Counting blessings

TAYLOR Swift is one of music's biggest stars, so when asked to write a song with her one might question what they can do to help, even if they are an artist with three Grammy Awards of their own.

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OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder faced that situation when he was asked to help the singer with her fifth studio album 1989.

The Counting Stars hitmaker explained: "Taylor Swift is pretty much you let her do her thing, and you're there as a support person.

"If she knew how to do all the instruments and play and produce tracks, she would only need a producer in the room if she elected to have one, she doesn't need it.

"I'm quoting (producer) Max Martin, he told me the night that we won the Grammy for 1989... We're standing backstage waiting to take photos, and Max leans over me, and he kind of chuckled and goes in his Swedish accent, 'Ryan, you know, I don't actually think she needs any of us, please don't tell her that'.