Why Taylor Swift rocks our world

Does Taylor know that in the not-so-distant past girls like her were throwing themselves at Def Leppard? Probably not, but in the genre-jumping TV show “ Crossroads” on CMT, Swift took the stage with the legendary rockers -- even trying her hand at “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” The guys helped out with her hits too, like “Teardrops on My Guitar,” and they weren’t shy about poking a little fun at the teen queen. When she gushed about putting all of her relationships into song, guitarist Vivian Campbell warned, “You realize no one’s going to date you.” “Yeah, I’m coming to realize that,” she replied with a giggle.  (Rick Diamond / WireImage)

Though she didn’t have anything nominated at the 2009 Grammy Awards, Swift still performed. She was joined by teen star Miley Cyrus, but the moment was all Swift’s. After all, it was Swift’s “Fifteen” that the pair sang.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

In concert, Swift is known to bring out some classic covers. You know, songs by such veteran artists as Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and even Eminem. She may be grounded in country, but Swift takes a borderless approach to her music, fearlessly tackling pop, R&B and even hip-hop. Hey, it’s gotten her this far . . .  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)