Billy Joel defends Taylor Swift as NYC promoter

New York rocker Billy Joel has defended Nashville transplant Taylor Swift as the Big Apple’s first Global Welcome Ambassador.

Joel — who will accept an ASCAP Centennial Award on Monday and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in Washington, DC, on Wednesday — said New Yorkers who disapprove of Swift’s new role in town are “snoots.”

“Let her in. That’s what New York is all about. I say, ‘Welcome.’ I think she’s a talented songwriter,” Joel told USA Today.

“I respect what she’s doing.”