By james art 
PA MediaTaylor Swift will be referred to in the future in the same way people refer to classic lyrics, according to the president of a university society dedicated to her.
Orla Keough of the Taylor Swift Society at the University of Birmingham said the country singer-turned-pop megastar often references classic literature in some of her music.
“She’s known for her pop songs, but they actually go much deeper than that and I think she can even compare to some of [the] great poets,” said Ms Keogh.
Swift is the most streamed music artist of all time and her Eras tour was the most successful world tour of all time.
Last year, she was named the fifth most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine.
At a special event held at the university on Wednesday night, academics gathered to discuss the pop star’s influence and cultural contribution.
Sara Montano, a professor of retail marketing at the university, said it was important to consider not only the economic power Swift had, but also her social influence — such as her support of Kamala Harris in the US presidential race.
“People listen to her, but she’s not immune to criticism either,” Prof Montano said.
“So even if she’s the fifth most powerful woman, she’s still criticized when she posts these statements online and also when she gets involved in the music industry.
“What’s so unique about this event tonight is that we can, as a group of social scientists, really explore what it means to be a modern icon and what that says about society today.”
ReutersDuring the event, dozens of fans – known as “Swifties” – made bracelets.
One of the attendees, Phoebe Hearst, said the concept of making the bracelets came from a lyric in one of Swift’s songs.
Since then, concertgoers have started exchanging the bracelets with each other.
“It’s a big community thing and a way to make friends and just go and talk to people at the gigs,” Ms Hirst explained.
The event in Birmingham also featured talks as well as musical performances dedicated to Swift.