Taylor Swift Surprised with CMA International Artist Achievement Award

Superstar Taylor Swift was surprised backstage during the dress rehearsals for the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn presented her with the 2009 CMA International Artist Achievement Award. Brooks & Dunn were last year's recipients of the Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of Country Music outside the United States.
"This is beautiful!" said Swift. "Thank you so much! This is an awesome way to start the day!"
Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer said, "[Swift] recognizes the importance of taking her music around the globe, and in doing so, has become a phenomenal ambassador for Country Music. She is very deserving of this Award."
Swift's second album, Fearless, has made a huge international impact, achieving Gold and Platinum certifications in fourteen countries that span five continents, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, in addition to the United States. Fearless has also reached the Top 10 on album charts in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and more.
Her hit song, "Love Story," raced up airplay charts around the globe, reaching No. 1 in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom; Top Five in the Czech Republic, Ireland and Norway; Top 10 in Denmark and Finland; and Top 20 in Greece, Holland, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, South Africa and on the European Chart. Airplay resulted in strong sales, causing "Love Story" to rise on many international Single Sales Charts, including No. 1 in Australia; No. 2 in the United Kingdom; No. 3 in Ireland and New Zealand; the Top 10 in Norway, Sweden and on the European Chart; and Top 20 in Denmark, Finland and Holland.
Swift performed promotional and concert tours in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom in both 2008 and 2009.