Tuesday's CMT 'Artists of the Year 2011' event was meant to honor five of country music's most influential artists, but the show wasn't without the occasional pop performance. The All-American Rejects, for instance, took the stage to pay special tribute to pop and country's shared favorite, Taylor Swift.

The band gave a nod to Swift's huge year in a super innovative way, with a rockin' version of her anti-bullying anthem 'Mean,' but also used their stage time to dive into their own hit 'Gives You Hell' in lieu of a bridge. When the camera spanned the audience, it stopped on Swift herself, who was shamelessly head-banging and mouthing the lyrics to the song while they performed.

Immediately following, the ever-gracious songstress collected her coveted award and thanked the country icons who helped her get where she is today, but also made mention of the pop and hip-hop stars who came to perform with her on her 2011 Speak Now Tour. Swift gave shouts to Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Nelly, T.I. and many more, who obviously were not seated among the country crowd.

Watch the All-American Rejects Rock Out to Taylor Swift's 'Mean'

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