Billboard recently named Beyonc the greatest pop star of the 21st century, sparking a heated debate among fans of both Beyonc and Taylor Swift. The music outlet placed Beyonc, 43, in the top spot, citing her “full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.” Taylor Swift, who came in second, has an equally passionate fan base, and many of her supporters took to social media to express their disagreement with the ranking.

Swifties were quick to argue that their idol deserved the top spot. One fan boldly claimed on X, “Taylor had more impact in the last 5 years than Beyonc in her whole career 5.” Another pointed out what they saw as an unfair advantage for Beyonc, writing, “In other words, because Taylor was 15, Beyonc had the advantage.. what type of publication is this .” Some fans even used Billboard’s own criteria of “influence, evolution and impact” to argue in Swift’s favor, with one noting that these descriptors apply to Taylor as well.

Many Swift fans also criticized Billboard for not relying on numerical data to determine the rankings. They pointed out that the publication itself admitted that “Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers – from album sales to streams to touring dominance.” One passionate fan remarked sarcastically, “so the staff picked [Beyonc], not reality. got it.”

Swift fans demand justice for Taylor

On the other hand, Beyonc’s fans were quick to defend her position, emphasizing her enduring legacy and unparalleled influence over the past two decades. One admirer wrote on X, “No one has been able to have the type of staying power Beyonc has been able to have over the past three decades. And for that alone, she’s the biggest artist alive.” Another fan highlighted her decades-long career as evidence of her deserving the title.

Despite the online clash between their fan bases, Beyonc and Taylor Swift have publicly supported each other’s careers. In October 2023, Beyonc attended the red carpet premiere of Swift’s “Eras Tour” movie, posing for photos with the singer. In November 2023, Swift returned the favor by attending the London premiere of Beyonc’s “Renaissance” film. After Beyonc’s appearance at her premiere, Swift shared her admiration on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the Texas-born superstar’s support.

While fans continue to debate who reigns supreme in pop music, it’s clear that both artists have left an indelible mark on the industry and share mutual respect for one another.