In a triumphant end to 2023, Taylor Swift has been bestowed the honor of TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year. The recognition, awarded to individuals or events with a significant impact on global affairs, places Swift in the esteemed company of past recipients like Barack Obama and Greta Thunberg.
Swift’s achievement is underlined by the monumental success of her Eras tour, which not only shattered box office records but also sparked a congressional inquiry into Ticketmaster’s sales practices due to overwhelming demand. In an interview with TIME, Swift expressed her pride and happiness at this pinnacle moment in her career.
Eras Tour and Cultural Impact
The Eras tour marked a breakthrough for Swift, with each 180-minute concert leaving her physically exhausted but contributing to a cultural phenomenon. The tour’s demand was so immense that it crashed Ticketmaster’s website, leading to hearings in the US Senate regarding the ticketing giant’s business practices. Swift’s concerts even caused seismic activity in Seattle, akin to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake.
Swift’s career resurgence comes after facing criticism for her stance on feminism and politics. Her pandemic-era albums, Folklore and Evermore, showcased a new musical direction, solidifying her status as a generational songwriting talent.
Record-breaking Sales and Achievements
Swift’s dominance extends beyond her tour. In 2023, she released the highest-selling record, a re-recording of her album 1989, with two other albums, Midnights and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), securing the second and third spots in the US sales charts. The Eras tour film became the highest-grossing concert movie globally, raking in $249 million.
In an unprecedented feat, Swift became the first living artist with five albums simultaneously in the US Top 10, surpassing a record previously held by Barbara Streisand. Her achievements also include breaking the record for the most number-one albums by a woman in US chart history, totaling 13.
Billionaire Status and Personal Resilience
Swift’s financial success reached new heights, with Bloomberg estimating her net worth at $1.1 billion in late 2023. She stands as the first musician to achieve billionaire status solely through her music career, distinguishing her from peers whose wealth includes diverse business ventures.
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Beyond the spotlight, Swift candidly discussed her personal struggles, notably the toll of her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The singer reflected on moving to a foreign country and seclusion, emphasizing her response to adversity as defiance and a commitment to keep creating art.
In a fitting conclusion, Swift’s TIME cover prominently features her beloved cat, Benjamin, as she continues her reign as a cultural icon.