PHOTOGRAPHS BY INEZ AND VINOODH FOR TIME
World-renowned pop phenom Taylor Swift has cemented her status as one of the most influential cultural figures of 2023. Named as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, the megastar reflected on her immensely successful ‘Eras Tour’ and record-breaking album releases over the past twelve months.
Swift’s massive global stadium tour saw her perform to sold-out crowds across the world, breaking numerous box office records along the way. The scale of demand for tickets was immense, even crashing primary ticket distributor Ticketmaster’s website. When not on stage, Swift continued crafting critically acclaimed albums. Her re-recordings of past works gave her back ownership of her master recordings, while new albums like ‘Midnights’ further demonstrated her unparalleled songwriting abilities.
Accolades for Swift’s achievements in 2023 have been wide-ranging. Her ‘Eras Tour’ film grossed nearly $250 million worldwide, making it the highest-earning concert movie in history. She simultaneously placed five albums in the top 10 of the Billboard charts, a first for a living artist. Her impact has also extended to breaking gender records on the Billboard charts previously held for decades.
Beyond commercial success, Swift’s cultural influence has grown immensely in recent years. Speaking volumes about themes of identity, womanhood, and the human experience, her artistry clearly resonates with audiences all over the globe. According to Time Magazine’s editor, Swift stands out as both the author and leading lady of her own unique story. It’s this ability to powerfully share her perspective with the world that solidifies why she deserves to be named Person of the Year. As she heads into 2024 with more sold-out shows and new music, Taylor Swift’s trailblazing career shows no signs of slowing down.
