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As Billboard continues to roll out its list of Greatest Pop Stars of 2024 through December, fans express displeasure. This week, the publication announced their picks, which included Taylor Swift at the third spot ahead of Chappell Roan and Charli XCX (the top two pop stars yet to be announced).
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The list also featured Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Jelly Roll. As news of the development spread, internet users were quick to criticize Billboard. One stated:
"billie at #9 is a JOKE she should be higher, you know universe should Charli xcx be above ariana on any list, and Taylor should be top 2. so basically this is a mess."
Many expressed their disappointment at Taylor Swift not topping the list, with one user even questioning what standard was used in making the lineup.
"Chappell higher than Ariana?" one questioned.
"i speak for everyone when i say that Taylor should be number ONE," another remarked.
"Huh? What's the standard? Taylor is third and Post Malone is eighth. Isn't it weird?" a person wondered.
Others speculated on the top two contenders with several hoping it would be Sabrina Carpenter.
"who is on this committee i need to know..." one user stated.
"Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar will be 1 and 2," another commented.
"Sabrina will be #1," a fan added.
Billboard recently faced backlash for naming Beyoncé as the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century ahead of Taylor Swift
Billboard began announcing their picks for Greatest Pop Stars of 2024 on December 12. Ahead of the reveal, the publication shared their list of ten honorable mentions, which included Drake, Bruno Mars, Future, GlorRilla, Gracie Abrams, Karol G, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, and Tyler, the Creator.
The publication explained that their lineup was not "mathematically determined by stats like chart position, streams, or sales numbers." While it played a part in the ranking, Billboard added:
"But so do things like music videos, live performances and social media presence, and more intangible factors like cultural importance, industry influence, and overall omnipresence."
The publication highlighted that they made their presence felt throughout the year. Billboard also named Hozier as the Comeback of the Year and Shaboozey as the Rookie of the Year.
The announcement comes just weeks after Billboard revealed its Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century list. They ranked Taylor Swift at the No. 2 spot behind Beyoncé. While announcing Swift's ranking, the publication reasoned:
"Her placement shouldn’t leave Swifties upset for too long — especially considering how much later in the millennium she got her start, both in the genre and music in general."
However, soon after the reveal, Swift fans began sharing negative comments targeting Beyoncé and her family. This prompted the Halo singer's fans (called the BeyHive) to call out such remarks using the hashtag #SwiftieRacism. In response, Swift's fans began accusing the BeyHive of racism, and soon #BeyHiveRacism began trending on X.
Neither Taylor Swift nor Beyoncé publicly reacted to the development.
