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Video: Taylor Swift helps tornado victims

Access Hollywood
updated 5/23/2011 6:52:39 PM ET 2011-05-23T22:52:39

Taylor Swift took home a slew of awards on Sunday at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, but the singer’s biggest achievement might have been the night before, when she helped raise close to $1 million for tornado victims.

Story: Rihanna, Taylor Swift win big at Billboard Awards

“It was so wonderful,” Swift told Access Hollywood guest correspondent Jayde Donovan about her rehearsal benefit show in Nashville, Tenn., for victims whose lives have been affected by the recent tornados.

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“It was almost like playing our first show because were playing for 13,000 people and it’s the whole show the way we would do the last dress rehearsal and I’m just so excited that we got to raise $750,000 dollars for the victims of the tornadoes,” she continued.

Swift said she was touched by people’s kindness.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Billboard Music Awards 2011

“It was such a wonderful night and I’ll never forget it — the fact that that many people on last minute’s notice wanted to come out and pay for their tickets and donate that money to them,” Swift said.

The singer, who took home the awards for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Album, said she most appreciated the fans at last night’s festivities.

“The sound of the crowd screaming is like the most beautiful sound in the world,” she explained. “I love going on stage. I love getting to do this and the fans are the best part about the whole thing.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebs Who Give Back

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Photos: Taylor Swift

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  1. Opry singer

    Country star Taylor Swift takes the stage during the Grand Ole Opry 85th birthday bash at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 9, 2010. (Tony R. Phipps / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  2. That was 'Easy'

    Swift, right, jons actress Emma Stone, star of the film "Easy A," at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, on Sept. 13, 2010. (Chris Pizzello / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  3. Tap those feet

    Swift performs at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2010. (Matt Sayles / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  4. Maine attraction

    Swift greets her fans after performing in Kennebunkport, Maine, on Aug. 27, 2010. The singer filmed her music video for the single "Mine" in the town made famous as a vacation spot for the family of President George H.W. Bush. (Robert F. Bukaty / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  5. A lot of hardware

    Swift poses in the press room with her four awards during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  6. In good company

    Katy Perry, left, Swift, Rihanna and Fergie pose during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards -- Salute To Icons Honoring Doug Morris at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010. (Larry Busacca / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  7. A Swift response

    Swift performs at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010. (Mark Davis / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  8. Taking in the big show

    Swift, left, and Sony CEO Howard Stringer speak at the Sony booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (Paul Sakuma / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  9. Thanking her people

    Swift accepts the award for favorite female artist during the People's Choice Awards 2010 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Jan. 6, 2010. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  10. Holiday spirit

    John Mayer performs with Swift during Z100's Jingle Ball 2009 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 11, 2009. On her new album, due out Oct. 25, 2010, Swift addresses a reported romance with Mayer in a song called "Dear John." (Jason Szenes / EPA) Back to slideshow navigation
  11. Country superstar

    Swift accepts the female vocalist of the year award as presenters Lee Ann Womack, left, and Kris Kristofferson look on at the 43rd annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 11, 2009. (Tami Chappell / Reuters) Back to slideshow navigation
  12. Song remains the same

    For the second year in a row, Swift holds her songwriting award as she attends the 57th Annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Nov. 10. (Peter Kramer / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  13. Taylor times two

    Swift, left, and Taylor Lautner attend the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Oct. 25, 2009. (Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  14. They're jammin'

    Jason Aldean, from left, Hillary Scott, Swift, Charles Kelly, Faith Hill and Dave Haygood perform at the "We're All For The Hall" benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 13, 2009. (Larry Busacca / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  15. Runway watcher

    Swift, right, and Penn Badgley, who plays Dan on "Gossip Girl," watch the Tommy Hilfiger spring 2010 collection during Fashion Week in New York on Sept. 17, 2009. (Diane Bondareff / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  16. An infamous moment

    Singer-rapper Kanye West takes the microphone from Swift as she accepts the best female video award during the MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Sept. 13, 2009. Later in the show, Swift got her chance to finish her acceptance speech. (Jason Decrow / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  17. Dancing in the streets

    Swift performs on the street outside Radio City Music Hall during the MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Sept. 13, 2009. (Charles Sykes / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  18. From the heart

    Swift poses in front of her newly unveiled star at Mohegan's "Walk of Fame" in Uncasville, Conn., on Aug. 28, 2009. The teenage singer has snagged at least two Country Music Award nominations, including one for the show's highest honor: entertainer of the year. (Thomas Cain / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  19. Rockin' out

    Swift performs during a concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on Aug. 27, 2009, as part of her "Fearless" tour, her first as a headliner. (Stephen Chernin / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  20. Mixing country and rock 'n roll

    Swift and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard perform at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on June 16, 2009. (Mark Humphrey / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  21. Hitting the keys

    Swift performs at the CMA Music Festival at in Nashville, Tenn., on June 14, 2009. (Josh Anderson / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  22. Wearing many hats

    T-Pain, left, and Swift rehearse for the 2009 CMT Music Awards at the Sommet Center on June 9 in Nashville, Tenn. (Austin K. Swift / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  23. Teen star power

    Actress-singer Miley Cyrus, left, and Swift arrive at the premiere of Walt Disney Picture's "Hannah Montana: The Movie" at at the El Captian Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on April 2, 2009. (Jeff Vespa / WireImage) Back to slideshow navigation
  24. The love is gone

    Swift and then-boyfriend Joe Jonas at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles on Sept. 7, 2008. Jonas reportedly broke up with her over the phone. (Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic) Back to slideshow navigation
  25. Gripping image

    Swift, left, and Kellie Pickler pose backstage during the Academy Of Country Music New Artists' Show at the MGM Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas on May 14, 2007. (Michael Buckner / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  26. A star is born

    Swift accepts the award for "Breakthrough Video of the Year" for the song "Tim McGraw" onstage at the 2007 CMT Music Awards at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., on April 16, 2007. (Peter Kramer / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  27. Playing the field

    Swift sings the National Anthem before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies on opening day at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 9, 2007. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
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