Wrapping up the Asian leg of her world tour, Taylor Swift is relishing her growing international appeal.
Before taking the stage Monday at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo arena, Swift received a long line of Universal Music executives from across Asia who presented her with platinum sales plaques. Swift's Fearless album has sold 400,000 copies in the region. Her latest release, Speak Now, achieved platinum status in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.
"Some of them were really surprising to me. I wasn't aware of every single certification we have in Asia. It really blew my mind," Swift said backstage.
It's testimony to the singer's growing crossover appeal on foreign shores. Swift said she's proud to be an international ambassador for country music.
"I love country music, and I love the fact that it's being accepted all over the world," she said. "I have heroes who have taken country music internationally. You have Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. They really did a lot for country music because they brought an awareness to it. The fact that I have the opportunity to do that, too, and go to other countries where I've never been before and play music — it's what I've always dreamed of doing."
Swift kicks off the European leg of the tour on March 6. The American leg begins May 27, bringing her home to Nashville for a sold-out two-night stand Sept. 16 and 17 at Bridgestone Arena.
— MIN LEE, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Doobie Brothers to make 'Opry' debut
The Doobie Brothers — known for pop-chart hits including "China Grove" and "Listen to the Music" — will make their Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday.
The current lineup — which includes founding members Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston, along with John McFee and Guy Allison (as well as Middle Tennessee-based touring member John Cowan) — begins its 40th anniversary celebration tour in April. The title track from new album World Gone Crazy is being pitched to country radio stations beginning this week.
Tickets for the Opry are $28.50-$55 (with discounts for children ages 4-11), available at www.opry.com. Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and others also will play Saturday's Opry. — PETER COOPER
Ex-Paramore members are bandmates again
Less than three months after parting ways with Paramore, brothers Josh and Zac Farro are bandmates once again.
Novel American — the post-Paramore band Josh formed in January — announced Monday that Zac would be taking over for drummer Tyler Ward, who's bowing out to focus on family and non-profit work. Zac also has another band, Half Noise, which he said via Twitter would remain active.
Paramore is in South America for its first tour since the brothers' departure.
— DAVE PAULSON
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