Taylor Swift is chosen Time Person of the Year 2023

In a moment that will go down in history, Taylor Swift has once again rewritten the narrative by being crowned TIME’s Person of the Year for 2023. What’s truly remarkable is that she is the very first woman to grace the cover twice with this prestigious title since its inception back in 1927. Her prior triumph was in 2017, where she was commended for her role as one of the influential Silence Breakers who empowered women to speak out against sexual misconduct.

The magnitude of Swift’s recognition goes beyond her exceptional creative prowess. She stands as the first person to be acknowledged for accomplishments in the arts, breaking barriers and etching her name in the annals of history. Additionally, she is only the fourth individual selected who was born in the last 50 years, cementing her status as a pioneering icon for this generation. Joining a select few repeat honorees, including various U.S. presidents and world leaders, Swift’s impact on the world is immeasurable.

The TIME’s Person of the Year accolade has a rich history, initially known as “Man of the Year” until 1999. Traditionally, it heavily favoured male recipients, reflecting the dominance of men in global leadership and top CEO positions. Prior to 1999, the title of “Woman of the Year” had only been awarded individually to three women, highlighting the historical gender disparity.

In recent years, there has been a positive shift towards acknowledging influential women, with individuals like Angela Merkel and Greta Thunberg being celebrated for their impactful contributions. In 2020, 89 new covers were created by TIME to honour influential women who had been overlooked throughout history. These women, as described by former editor-in-chief Nancy Gibbs, were the “different drummers” who shaped the world without always receiving deserved acknowledgment.

Swift, known for her record-breaking achievements, is undeniably a trailblazer in her own right. Her accomplishments transcend the boundaries of music and entertainment, inspiring a generation and leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. As she continues to make history, Swift’s impact on the world is one that will stand the test of time.

In the poetic words of Taylor Swift herself, “All at once, the rest is history.”