Superstar Taylor Swift was surprised backstage during the dress rehearsals for The 43rd Annual CMA Awards when Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn presented her with the 2009 CMA International Artist Achievement Award.
Brooks and Dunn, who have announced they will disband after 20 years of hit-making, were last year's recipients of the award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of country music outside the United States.
"This is beautiful!" Swift said.. "Thank you so much! This is an awesome way to start the day!"
"What Taylor has done for country music inside the United States is amazing in itself, but what she has done for the format internationally is outstanding," said Tammy Genovese, CMA's CEO. "She recognizes the importance of taking her music around the globe, and in doing so, has become a phenomenal ambassador for country music. She is very deserving of this award."
Swift's second album Fearless has made a huge international impact, achieving gold and platinum certifications in fourteen countries that span five continents. In addition to her native United States, those countries include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Fearless has also reached the Top 10 on album charts in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and more.
Her hit song, "Love Story," raced up airplay charts around the globe, reaching No. 1 in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom; top-five in the Czech Republic, Ireland and Norway; top-10 in Denmark and Finland; and top-20 in Greece, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, South Africa and on the European Chart. Airplay.
Swift performed promotional and concert tours in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom in both 2008 and 2009. Among her sold out shows and appearances was the high profile V Festival series in the United Kingdom.
Past winners of the CMA International Artist Achievement Award, originally known as the CMA International Touring Artist Award, are as follows:
1996: BR5 49
1997: The Mavericks
1998: Trisha Yearwood
1999: Shania Twain
2000: Reba McEntire
2001: Lonestar
2002: Bellamy Brothers
2003: Dixie Chicks
2004: Dolly Parton
2005: Keith Urban
2006: Dixie Chicks
2007: Dwight Yoakam
2008: Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn
2009: Taylor Swift
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