Kaylah Walton
Billboard has stirred up conversation by declaring Beyoncé the top pop star of the 21st century, which has ignited discussions among fans of both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Beyoncé, 43, was recognized as the leading artist based on her extensive “full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.” Taylor Swift placed second, with her dedicated fans passionately voicing their disagreement with this ranking.
Fans of Taylor Swift quickly argued for her rightful claim to the number one position. One fan tweeted on X, “Taylor had more impact in the last 5 years than Beyoncé in her whole career ×5.” Another pointed out a perceived edge that Beyoncé had due to timing, stating, “In other words, because Taylor was 15, Beyoncé had the advantage.. what type of publication is this .” Some supporters even referenced Billboard’s own criteria of “influence, evolution, and impact” to advocate for Swift, asserting that those qualities are also evident in her work.
Numerous fans of Swift expressed discontent with Billboard’s decision, highlighting the lack of quantitative data to support their rankings. They noted that the magazine had even acknowledged that “Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers – from album sales to streams to touring dominance.” One fan commented sarcastically, “so the staff picked [Beyoncé], not reality. got it.”
Supporters rally for Taylor Swift
Conversely, fans of Beyoncé rushed to her defense, underscoring her remarkable influence and lasting legacy. One admirer remarked on X, “No one has been able to have the type of staying power Beyoncé has been able to have over the past three decades. And for that alone, she’s the biggest artist alive.” Another emphasized her extensive career as justification for receiving the honor.
Amid the spirited debate between fans, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have shown mutual respect for each other’s work. In October 2023, Beyoncé attended the premiere of Swift’s “Eras Tour” film and took pictures with her. Later, in November 2023, Swift showed support by attending the London premiere of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” film. Following her appearance, Swift took to Instagram to express her gratitude for Beyoncé’s presence.
As discussions continue over who holds the title of the pop music throne, both artists have undeniably made significant contributions to the industry and display a shared admiration for one another.
