Let's go back. Way back. To 2008. Back then, it didn't seem country-pop princess Taylor Swift could get any hotter. She was the biggest selling artist of the year, after all. But the hardworking performer must have had some even loftier goals among her 2009 New Year's resolutions. In addition to her hotter-than-ever music career, Taylor's been honing her acting skills, guest starring on an episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and scoring a role in the ensemble rom-com "Valentine's Day." As the "Fearless" singer prepares to perform at (and perhaps win a Moonman at) this year's VMAs, Taylor is the focus of this week's "Star Gazing."
Click on the photo below to see pics from Taylor's stunning career and read on to learn more about her rise to fame.
The girl who famously grew up on a Christmas tree farm has been hustling her way to stardom since she was a little girl. At the age of 10, young Taylor began entering every karaoke contest, fair and festival that rolled through her Pennsylvania town. By 11, she'd distributed her demo to just about every label in Nashville, Tennessee. And just three years later her family relocated to Music City so she could sign a songwriting deal with one of the biggest publishers in the biz.
Not content to simply write for others though, Taylor signed a record deal with Big Machine Records, releasing her millions-selling self-titled debut in October 2006. Taylor's catchy beats and confessional lyrics have left fans wanting more and former flames (like Joe Jonas) a little nervous. With the late-2008 release of Fearless, the 19-year-old has not only avoided the sophomore slump but become a radio mainstay with hits "White Horse" and "Love Story." Baby just say, yes, indeed!
Are you rooting for Taylor to win a VMA this Sunday?
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