After weeks of listing its picks for the 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, Billboard is close to naming its No. 1— and the rankings have some fandoms up in arms.
Fans believe Billboard will officially name Beyoncé as the greatest pop star of the 21st century, as she has yet to be placed on the list. Taylor Swift, however, came in second, as revealed by the publication on Tuesday, November 26. Swifties aren’t taking this placement kindly, as they believe she should be higher on the list. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment.
“Even Beyonce fans are shocked she’s #1 cause they know that even if you combined destiny’s child’s and Beyonce’s total career sales,” said one Swift fan on X (formerly Twitter). “it’s still nowhere close to Taylor’s. There are no metrics supporting this achievement, just sympathy and vibes.”
“Love Beyoncé, but commercial success matters,” said another Swiftie. “If an artist of her caliber can’t keep an album on the charts for a year, how can she be the greatest pop star? Taylor’s record-breaking sales and longevity make her deserving of the top spot.”
“I like beyonce but she’s nowhere near taylor’s level when it comes to impact and numbers, her being number 1 is a CHOICE also f**k billboard,” wrote another Swiftie.
It is worth noting that Beyoncé first began releasing music in 1998 as a member of R&B group Destiny’s Child. Over the course of her career, she has earned four Hot 100 No. 1 hits, as well as nine solo No. 1s, bringing her total to 13. Each one of her eight solo albums has also topped the Billboard 200. Swift didn’t make her mainstream debut until 2006 with the release of her self-titled debut album.
Because of the longevity Beyoncé has maintained, many members of the Beyhive believe her potentially placing at No. 1 on the list is more than fair.
“Y’all are delusional if you think anyone other than Beyoncé deserves the #1 spot for biggest pop star of the 21st century,” wrote one fan. “She’s constantly defied industry norms and has been a musical and cultural pioneer since she debuted lmao. Not everything is about sales. Cry about it.”
“when people talk about taylor’s legacy they talk about numbers and success,” wrote another fan. “when people talk about beyonce’s legacy they talk about talent and impact.”
Fan divisions aside, Swift and Bey have often expressed support for each other. Last year, Bey attended the premiere of Swift’s Eras Tour concert film, and Swift attended the premiere of Bey’s Renaissance World Tour documentary.
Billboard will reveal its No. 1 pick on Tuesday, December 3.