
After a pregnant pause, Swift, still looking like she was in disbelief at taking the prize, began making her way to the MTV stage, where she graciously began thanking all who voted for her, but stressed she never thought she'd actually win such an honor, even if she dreamed of doing so, because she's a country artist, plain and simple, in spite of her pop leanings.
At that point, Swift was reminded by Kanye West (and rudely in this scribe's view) that fellow nominee Beyonce had created one of the best videos ever, and then the crowd's reaction became somewhat open for interpretation.
That said, watch the embedded clip below of Swift's win, then of West taking the stage and pulling Swift's mic away from her, and decide for yourself whether said interruption came across as sour grapes. It certainly took Beyonce aback, as video viewers will no doubt note.
Like or loathe the outcome, music fans, it looks like Swift needs to make room on the mantle for one more prize, and this time, it's an MTV Moonman. Kudos to Swift for standing tall and for making music that inspires her legions of fans. They, after all, enabled her to win the fan-voted MTV accolade, no matter the competition.
Comments
Taylor Swift held her emotions beautifully upon Kanye's rude and uncalled for interruption. I commend her for her aplomb. I am completely appalled by Kanye's disrespect for a fellow artist. I am grateful Beyonce shared her award and allowed Taylor to finish her well deserved speech of thanks. Thank you for this article. I love reading your articles for they are always informative and thoughtful.
Dee Hopkins
Kan-yuck's a big loser!
Kanye West proves, once again, he is a low-life. What a rude and inappropriate thing to do. Taylor Swift handled it with incredible grace.
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