Taylor Swift Billboard’s woman of the year
Taylor Swift has topped off an amazing year by picking up Billboard’s coveted Woman of the Year award for the second time.
Friday’s honour came as the US singer was preparing to celebrate her 25th birthday on Saturday.
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Taylor Swift has sold more than 1.6 million albums. Photo: AAP
She told the audience: “Being named Billboard Woman of the Year for a second time is this amazing early birthday present. I turn 25 at midnight tonight, and I fully intend to to celebrate like it’s 1989 (the title of her hit new album and the year of her birth).”
She also reiterated her stand on streaming music sites after pulling her back catalogue from Spotify last month, adding: “I’ve taken this year to stand up for my value as a songwriter, as a businesswoman and a content creator.
“I’m very well aware the music industry is changing, and it will continue to change. I’m open to that change and progress. I’m not open to the financial model that is currently in place.”
There was another special moment for Swift when Aretha Franklin sang Happy Birthday to the country pop star.
Australia’s Iggy Azalea received the Chart Topper award. The rapper thanked the women executives who pushed her career forward when she thought it was dead.
Charli XCX and Ariana Grande were also honoured at the gala.