While the singer’s monumental success was recognized, many Swifties are questioning why she wasn’t crowned number one on the list.
HighlightsTaylor Swift took the #2 spot on Billboard’s list of 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century.Fans expressed outrage over the singer being given the second spot on the list.While the #1 spot has not yet been revealed, many assumed that Beyoncé will be crowned number one on the list.Some argued that Beyoncé’s broader cultural influence justifies her ranking above Taylor, while others defended Taylor’s supremacy in sales, streams, and records.
On November 26, Billboard unveiled its 2nd ranking, placing the 34-year-old singer ahead of other major names like Rihanna, Drake, and Lady Gaga, who occupied the 3rd, 4th and 5th spots respectively.
While revealing its second-place pick, Billboard highlighted that theShake it Offsinger achieved a level of success “never quite seen before” after transitioning from country music to pop in the early 2010s.
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Taylor Swift took the #2 spot on Billboard’s list of25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century
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“It’s impossible to imagine the past 15 years without the presence and impact of Taylor Swift, a singer-songwriter who came out of country music to reach pop heights that only a handful of other artists in history had even approached before,” Billboard said in a social media post.
“She’s taken over the charts, set records at nearly every award show imaginable, and put up sales numbers that most assumed were no longer possible, while refashioning the pop star mold in her pen-forward image and transforming the music industry with theunprecedented successof herTaylor’s Versionre-recordings,” the post continued.
Despite her massive impact, fans felt the need to take to social media to express their frustration that she wasn’t at the very top.
“Taylor deserved #1,” one fan wrote.
“Shame on you, Billboard! Taylor Swift is redefining the music industry, shattering records, and transforming everything she touches,” another passionately declared. “Yet, you felt the need to undermine her achievements. For any artist worldwide, #2 on your list would be a monumental accomplishment — except when it’s Taylor, the very reason your relevance endures.”
Billboard recognized theCruel Summersinger’s unparalleled transition from country to pop and her record-breaking sales
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The sentiment was clear: being second wasn’t enough for the hitmaker’s dedicated fan base.
“2nd? The only artist to occupy the entire top 10of your charttwice,” another wrote.
“Are you guys joking with this?” one asked. “Taylor deserved number 1.”
While many expressed outrage, not all agreed with the criticism.
Some fans suggested that Taylor’s placement was fair, arguing that while her chart performance and streaming numbers are undeniable, ranking her second reflects the broadercriteria of legacyand cultural impact.
The identity of the top-ranked artist remains under wraps, but many assumed that Beyoncé will claim the title. Several netizens agreed that her influence stretches beyond statistics, encompassing cultural significance and having a lasting impact on the genre.
Many fans speculate that Beyoncé will claim the #1 spot due to her cultural influence, longevity, and unmatched talent
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“If the list was based solely on charts and mathematics, we could say Taylor,” one said. “But if we consider cultural impact, artistic influence, legacy, longevity, vocals, live performances, the greatest-of-all-time lists, the appreciation of her peers, that substantial aspect that goes beyond objective stats; it’s obviouslyBeyoncé.”
“Y’all are delusional if you think anyone other than Beyoncé deserves the #1 spot for biggest pop star of the 21st century,” another said.
Hardcore Swifties took to social media to voice their frustration with Taylor’s #2 ranking, with many arguing she should have been #1
Image credits:Billboard
Meanwhile, Beyoncé holds the record for the most Grammy wins of all time, with 32 golden gramophones. She has also earned 26 VMA wins as a solo artist, along with two as part of Destiny’s Child and two withJay-Zas The Carters.
Some argued Beyoncé’s broader cultural influence justifies her ranking above Taylor, while others defended Taylor’s supremacy in sales, streams, and records
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