Amel Bent, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

Amel Bent among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Amel Bent »
See more news, pictures and video.

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

UPDATE 01/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Bent 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 40-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Bent 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 singer have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘La Courneuve Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in La Courneuve (Amel Bent's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Amel Bent Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 31 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Amel has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 31 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Amel Bent?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 31 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Amel Bent?

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?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Amel Bent: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,2)