NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official tourism and marketing organization, has partnered with Taylor Swift to make her the city’s global ambassador for tourism. However, some New Yorkers have taken umbrage with the decision as Swift has resided in the city for only a few months.
Billy Joel, one of New York’s most famed musicians and residents, disagrees with this sentiment and spoke to USA Today on the subject. In the interview, the Piano Man stated "She catches a lot of junk, maybe because she's so popular with young girls,” he added “I see the New York press going, 'Taylor Swift is going to be the new New York representative?’ – You snoots. Let her in. That's what New York is all about. I say, 'Welcome.'"
Joel also noted that he believes Swift is a “talented songwriter” who doesn’t deserve some of the criticism directed at her over the course of her career.
Swift dedicated a song, “Welcome To New York” on her most recent album, the platinum-certified “1989” to her adopted home. Joel also wrote about New York in his 1976 hit “New York State Of Mind.”
Both artists also had big weeks breaking records. Sales of Swift’s latest album have reached levels which have not been seen since 2002 and Joel has been smashing records with his continuing string of sell-out concerts for his Madison Square Garden residency. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
