“Wow, anyone who knows me at all knows that Game of Thrones is my life, so the fact that Maisie [Williams] was here to present this–I want to grab you, I can't because we're social distancing, but thank you so much for coming here to do this. And that video, anyone who was in that video—Selena, Zoë, Ed, Griff, and my soul left my body when Annie Lennox was on that video, that was like a thousand surprise birthday parties where all your friends are jumping out like, 'Ahh!' and you're like, 'This is the best.'
I want to thank the Brits, or anyone who decided I would be worthy of this incredible honor. I'm really proud to be a part of this musical community, especially in a year when we all needed music so much. But what we needed even more was the help and support we got from the NHS and key workers who are here tonight. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. This is a really cool [award], I love this. I am so indebted to and grateful to my British fans. I love you so much for everything you have done for me. We've had so many amazing memories in the last 15 years, from playing Shepherd's Bush Empire to the O2 Arena to Wembley Stadium, and because of you, last year I almost even played Glastonbury.
But we all know what happened next. The world changd, and I ended up putting out three albums instead. So making folklore and evermore was one of the most unique, cathartic, extraordinary experiences I've ever had, and I would love to thank the amazing, creative people I made those albums with: Thank you Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff, Joe, Justin Vernon, The National, Marcus Mumford, Jon Low, Serban Ghanea, Laura Sisk, and Haim.
I want to thank my friends and family, who know exactly who they are, who's opinion of me never changed, whether my stock is up or down. If there's one thing I have learned, it's that you have to look around you every day, and take note of the people who have always believed in you, and never stop appreciating them for it and never take them for granted. There are so many incredible new artists in this room tonight who have goals, ambitions, and dreams for themselves. I need you to hear me when I say that there is no career path free of negativity. If you are met with resistance, that probably means you're doing something new. If you're experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you're rising. And there might be times when you put your whole heart and soul into something and it is met with cynicism or skepticism. You cannot let that crush you. You have to let it fuel you, because 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. I love you all, thank you so much for this beautiful honor. Thank you to the Brits. This is amazing.”
— Taylor accepting the Global Icon Award at the 2021 Brit Awards
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