Taylor Swift Returns To The ACMs
Taylor Swift performed “Betty” at last night’s ACMs.
In case you haven’t heard (though there’s really no excuse for not knowing?), Taylor Swift surprise released her masterpiece last July, a quarantine album titled “Folklore.” The 16-track triumph contained all the folksy perfection listeners needed to get through these tough times.
On a more personal note, it also marked a return to Swift’s roots. Her past few albums steered heavily in the pop-direction, despite her country origins. On “Folklore,” Swift assured her audience that she never forgot how to write the high-quality lyrics present throughout her earlier work.
The album also provided an opportunity for Swift to return to the American Country Music Awards. The last time she performed for them it was 2013, and she had just formally announced her intention to leave country behind. Last night, Swift debuted “Betty” live at the 2020 ACMs. Swift took the stage at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House with nothing more than her guitar, a stage light, and an accompanying harmonica player.
“Betty” tells the story of 17 year old James, who recently upset the object of his affection, Betty. James is named after the child of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, personal friends of Swift’s. The song is reminiscent of many of her early, storytelling songs, pieces like “Speak Now,” “Fifteen,” or “Teardrops On My Guitar.”
At the Grand Ole Opry, Swift donned a sequin, burgundy top, tucked into tan pants with a zipper detail, and heels. She also wore muted makeup and a simple, pulled back hairstyle. Due to the pandemic, and probably just because she’s good at it, Swift has been doing all her own styling during this album run.
Listen to Swift perform “Betty” below.