In December 2023, Taylor Swift was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” cementing her place as one of the most influential figures in music and culture. The recognition highlighted her monumental success in 2023, including the record-breaking Eras Tour and astronomical album sales. However, her achievement attracted a pointed response from Elon Musk, the billionaire who had been named Person of the Year in 2021. Musk tweeted a cautionary message to Swift, saying, “Some risk of popularity decline after this award. I speak from experience lol,” referencing his own post-2021 struggles, particularly his controversial transformation of Twitter into X.
Musk’s tweet seemed to reflect his personal challenges after taking on the Person of the Year title. Following his rebranding of Twitter, he faced a significant decline in advertising revenue, with major companies like Disney and Apple pulling their ads from the platform. His remark about Swift was seen as dismissive by her fervent fanbase, leading to a swift and widespread backlash online.
In contrast, Swift responded with grace and gratitude to her Time recognition. She thanked editor Sam Lansky for the profile and reflected on her journey. “I’m really reflecting on this year and all the years that led up to it,” Swift wrote, acknowledging the fans and public figures featured in the piece, including Stevie Nicks and Greta Gerwig.
Sam Jacobs, the editor-in-chief of Time, defended Swift’s selection, noting that she had become a “source of light” during a year marked by division and hardship. He praised her ability to unite and inspire millions, making her an ideal candidate for the title.
The contrast between Musk’s cautionary tone and Swift’s celebration of her achievements underscored the complexities of fame and the impact of major accolades like Person of the Year. While Musk’s warning may have stemmed from his personal experiences, it raised questions about how such recognitions affect public figures in the long term. Despite the criticism, Swift’s influence remains as strong as ever, and her success continues to shape the music industry and cultural landscape.