Taylor Swift has once again left an indelible mark on the world stage. This time, the renowned singer-songwriter has made history as Time’s Person of the Year 2023, marking a significant departure from the publication’s traditional selection of individuals wielding conventional power.
In a groundbreaking move, Time recognized Swift’s exceptional influence and impact, breaking away from the historical trend of honouring political figures or industry magnates. Sam Jacobs, the magazine’s editor, highlighted Swift’s unparalleled ability to transcend boundaries and serve as a beacon of light in a world grappling with division and institutional shortcomings.
Despite not holding traditional positions of authority, Swift’s global Eras Tour and her triumphant release of three No. 1 albums this year solidified her impact. Notably, Time highlighted her record-breaking achievement of having more No. 1 albums than any other female artist in history.
In her cover story, Swift delved into various pertinent topics, shedding light on her ongoing tour, her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, and her perspective on the controversial acquisition of her master by Scooter Braun. Addressing the challenges she faced, including the fallout from the Kanye West and Kim Kardashian incident, Swift candidly revealed the psychological toll it took on her, leading to a period of deep personal struggle.
Despite these adversities, Swift articulated how these challenges became catalysts for her transformative Eras Tour, recognizing that the lows she experienced propelled her to create and perform at an unprecedented level.
Reflecting on the tumultuous events involving Braun and West, Swift expressed a sense of impermanence and the importance of gratitude, emphasizing her commitment to continue creating art while refraining from actively engaging in conflicts with adversaries.
In a rare social media post expressing gratitude for the honour, Swift acknowledged her hesitancy towards interviews while expressing immense satisfaction in collaborating with writer Sam Lansky for the Time feature. She underscored her appreciation for including quotes from influential figures like Stevie Nicks, Greta Gerwig, Shonda Rhimes, Kenny Chesney, and her fans, reflecting on the pivotal moments leading up to this monumental year.
Time also recognized soccer star Lionel Messi as its Athlete of the Year and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as its CEO of the Year, marking a departure from previous years’ honorees, such as Volodymyr Zelensky and Elon Musk.
The 2023 shortlist for Person of the Year featured an eclectic mix, including Barbie, Hollywood strikers, King Charles III, Fed chairman Jerome Powell, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Trump prosecutors, showcasing the diverse range of impactful figures in the global landscape.