EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Swift’s response to Beyoncé claiming the top spot on Billboard’s greatest pop star chart after fans voiced their outrage
Taylor Swift is «overjoyed» for Beyoncé after the music legend was named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard.
The announcement sparked controversy last week when it was revealed that Swift, 34, ranked second, a move that many of her dedicated «Swifties» labeled a «complete joke.»
Despite the backlash, Swift holds no ill feelings toward Beyoncé, 43, who she has long regarded as a «source of inspiration.»
«Taylor couldn’t be happier for Beyoncé,» an insider shared. «Beyoncé has supported Taylor from the beginning, especially when Kanye tried to take her award. At that time, Taylor was just starting out while Beyoncé was already a massive star.»
The two have maintained a strong friendship since their first meeting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where Kanye West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech.
Since then, they’ve shared private moments together, with Swift recently referring to Beyoncé as a «guiding light» during her own rise to pop superstardom.
Fans hoping for a collaboration between the two biggest women in pop may get their wish, as neither has ruled out the idea.
«She’s open to working together one day,» a source revealed. «The two are close and stay in regular contact.»
In response to the online backlash Billboard received from Swift’s passionate fanbase, the insider shared, «While Taylor is grateful that her fans are upset on her behalf, believing she should be number one, she remains humbled by the empire she’s built.»
After the announcement, many Swifties took to Instagram to voice their frustration, calling the list a «joke» and claiming that the «Fortnite» hitmaker had been «robbed.»
One user commented, «This is pathetic and should be corrected.»
In a video interview with reporters following the show, Swift expressed her appreciation for Beyoncé’s thoughtful gesture, saying, «She’s always been an incredible person, first and foremost.
Before being the talented artist and superstar, she’s just a genuinely wonderful person.
I thought I couldn’t love Beyoncé any more… and then tonight happened, and it was just amazing.»
