Taylor Swift is the new queen, having been selected 2023 Person of the Year by Time Magazine. This is the first time a performer has ever won the prestigious title from the established publication.
On Wednesday morning, December 6, Time revealed the award recipient.
Swift as Person of the Year
Over the years, there have been consistent trends in the picks. Traditionally, the selected individual has held the position of ruler over established spheres of influence. Typically, he or she is either a powerful politician or a well-known business magnate. In fact, according to the magazine's editor, Sam Jacobs, 14 presidents of the United States, five leaders of Russia or the Soviet Union, and three popes had all obtained the award.
"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," Jacobs added, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The pop singer-songwriter, who has had three albums that reached number one this year, is now on her worldwide The Eras Tour. She holds the record for most number-one albums by a female artist, said Time.
Several controversial topics were covered by Swift in the cover story, including her current tour, her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, and Scooter Braun's purchase of her masters.
Dominating the Year 2023
Read also: Spotify's 2023 global top artist
Aside from Anti-Hero and Cruel Summer entering the US Top 10 list, Swift was also recognized as the top artist in the US on Spotify. Three of her albums--Midnights, Lover, and Folklore--made it into the top ten most-streamed albums in the US market.
Read also: had reached billionaire status
With the record-breaking The Eras Tour adding an estimated $1.1 billion to her fortune, Swift became one of the wealthiest persons in the world. She is reportedly among the few artists who have reached that level via her music and live performances.
Other News Makers
Time it also honored Lionel Messi as its Athlete of the Year and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as the CEO of the Year.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and the "Spirit of Ukraine" were honored in 2022, while Elon Musk was awarded Person of the Year in 2021. It was Vice President Harris and President Biden who were honored in 2020.
Read also: nominated
