In a momentous decision, TIME Magazine has bestowed the title of Person of the Year for 2023 upon none other than Taylor Swift. Breaking the mold as the first artist to receive this historic recognition, Swift’s phenomenal achievements and far-reaching impact on global events throughout the year have solidified her status as a cultural icon, transcending genres and resonating across diverse spheres.
In an exclusive and introspective interview with TIME, Swift offered a captivating narrative of her record-breaking year, offering insights into the intense preparations that fuelled her triumphant Eras Tour and the meticulous process of re-recording her groundbreaking albums. Emphasising her commitment to living life on her own terms, Swift remarked, “Life is short. Have adventures.”
The Eras Tour, a colossal success that grossed an unprecedented US$2.2 billion in North American ticket sales alone, not only showcased Swift’s musical brilliance but also unveiled her unwavering dedication and mental fortitude. Swift’s unique approach to tour preparation, involving daily treadmill sessions where she sang her entire set list, stands as a testament to her commitment to delivering an immersive experience to her legion of fans.
Swift’s recognition as Person of the Year has sparked lively debates and discussions about the unconventional choice. Traditionally, this honor has been reserved for political figures or leaders in science, yet Swift’s influence on culture and the economy cannot be ignored. With billions generated worldwide, Swift’s impact has transcended the boundaries of the music industry, even prompting foreign leaders to extend invitations for her concerts to their countries.
While some argue for alternative candidates like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen or Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Swift’s economic impact and global reach set her apart. The Eras Tour’s resounding success, coupled with record-breaking album sales and streaming numbers, solidified Swift’s position as a cultural and economic force, defying traditional expectations for TIME’s Person of the Year.
The TIME article also intricately weaves in the historical context of the Person of the Year award, highlighting Swift’s prior recognition in 2017 as one of the Silence Breakers during the #MeToo movement. Swift’s dual acknowledgments underscore not just her individual influence but her role as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
In closing, Swift’s historic achievement as TIME’s Person of the Year marks a paradigm shift. As the first woman to appear twice on the Person of the Year cover since the franchise’s inception in 1927, Swift symbolises a beacon of empowerment and resilience. Her impact on the global stage is undeniable, making her not just a music sensation but a trailblazer shaping the evolving landscape of influence and cultural significance. In the symphony of global affairs, Taylor Swift has orchestrated her own crescendo, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage and setting the tone for future generations to come.
Excerpt from Taylor Swift’s TIME Magazine Interview:
- About the Eras tour, she said “she toured like a frat guy”, and she said “This time, she began training six months ahead of the first show, every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud. Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.”
- “Then I had three months of dance training, because I want to get it in my bones. I wanted to be so over-rehearsed that I could be silly with the fans, and not lose my train of thought.”
- “It feels like the breakthrough moment of my career, happening at 33. And for the first time in my life, I was mentally tough enough to take what comes with that.”
- “I’m very careful to be grateful every second that I get to be doing this at this leave,, because I’ve had it taken away from me before. There is one thing I’ve learned: My response to anything that happens, good or bad, is to keep making things. Keep making art. ”
- “This is the proudest and happiest I’ve ever felt, and the most creatively fulfilled and free I’ve ever been. Ultimately, we can convolute it all we want, or try to overcomplicate it, but there’s only one question” are you not entertained?”
Photos from: TIME/ TAS Rights Management/ Getty Images
