Taylor Swift Named Billboard’s No. 2 Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century
In a surprising announcement, Billboard magazine has ranked Taylor Swift as the second greatest pop star of the 21st century. This placement comes as part of Billboard’s ongoing series revealing its top 25 pop stars of the last 25 years.
Swift’s impressive achievements include:
- Being the only person to win Album of the Year at the Grammys four times
- Having the second-most Billboard Hot 100 entries of all time
- Tying with Jay-Z for second-most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200
- Becoming a billionaire solely through her music career
- Setting records with her Eras Tour, now the highest-grossing concert tour ever
Despite these accomplishments, Swift’s ranking below the top has sparked fan controversy.
Swift’s Journey to Pop Stardom
Taylor Swift’s rise to fame began in country music before she successfully crossed over to pop:
- She released her self-titled debut country album in 2006 at the age of 16
- She achieved massive success with her 2008 album “Fearless.”
- Transitioned fully to pop with 2014’s “1989”
- Continued dominating charts and breaking records with subsequent albums
Throughout her career, Swift has shown remarkable business acumen and a talent for connecting with fans through personal songwriting.
Reaction to the Ranking
The announcement has generated significant discussion online:
- Many Swifties express outrage, believing Swift deserves the top spot
- Some fans speculate Beyoncé will be named No. 1
- Others defend the ranking, noting Swift’s later start in pop music compared to other contenders
Billboard acknowledged the potential controversy, stating that Swift’s placement “shouldn’t leave Swifties upset for too long — especially considering how much later in the millennium she got her start.”
Looking Ahead
As Swift wraps up another monumental year, including:
- Winning her fourth Album of the Year Grammy
- Being named Time’s Person of the Year
- Continuing her record-breaking Eras Tour
- Releasing “The Tortured Poets Department” to massive success
Her influence on pop culture and the music industry remains unparalleled. While debate over her Billboard ranking may continue, Taylor Swift’s legacy as one of the defining artists of the 21st century is undeniable.