Taylor Swift reacts to Beyonce becoming ‘greatest pop star of the 21st century’ according to Billboard
5 mins
Taylor Swift has expressed her delight in seeing Beyoncé named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century, despite the ranking placing Swift in second place—a decision that has caused uproar among her devoted fanbase. While many of Swift’s supporters labeled the decision a “complete joke,” Swift herself reportedly sees it as a fitting tribute to one of her idols, whom she deeply admires.
A Long-Standing Admiration
Swift, now 34, has maintained a positive relationship with Beyoncé, 43, for over a decade. Their bond became widely known during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards when Beyoncé intervened to support Swift after Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech for Best Female Video. At the time, Swift was a rising star, while Beyoncé was already an established global icon.
“Taylor couldn’t be happier about this,” an insider shared with DailyMail.com. “Beyoncé has had her back since day one when Kanye tried to take her award away. At the time, Taylor was just getting her start, and Beyoncé was already a massive superstar. Taylor has always looked up to Beyoncé as an inspiration.”
The source added, “While Taylor is flattered by her fans’ loyalty and their belief that she deserves the top spot, she is humbled by what she has achieved. She recognizes the incredible empire she has built and respects Beyoncé’s longevity and influence in the industry.”
The Fan Controversy
Swift’s fanbase, known for their unwavering devotion, expressed outrage over the decision to rank Beyoncé first, believing Swift was the rightful choice for the honor. However, Billboard defended their decision, highlighting Beyoncé’s sustained excellence over two decades.
In a detailed statement, Billboard explained:
“Few artists this period can match her in any of the most critical basic categories of pop stardom. Commercial success, performance abilities, critical acclaim and accolades, industry influence, iconic cultural moments—and absolutely no one can equal her in all of them.”
Billboard emphasized Beyoncé’s dominance in the music industry since her Destiny’s Child days and throughout her solo career, citing her unparalleled impact from 2000 to 2024. They acknowledged Swift’s achievements, stating she is the only artist to come close to challenging Beyoncé for the top spot. However, Beyoncé’s extensive 25-year career gave her the edge.
“Even Taylor Swift, the lone artist who really challenged Beyoncé for the top spot on these rankings—and who does have a clear statistical lead on Bey in many key categories; more on that later—simply hasn’t been around for long enough to be able to match the expansiveness of her quarter-century of dominance,” Billboard clarified.
While fans debate the rankings, both artists remain symbols of unparalleled talent and influence in the music industry. For Taylor Swift, being recognized alongside someone she admires deeply is a testament to her own incredible journey—and a reflection of the mutual respect between two of the greatest pop stars of their era.
