In a surprising turn of events, the Taylor Swift era continues to dominate the world. The superstar singer-songwriter has been named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year, marking the first time an entertainer has received this prestigious honor from the long-standing publication.
Time made the announcement on Wednesday morning, shaking up the usual pattern of choosing rulers or industry titans as the Person of the Year. The magazine acknowledged that the usual selections have been politicians or powerful figures, but they broke the mold by choosing Swift. They highlighted her influence in a year filled with darkness and division, stating that “every year contains light and dark; 2023 was a year with significant shares of darkness. In a divided world, where too many institutions are failing, Taylor Swift found a way to transcend borders and be a source of light. No one else on the planet today can move so many people so well.”
Swift’s impact is undeniable, especially considering her global Eras Tour and three number one albums in 2023. Time also noted that she has achieved more No. 1 albums than any woman in history, solidifying her status as a musical powerhouse.
In addition to Swift, Time also honored soccer star Lionel Messi as its athlete of the year and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as its CEO of the year. It’s quite the eclectic mix of individuals, but one thing’s for sure—Taylor Swift is in a league of her own.
Looking back at previous recipients, it’s clear that Time has a knack for choosing unexpected winners. In 2022, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and the “Spirit of Ukraine” took top honors, while Elon Musk was named Person of the Year in 2021. President Biden and Vice President Harris were the 2020 recipients, marking a diverse group of influential figures.
The shortlist for this year’s Person of the Year also included Barbie, Hollywood strikers, King Charles III, Fed chairman Jerome Powell, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Trump prosecutors. It’s a wild bunch, but Swift stood out as the ultimate choice in the end.
Time’s decision to crown Taylor Swift as the Person of the Year proves that the world is ready for a new kind of leader—one who can bring people together through music and unfiltered creativity. With Swift at the helm, there’s no telling what the future holds for the world of entertainment and beyond. Congratulations to Taylor Swift on this well-deserved recognition, and here’s to more chart-topping success in the years to come!
