(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Taylor Swift has raised over $750,000 for victims of last month's tornadoes which ripped through the South-eastern states of America.
The 21-year-old was so moved by the devastation that she opened up her final dress rehearsal in Bridgestone Arena for her upcoming Speak Now World Tour on Saturday to benefit those affected.
She called the Nashville, Tennessee event Speak Now, Help Now and said she was moved to do something after watching the news during her previous rehearsals.
"I felt like if it was possible to help them in any way, we should do it," Taylor said. "We were rehearsing and one of my dancers, who is from Alabama, came in and showed us a picture of a cyclone in her backyard and we were just floored.
"It came to me really quickly that here we are at a rehearsal in an arena where there are empty seats. What if we filled those empty seats and gave all the proceeds to the victims of the tornadoes?" she said of the inspiration behind the event.
The Grammy Award-winning artist shared with the audience that not only would the money from ticket sales be benefitting those who have lost their homes and possessions, but revenue from merchandise sold would be included in the final tally too. More than $750,000 was raised from sales of tickets, which were priced at $50 each.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with us tonight. I cannot tell you what a difference you are making in the lives of our loved ones in the Southeast," the Back to December songstress declared to her fans.
Taylor also delighted her fans by donating a red souvenir T-shirt to everyone who came to the concert to support the cause.
The venue turned into a sea of red as families and young fans draped themselves in the bright souvenirs.
A final count of how much money was raised will be announced in the coming weeks.
Taylor was also a big winner last night at the Billboard Awards walking away with the statues for Top Country Artist, Top Country Album for Speak Now and Top Billboard 200 Artist.
She will be headlining the annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee on June 12. (C) Cover Media