Taylor Swift won Time magazine’s Person of the Year 2023, a first for an entertainer in the award’s solo category, at a pivotal point in her remarkable career. This honor made public on December 6 on TODAY, adds to Swift’s incredible year, highlighted by her hugely popular “Eras Tour,” a record-breaking concert film, and her much-discussed romance with a well-known athlete.
the big four taylor swift pic.twitter.com/6pE9rG9qbF
— t. (@crumbshizz) December 9, 2023
Swift is the only solo artist to win this accolade since the award’s founding 96 years ago, making Time magazine’s decision to honor her historic. The only other performer to have been included before was Bono of U2 in 2005 when he was a member of a charitable organization. Editor-in-chief of Time, Sam Jacobs, highlights Swift’s unique capacity to resonate with readers throughout the globe in the introduction of the magazine’s in-depth portrait of the artist. He states, “Swift’s narrative is not just about her talent but her ability to be the architect and protagonist of her journey.”
This year, her influence went beyond music. Swift outperformed other well-known artists on the global streaming charts with her re-recorded albums “1989” and “Speak Now,” and her “Eras Tour” concert DVD, which included videos from her thrilling performances, brought in over $250 million.
With plans to continue its global leg for the upcoming year, the “Eras Tour” promises to maintain Swift’s prominence. Her tour will end in Vancouver in December 2024, a testament to her lasting appeal worldwide.
Swift notes in an interview with Time that she is happy with the broad influence she has had in 2023 and that she has expanded her career beyond music to include movies and historical sites worldwide. “This is the pinnacle of my creativity and happiness, a time when I’ve felt most inspired and liberated,” she says.
Taylor Swift’s decision as Person of the Year was also reflected in popular opinion, as she was overwhelmingly chosen over other notable people and cultural icons in a TODAY.com survey. This recognition honours her accomplishments and draws attention to her significance as a global influencer and defining personality in the entertainment industry.