Unlike wizards, Swifties are rarely subtle. However, much like J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical practitioners, Taylor Swift’s fandom can be rather quick to anger. (Just ask Zach Bryan or Tyler, the Creator.) Billboard became the most recent subject of Swifties’ ire when the “Fortnight” singer finished runner-up to Beyoncé on the publication’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century list. However, sources close to Swift have revealed that she couldn’t be more thrilled for the “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” singer.

Taylor Swift Is “Really Happy For Beyoncé”

Several months ago, Billboard began rolling out its list of the 21st century’s most influential pop stars, starting with Katy Perry at No. 25. With 14 Grammy Awards and more than 200 million records sold, Taylor Swift seemed like a lock for the top spot. However, when all was said and done, Swift had finished second behind Beyoncé.

The online backlash was—pardon the pun—swift. “This is like that time Kanye took Taylor’s award out of her hand on stage,” one X/Twitter user fumed.

“Swifties to Billboard”#BillboardIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/7YFnbhNiW8

— Shahad13🐍🫶 (@shahadmajili) November 28, 2024

However, it seems that Taylor Swift is not a sore loser. Sources told Page Six that the “Anti-Hero” superstar is “really happy for Beyoncé.”

“Taylor will always support strong female artists and thinks Beyoncé is so deserving of this honor,” the source said.

The insider added that Swift “is proud of what she’s accomplished regardless of what spot she holds.”

“Taylor appreciates all the fan support she’s received, but she knows Beyoncé is a legend in the music industry and Taylor’s honored to have landed in the number two spot next to her,” they added.

. @billboard karma’s gonna track you down #BillboardIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/WcTxuddhif

— 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒏 (@midnightsxfolk) November 27, 2024

Billboard Explains Their Decision

In an article published online Tuesday (Dec. 3,) Billboard defended its decision to rank Beyoncé above Taylor Swift as the greatest pop star of the 21st century. Turns out, it all comes down to longevity.

Billboard acknowledged the “Eras” Tour phenom’s “clear statistical lead” over the former Destiny’s Child member in many categories. However, Swift “simply hasn’t been around for long enough to be able to match the expansiveness of [Beyoncé’s] quarter-century of dominance,” it wrote.

Regardless, both women have unequivocally altered the landscape of pop music. And if Taylor isn’t mad, perhaps we all simply “need to calm down.”

Featured image by Emily Curiel/TNS via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock