You got a problem with Taylor Swift being named tourism ambassador to the Big Apple? Tell it to one of Long Island's favorite sons: Billy Joel.
"I see the New York press going, 'Taylor Swift is going to be the new New York representative?'" Joel tells USA TODAY, affecting a tone of mock indignation. "You snoots. Let her in. That's what New York is all about. I say, 'Welcome.'"
Joel, who will be in town to accept an ASCAP Centennial Award on Monday night — before heading to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to collect yet another honor, the Gershwin Prize — is a fan of the country star-turned-pop goddess, it turns out.
"I think she's a talented songwriter," Joel says of Swift. "She catches a lot of junk, maybe because she's so popular with young girls. But I like what she's projecting. I respect what she's doing.