The music universe is ablaze with chatter after Billboard dropped its highly, anticipated list of the ‘25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century,’ crowning none other than Queen Beyoncé as No. 1. While the Beyhive got excited and burst into celebration, Taylor Swift’s devoted fans aren’t taking the news lying down.
With two decades of chart-topping hits, ground-breaking performances, and a cultural impact that extends far beyond music, Beyoncé’s top ranking feels like destiny to her fans. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages, with one fan declaring, “WE WON! QUEEN BEYONCÉ ON TOP!” Another chimed in, “Her influence is unmatched—20 years of sheer greatness!”
It’s hard to argue with Beyoncé’s enduring legacy, from her Destiny’s Child beginnings to her critically acclaimed solo albums, revolutionary visual albums, and jaw-dropping live performances like Coachella 2018 (affectionately known as Beychella). Her artistry and activism have made her a global icon, a force that transcends pop stardom.
Coming in at No. 2, Taylor Swift is no stranger to accolades. Her record-shattering Eras Tour grossed over a billion dollars, her re-recorded albums are topping charts, and she officially joined the billionaire club, all fuelled solely by her music and touring. Yet, for some of her die-hard fans, that second-place spot stings.
Swifties took to social media to express their outrage. One frustrated fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “How much did they pay Billboard for this?!” Others passionately argued that Swift’s recent achievements deserved the top spot, saying, “She’s redefined pop stardom this year. This ranking makes no sense.”
Main Image: People Magazine