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.
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.
