From crashing websites to pretending to work while you're stuck as number 49,567 in line, and eventually settling for V.I.P tickets priced at a whopping 200 euros... Fans endured a teenage roller-coaster of highs and lows in their quest to secure Taylor Swift tickets.

Whether you like it or not, the news of Taylor Swift's fanatic sold out tickets across the world is worthy of being called a "worldwide phenomenon" at this point.

Being a Swiftie myself, I keep coming across people wondering and asking me: "What is this hype around this Taylor Swift?", which I shall gladly elaborate on in sequenti.

Let's start off with some facts to keep dead-set naysayers at bay:

At the moment of writing this, Taylor Swift now has more no. 1 albums than any woman in history. "Speak Now" is Taylor's 12th album to reach the chart's coveted top spot (compared to The Beatles who hold the all-time record with 19). She's also the only woman to chart four albums in the top 10 at the same time. To top it off, her current tour "The Eras Tour" could exceed $1 billion in revenue.

Now, let's get to the point of why I think she's as popular, besides the statistics.

In an industry dominated by fleeting trends and "fake" social media personas, Taylor Swift has captivated hearts with her authentic approach to music and her unwavering dedication to her fans. Her ability to remain humble despite her monumental success, truly makes her stand out among artists (who are far less success), who lost touch with reality. This humility shines through in her stage presence, which in turn truly captivates audiences with a genuine warmth.

Moreover, Swift possesses an ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. It is hard not to be charmed by her genuineness, as her lyrics always reflect the struggles and growth that many individuals experience while navigating life's hurdles. Her ability lies in channeling these experiences into relatable songs, with more than enough listeners finding solace and strength in her music (91 million monthly listeners on Spotify).

But what I personally find most admirable is her ability to face global scrutiny and unwarranted criticism, always rising above it in a very graceful manner. For a while, she was an underdog, hated by many, even disappearing for a year amidst the #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty trending all over twitter.

I think what sets her apart is quite simply put her intelligence. Yes, she is beautiful, has a good voice, and is creative, but add to all of that a touch of intellect and you get a force to be reckoned with. Not only does she understand the business side of the industry, but she also exhibits emotional intelligence, which resonates deeply with her fans. She is a masterful storyteller, crafting narratives that take her audience on deeply personal journeys through her life. She hides "eggs" in her lyrics, speeches, and music videos, inviting fans to decode and discover hidden meanings. Her audience is constantly "engaged" with every content she releases, which intrigues and connects.

And whether you like her or not, no one can deny how far she goes to stay in touch with her fans, valuing their support and actively interacting with them. From inviting fans to her home and cooking for them, to personal gestures that demonstrate her genuine appreciation, Swift understands that nurturing a strong bond with her audience is crucial. This unwavering connection creates a fierce loyalty that many artists can only dream of having with their fanbase... At this point I don't think it's an exaggerating to say that Swifties would help cover-up dead bodies for the singer...

Now, I understand that some may question Swift's overwhelming popularity, wondering if her musical talent alone justifies her status. But the truth is, Taylor Swift's appeal extends far beyond her songs or vocal range. It is her relatability that captivates her audience. At the end of the day, people yearn for someone they can look up to, someone they can admire, and yet still see themselves in. Swift embodies this rare combination.

She manages to be both aspirational and relatable, which is the essence of her appeal. Especially in a world where authenticity is often overshadowed by manufactured images, Taylor Swift truly is a beacon of genuine connection. Her humility, relatability, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to her fans make her an exceptional artist.

It is these qualities that drive people to relentlessly pursue tickets to her shows, in hope of witnessing (and maybe even brushing off of) her magic.