In a groundbreaking moment for both music and entertainment history, Taylor Swift has been crowned Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2023. The announcement, made live on TODAY on December 6, marks another remarkable achievement in the 33-year-old pop sensation’s illustrious career, characterized by her record-breaking “Eras Tour,” a chart-topping concert movie, and a highly publicized romance with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
Breaking a 96-year tradition, Swift stands out as the first solo entertainer to claim the prestigious title, a feat that speaks volumes about her global impact. Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, emphasized Swift’s ability to transcend borders and be a beacon of light, describing her as someone who can move people like no other on the planet. Jacobs highlighted Swift’s unique position as both the author and protagonist of her own narrative.
In a candid interview with Time, the “Blank Space” singer reflected on her historic 2023, a year that saw her amass billionaire status and become the most-streamed artist worldwide on Spotify. Swift also opened up about her relationship with Travis Kelce, revealing that they had quietly become a couple well before their widely observed appearance at the Chiefs-Bears game on September 24.
Swift’s monumental year kicked off with the global “Eras Tour” in March, featuring epic shows that garnered widespread acclaim and led to soaring ticket sales, boosted hotel revenue, and billions of dollars in economic impact. Even Kelce, demonstrating unwavering support, traveled to Argentina to witness her performance, culminating in a heartfelt on-stage kiss.
The success of the “Eras Tour” extended beyond live audiences, as footage from the concerts was transformed into a concert movie, grossing over $250 million at the box office. Additionally, Swift reclaimed her throne as the most-streamed artist on Spotify by re-releasing her “1989” and “Speak Now” albums.
The singer’s reign shows no signs of waning, with the international leg of the “Eras Tour” set to continue into the following year, concluding on December 8, 2024, in Vancouver.
In her conversation with Time, Swift expressed pride in her influence, extending beyond the realms of music into the box office and even reaching Rio’s iconic Christ The Redeemer. “This is the proudest and happiest I’ve ever felt and the most creatively fulfilled and free I’ve ever been,” she shared.
As Swift stood out among a distinguished group of nine finalists, including global figures like China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, the public also overwhelmingly supported her. A TODAY.com poll revealed that 43% of TODAY fans voted for Swift as the Person of the Year, making her the clear favorite.
With her historic designation as Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor Swift joins the ranks of influential figures recognized for shaping the world’s narrative. As she aptly puts it, echoing Russell Crowe’s iconic line from “Gladiator”: “Are you not entertained?” Indeed, 2023 has been a year where Taylor Swift not only entertained but left an indelible mark on the world stage.
MOST KEY POINTS
- Taylor Swift is named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2023, a historic achievement as the first solo entertainer to receive this distinction in the publication’s 96-year history.
- The announcement was made live on TODAY on December 6, marking a significant milestone in Swift’s already illustrious career.
- Swift’s 2023 highlights include her massively successful “Eras Tour,” the largest concert movie of all time, and a widely publicized romance with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
- In a candid interview with Time, Swift reflects on her historic year, including becoming a billionaire and earning the title of the most-streamed artist globally on Spotify.
- Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, emphasizes Swift’s unique ability to transcend borders and be a source of light, recognizing her as both the writer and hero of her own story.
- The “Eras Tour,” which kicked off in March, became a cultural phenomenon, with fans worldwide participating in the experience, from wearing friendship bracelets to creating DIY-themed costumes.
- Travis Kelce’s support for Swift was evident as he attended her concerts, even traveling to Argentina, culminating in a memorable on-stage kiss.
- Swift’s re-recorded albums, “1989” and “Speak Now,” contributed to her regaining the title of the most-streamed artist on Spotify.
- The international leg of the “Eras Tour” is set to continue into the next year, concluding in Vancouver on December 8, 2024.
- Taylor Swift’s influence in 2023 extends beyond music, making a mark in the box office and even reaching iconic landmarks like Rio’s Christ The Redeemer. Her designation as Person of the Year solidifies her as a global phenomenon shaping the cultural landscape.