Taylor Swift Becomes First Female Artist To Win Global Icon At Brit Awards

Taylor Swift became the first woman to receive a Global Icon trophy in this year’s Brit Awards on Tuesday night. During her acceptance speech, Swift told her fans and new artists to let “cynicism or skepticism” fuel them. She told her audience that there will always be people trying to bring others down.

“If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you’re rising … we live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything that they want about you at any time, but just please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong,” she said.

Swift has seven No. 1 albums in the United Kingdom and was nominated for international female solo artist, though she lost this award to Billie Eilish.

This year’s Brit Awards was hosted by British comedian Jake Whitewall. Though the event was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it took place in the O2 Arena and was described as the “first major indoor music event to welcome back a live audience.”