Addison Rae, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, TikTok star Addison Rae is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the television host's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 12/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Rae for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 25-year-old television host, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Rae so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the television host have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Lafayette Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Lafayette (Addison Rae's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the television host was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Addison Rae Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 11 Apr 2026

“Congrats! Addison has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 11 Apr 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Addison Rae?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Addison Rae?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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