Global superstar Taylor Swift is one of the most well-known singer/songwriters in the world. With her newest album, “1989,” she is reaching levels that have rarely been seen before. “1989” became the ninth album to spend at least 24 weeks in the Billboard 200, along with albums by artists like Michael Jackson and the Backstreet Boys. Swift’s third album, “Speak Now”, is the only album to have all its songs on the Hot 100. She will appear in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most million-selling weeks on the U.S. album charts. Her past three studio albums, which she wrote herself, sold over a million copies in the first week of being released. “1989” was released almost one year ago and is still at the top of the charts. The seven-time Grammy winner deservedly has been named “Biggest Pop Star in the World” by a cover story in New York Magazine.

Swift has made a full transition from country to pop with “1989.” The album is named after the year she was born and is influenced by late 80’s pop. Unlike other pop singers and songs, she continues to write meaningful lyrics that reflect her personal experiences through relatable stories. When asked about songwriting, Swift explained, “When I write songs, I’m not thinking about millions of people. Songs are my diaries; they always have been. You have to put your trust in everyone because putting down those real, personal details and thoughts that make a song authentic also opens you up. Honesty is a big part of my songwriting.”

Swift brings these personal stories alive in her sold-out 1989 World Tour. Swift does more than most artists including designing tours, choreography, and costumes. This show is known for having a new surprise guest each night ranging from her celebrity friends such as Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran to other hitmakers like Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd. Other celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and Kobe Bryant also have made appearances. On the first night of many Los Angeles concerts, Bryant presented Swift with a permanent banner in the Staples Center for achieving the most sold-out shows in that arena. The set list includes all songs from her newest album, and some of her old hits accompanied by various instruments played by Swift. “Never one to do things halfway, Swift has made this a pop show — or rather the pop show, as far as 2015 is concerned,” according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

Perhaps most importantly, Swift is a great role model to fans, unlike many artists of the generation such as Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. Swift manages to stay down to earth, even with the success. She is known to respond to fans directly on social media, which explains why she has the most followers on Instagram. She has free meet-and-greets before and after her shows with fans that are chosen directly from her social media accounts, or from who her mom finds during the show. Fans have also received Christmas and Valentine’s Day gifts from this pop star. Before “1989” was released, she held “1989 Secret Sessions,” where Swift personally previewed her fifth studio album for 89 fans in each of her five houses. Swift’s fan base continues to grow along with her success. Currently, her only competition is herself, as she is the most popular pop artist of this generation.