Taylor Swift is “obsessed” with getting more No. 1 hits than Katy Perry and is making an aggressive push to get songs from her album “1989” promoted to beat her pop rival’s record.
“She wants seven No. 1s,” said an industry source, adding, “Katy tied Michael [Jackson]’s record for having five No. 1s from a single album, and Taylor wants to beat Katy. She wants to be the greatest.”
Swift set out to woo media and radio promoters by having intimate listening sessions at her Tribeca apartment before she released the album last October. “She knows all the radio execs by name and how to work a room. She’s a complete pro,” said the source.
Swift’s rivalry with Perry goes beyond music. Sources told us the two started feuding last year over mutual ex John Mayer, and Swift’s mention of a “straight-up enemy” in a Rolling Stone interview further sparked speculation that she and Perry were bitter rivals. “Oh, we’re just straight-up enemies. And it wasn’t even about a guy! It had to do with business. She basically tried to sabotage an entire arena tour. She tried to hire a bunch of people out from under me . . . I don’t think there would be any personal problem if she weren’t competitive,” she said.
As for Swift’s own competitiveness, an insider says she is no different from any other artist: “Of course there’s motivation to beat her peers, but it’s friendly competition. She’s completely focused on delivering great music and a great show.”
Another source said, “She’s so happy with the success of this album. Talk of No. 1 singles is for the label to deal with. She’s not even a part of those conversations. She’s concerned with her tour and putting on a show.”
Swift has been pulling out all the stops on her “1989” world tour, including inviting musicians like Mary J. Blige, Alanis Morissette, Dan Reynolds and Ed Sheeran onstage.
But something tells us she won’t be burying the hatchet by inviting Perry to join her. A rep for Swift did not comment.