Swift's charm overshadows singing talent; Fans will enjoy pop-star's performance

CHARLOTTESVILLE — In the 12,500 capacity crowd to see Taylor Swift on March 19, there were approximately 5,000 pair of cowboy boots, 2,000 Swift-y sundresses and one gentleman wearing a cowboy hat.

Because, really, even though country radio likes to claim Swift and her "Fearless" album just earned the distinction as the most-awarded in country music history, not many would argue that the 20-year-old superstar is more Miley than Dolly.

But so what?

Also falling into that category: Is Swift a great singer?

Not even close.

Though at John Paul Jones Arena date in Charlottesville, Swift's reedy voice sounded remarkably tuneful — a bit surprising given those recent cringe-inducing TV awards performances. She might, however, want to reconsider her awkward cover of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around . . . "

But what she lacks in natural vocal talent, she compensates for mightily with gawky normalcy, a seemingly genuine affection toward her fans and an ability, at only 20, to craft catchy songs that follow a familiar cycle: puppy love = heartbreak.

Think that doesn't play well among her teen fans, many of whom were moved to sobs upon Swift's arrival on stage in a drum majorette uniform, poised high atop the stage for her opening "You Belong With Me"?

Probably a combined 15 minutes of Swift's two-hour show consisted of her standing at the edge of a catwalk, stone-still except for a sly smile and a tilted head, as the Forever 21-looking crowd shrieked and professed their devotion. This is a young woman who has learned the definition of "milk it."

But in between glow-basking and flinging her luxurious locks, Swift and her polished seven-piece band adeptly swung through her already considerable catalog of hits.

Swift will hit the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on June 2.

Melissa Ruggieri is a reporter with Media General’s Richmond Times-Dispatch.