"Because Taylor was 15, Beyoncé had the advantage"— Internet reacts as Billboard reasons its #1 pick for the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st century

After Billboard released its list of Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, the publication received a lot of criticism from Taylor Swift fans for choosing Beyonce as the number one pop star instead of the Lovestory singer. However, on December 3, Billboard issued a statement for its choice, saying that its editors spent months crafting the list.

“While Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers — from album sales to streams to touring dominance — our editorial staff chose Beyoncé as our Greatest Pop Star of the Century, based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact,” the statement read.

However, as soon as Billboard's explanation reached the realm of social media, it met with many reactions from the masses. Under @PopCrave's tweet about the publication's statement, one person said:

“In other words, because Taylor was 15, Beyoncé had the advantage.. what type of publication is this.”

Several others also criticized Billboard:

“Imagine doing less in 25 years than someone has done in 15,” added one social media user.

“So the staff picked her, not reality. Got it,” wrote one more.

“Taylor had more impact in the last 5 years than Beyoncé in her whole career,” exclaimed another.

Many Beyonce fans also jumped into the heated debate and sided with the publication for choosing the Single Ladies singer as number one on its list.

“No one has been able to have the type of staying power Beyoncé has been able to have over the past three decades. And for that alone, she’s the biggest artist alive,” wrote one social media user.

“In conclusion #talentwon,” commented another netizen.

“Beyoncé is Billboard’s #1 pop star of the 21st century for good reason. Over 25 years, she’s broken records, dominated charts, sparked debates, uplifted communities, and influenced generations. More than a pop star, she’s a cultural force!” opined one more.

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Exploring Billboard’s previous Taylor Swift controversy when the publication included a questionable clip of the singer in its video

Billboard recently faced backlash from Taylor Swift fans after it included a controversial clip in a video celebrating Swift as the Number 2 Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century.

The publication unexpectedly featured a controversial clip from Kanye West's Famous music video. In the video, Ye had included a wax figure resembling Taylor Swift lying in bed next to West, seemingly naked.

What was intended as an honor quickly became controversial, as several fans called out the publication. Soon, the publication deleted the video and issued a formal apology on X.

“We deeply apologize to Taylor Swift and all our readers and viewers. The clip, which inaccurately represented her, has been removed, and we sincerely regret the harm caused by this mistake."

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The Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list crowned Beyonce as Number 1 and Taylor Swift as Number 2. The names in the top 5 also included Rihanna, Drake, and Lady Gaga, followed by Britney Spears, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Adele in the Top 10.