It is 2024, and everything is upside down. The economy is flailing, the world is on the verge of war, America is rife with protests, illegal immigration is stretching every inch of many major cities dangerously thin, and we are about to enter the primary season with the leading GOP contender under fire from political adversaries in Washington and numerous liberal stronghold cities.
In the entertainment world, the biggest entertainer on the planet recently unseated the greatest rock and roll singer of all time by breaking a record no one ever thought would be challenged, no less broken. Taylor Swift, with the NFL boyfriend and record-setting Era’s Tour, just surpassed the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, for a record that many thought would never be challenged.
Swift recently surpassed Elvis Presley as the soloist with the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The “Shake It Up” singer re-released her 1989 album after a dispute with her record label over her catalog, calling it 1989 (Taylor’s Version). She re-recorded the songs and put them back out, and the record proceeded to contribute an absurd 68 weeks on top of the Billboard 200, edging Elvis Presley, who spent 67 weeks across ten albums between 1956 and 2002.
Swift has seen the albums Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, Reputation, Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights spend 68 weeks topping the charts. Swift has overtaken the King, but she still has a ways to go before she tops the “Fab Four” for most weeks at number on ever. Between 1964 and 2001, The Beatles spent a stunning 132 weeks at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Swift continues to rack up the accolades. Recently, she tied rapper Drake for the most Billboard Music Awards of all time. The “Our Song” crooner picked up 10 BBMAs back in November. Swift said in a recorded speech during the award show: “Well, this is unreal. The fact that you guys have given me 10 Billboard Awards — I’m talking to the fans, specifically. None of this happens without you.The Billboards base everything off of what you are listening to and what you’re passionate about, and I’m so honored that this year you made the tour, The Eras Tour, so magical. You went and saw the movie, you cared about my re-recordings. I just, like, I love you so much.”
Taylor Swift has connected with her fans in a way that hasn’t been seen very often in the rock era. “Swifties” feel like Talor Swift is a friend and a peer, and the approachable manner she exudes in the media and during her performances underscores why her fans feel that way. She has a “girl next door” vibe that resonates with fans across the world. Her Era’s tour was massive, but the blockbuster release of her concert video was unprecedented for a concert film.
Following the tour’s success, Swift also released the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film, which sizzled with ticket sales of $92.8 million in the U.S., making it the fifth-biggest opening of any theatrical release this year. It was an absurd number for a concert movie, and fans can’t get enough. Taylor Swift is attractive and likable, and her music appeals to men and women, and her live performances are amazing. It is unlikely that her star will dim anytime soon, and one day, The Beatles might see their record-setting run at No. 1 end.
