The hit single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' marked Taylor Swift's biggest step yet away from her country music roots.  But Swift's performance on last night's 40th Annual American Music Awards solidifies her preparedness to take her place among other pop princesses.

Swift gave a dramatic performance of her new song 'I Knew You Were Trouble' from the platinum-selling album Red.  As if the track wasn't hard candy enough for the strictest of pop devotees (it was co-written and produced by Max Martin and Shellback of Britney/Backstreet Boys/NSYNC fame), her AMA stage show featuring song would give Britney Spears a run for her money even on her best day.  The theatrics had all the making of a pop concert, complete with a team of expertly choreographed dancers, elaborate costumes, and flashing lights.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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Taylor may have shown up respectively enough at the start of the song dressed from neck to ankle in a white grecian gown, but in the flash of a smoke bomb she revealed an embroidered and leather strapless corset getup.  By the end of 'I Knew You Were Trouble' Swift was writhing around on the stage like Madonna at the VMA's circa 1984, and perching on a gilded throne.

Swift says she plans on making her Summer 2013 stadium tour even more of a spectacle than her last go around, and last night's AMA's looked like dress rehearsal.

 

So what do you think of Taylor's pop turn?  Can she pull off making music for both genres?  Or should she stick to country?  Take our poll!

 

Watch Taylor on the AMA's!

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