Billy Joel approves of Swift

Taylor Swift, a relatively new resident of Manhattan, was named New York's Global Welcome Ambassador for 2014-15. Click through the gallery to see CNN's own nominations for New York's ambassador to the world.

Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez comes from the Bronx, and one of her albums paid tribute to the 6 subway line that connects Manhattan and the Bronx.

Director Spike Lee, shown here greeting President Barack Obama, shines his director's light on New York's problems. He fights for the Brooklyn borough where he was raised.

Many trace the birth of hip-hop to a party in an apartment building in the Bronx that DJ Kool Herc, whose real name is Clive Campbell, and his sister Cindy threw in 1973. Herc, far left, poses here with Baron Ambrosia, second from left, Desus and "Parts Unknown" host Anthony Bourdain outside Moodies Records during an episode focusing on the Bronx.

New York was an uncredited co-star of Jerry Seinfeld's hit television show, which ran for nine seasons.

The Naked Cowboy has been a fixture of Times Square for more than decade (and he's not truly naked).

Noted writer Fran Lebowitz has said she doesn't want tourism to dominate New York's economy.

Lena Dunham's hit HBO show, "Girls," also co-stars New York, but critics say she could do a better job of showing a more diverse city.

Jay Z, shown here with wife Beyonce, often sings and raps of the city that he conquered through his music.

• Joel calls New York press 'snoots'


• He offered his 'welcome' to Swift


• He expressed admiration for her talent

(CNN) -- New Yorkers can calm down now. Your president has spoken.

Billy Joel recently defended the selection of Taylor Swift as tourism ambassador for New York City. The "New York State of Mind" singer told USA Today that folks need to lighten up.

"I see the New York press going, 'Taylor Swift is going to be the new New York representative?'" Joel said. "You snoots. Let her in. That's what New York is all about. I say, 'Welcome.'"

Better NYC ambassadors than Taylor Swift

Swift is a recent transplant to the Big Apple and her latest hit album, "1989," features the single "Welcome to New York" as an ode to her new town. Fellow music scribe and die-hard New Yorker Joel further expressed his admiration for Swift.

"I think she's a talented songwriter," he said. "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."