Perhaps Taylor Swift’s most remarkable era is unfolding before us. The renowned pop sensation has been declared Time’s 2023 Person of the Year, marking another significant achievement in a year filled with milestones. From her immensely successful “Eras Tour” to the record-breaking concert film and a highly publicized romance with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, Swift has dominated headlines. Notably, the romance predates her attendance at the Chiefs-Bears game on September 24, revealing in her Time interview that they were already a couple by then.
In the 96-year history of Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor Swift stands out as the first entertainer to receive the solo designation. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to grace the Person of the Year cover twice since the franchise’s inception in 1927. Swift had previously been honored in 2017, recognized as one of the “Silence Breakers” who empowered women to speak out against sexual misconduct.
During the Today Show’s announcement on Wednesday morning, Sam Jacobs, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, elucidated the rationale behind Swift’s selection. He emphasized her ability to transcend borders and serve as a beacon of light, highlighting her unique talent to connect with and move people on a global scale. Jacobs acknowledged that attributing such an achievement solely to celestial alignments overlooks Swift’s undeniable skill and influence, describing her as a rare individual who is both the author and protagonist of her own narrative.
In addition to Taylor Swift’s recognition, Time named soccer luminary Lionel Messi as its 2023 Athlete of the Year. The shortlist for Person of the Year encompassed diverse figures such as Barbie, Hollywood strikers, King Charles III, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Trump prosecutors.
