Set list & more thoughts on Taylor Swift at Xcel Energy Center

Taylor Swift: Strike a pose/ Star Tribune photo by Kyndell Harkness

How did Taylor Swift's concert compare to those of the other pop divas who've visited the Twin Cities recently?

Pink still ranks as the best, though Swift's Red Tour would rate No. 2. No one can top Pink's combination of daring, dazzle and pop craft-work. Swift might match her for the sheer joy generated among the fans. And she was certainly more focused and consistent than Beyonce, Rihanna or Lady Gaga. But, as my review suggested, Swift's concert Saturday at Xcel Energy Center seemed so carefully choreographed that you'd swear she programmed when she should blink. Her face constantly seemed to strike a pose, as if Miss Swift was ready for her close-up audition for Mr. Scorsese. (Thankfully, those oh-geez-you-really-love-me, open-mouthed moments of awe have exited her repertoire of poses.) The only thing that seemed remotely spontaneous was that she mentioned how many times she'd played at Xcel Energy Center (Sunday will be her fifth show there) and she mentioned that fans came from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Wisconsin. And, she chooses a different song to offer solo on her satellite stage each night. In some other cities, Swift has had surprise guests, including J.Lo, Tegan & Sara, Sara Bareilles, Carly Simon and Cher Lloyd join her to sing one of their songs. So do you think Swift could have lured Prince to join her for "Little Red Corvette" for her Red Tour? (He was in town Friday night when he showed up at the Dakota to see Les Nubians.) Or maybe she can get ex-Minneapolitan Dan Wilson – who co-wrote "Treacherous" with her—to do his "Closing Time" with her? Well, as Taylor says, a girl – or guy—can dream. By the by, if you go Sunday's concert, check out the display of outfits from some of her videos, which are in cases in the west concourse of the X. Here is what Taylor Swift performed Saturday: State of Grace/ Holy Ground/ Red/ You Belong with Me/ The Lucky One/ Mean/ 22 (during which she traveled to a satellite stage) Tell Me Why/ Everything Has Changed (with opening act Ed Sheeran)/ Begin Again/ Sparks Fly (she travels on a floating platform to main stage)/ I Knew Your Were Trouble/ All Too Well/ Love Story/ Treacherous/ We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together