Taylor Swift has been honored as Time’s 2023 Person of the Year, and in a candid cover interview, she delved into her close friendship with fellow music icon Beyoncé. Describing Beyoncé as the “most precious gem of a person,” Swift highlighted the warmth, humor, and kindness that characterize their relationship. Their bond became public when Swift attended the London premiere of Beyoncé’s concert film, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.
In the interview, Swift praised Beyoncé for her role as a disruptor within the music industry, stating, “She’s such a great disrupter of music-industry norms.” Swift acknowledged Beyoncé’s influence on artists, emphasizing how she has taught them to challenge outdated business practices and advocate for their artistry.
Despite their mutual admiration, Swift expressed frustration over how the media tends to pit their successful tours against one another. She noted, “There were so many stadium tours this summer, but the only ones that were compared were me and Beyoncé.” Swift pointed out the media and fan culture’s tendency to fuel competition among women in the industry, highlighting that this dynamic can be lucrative for the press even when both artists are not interested in participating in such narratives.
Celebrating the achievements of both her and Beyoncé’s tours, Swift viewed their success as a significant win for women in music. She also referenced the cultural impact of their live shows and noted the concurrent success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, calling the summer a “three-part summer of feminine extravaganza.”
Swift commented on societal perceptions regarding female-centered art, stating that women’s interests are often deemed more frivolous than those of their male counterparts. She suggested that if feminine themes become profitable, it could lead to more female art being created, which she finds incredibly encouraging.
The public’s approval of Swift and Beyoncé’s friendship has grown in recent months. Beyoncé showed her support for Swift at the Los Angeles premiere of The Eras Tour Film, while Swift attended the premiere of Beyoncé’s concert film. In an Instagram post, Swift expressed her gratitude for Beyoncé’s influence, stating she is thankful for how Beyoncé has taught her and other artists to challenge boundaries and reject industry norms.
Overall, Swift’s reflections highlight not only her respect for Beyoncé but also the importance of solidarity among women in the music industry.
