NEW YORK — Taylor Swift will welcome 2015 to New York City.
The country-turned-pop star — who follows Frank Sinatra, Jay Z and Billy Joel in writing a love song to the city with her recently released "Welcome to New York" — is the first act named for this year's Times Square New Year's Eve party.
City officials announced Monday she will headline Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
They also named her the city's "Global Welcome Ambassador," helping to “showcase the city’s unparalleled vibrancy” in an international campaign run by NYC & Company.
“'Welcome to New York’ perfectly exemplifies the unrivaled hospitality, energy and excitement that can be felt throughout all five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company, which is the city's tourism wing.
The yearlong campaign aims to bring more visitors to the area, using the song and videos chronicling Swift’s experience in the city.
The Pennsylvania native, who rose to fame in Nashville, Tennessee, said her time in New York has helped to inspire her creativity.
“What makes New York City New York City is that it is unlike any other place in the world,” Swift said in a promotional video. “It’s almost like the city has its own heartbeat.”
