Billboard magazine has named Taylor Swift the second greatest pop star of the 21st century. The publication, revealing its rankings in recent pieces, described the list to feature “artists who have most defined pop stardom over the last 25 years.” This puts Swift out front of global icons from Rihanna to Drake, even Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.
Although there is acceptance, some fans are left wondering why Swift was not given the first position. Many believe Beyoncé, who has yet to appear on the list, will claim the number one position. Swift’s supporters flocked to social media to express their discontent over her unparalleled achievements.
Swift, 34, is the best-selling artist to debut this century and holds records for the most Hot 100 entries (264 songs) and the highest-grossing concert tour of all time with her Eras Tour. She has also made history with feats like occupying the entire Top 14 of the Hot 100 simultaneously and having the most albums in the Top 10 and Top 25 concurrently.
Billboard contributor Hannah Dailey had this praise for Swift’s role in reframing pop culture, noting the transformation from country icon to global pop superstar, but was also aware that the very same fans now in full-scale backlash have to speak to the backlash over ranking.
The win caps off a milestone-filled year for Swift. She is the first artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year four times, was named Time magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year, and currently boasts a net worth of $1.6 billion.
Fans wait with bated breath for the unveiling by Billboard of who will top the bill, but all indications are that it will be Beyoncé, and Swift’s wins only add to her history of being a pop sensation.
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