Carl Barât, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- London
- Last updated on
Hot news
- Buzz January 10, 2026
- Babies January 8, 2026
- Rumor Central January 2026
According to a well-placed source, Libertines frontman Carl Barât 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 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Barât 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 47-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Barât so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the singer have already been named ‘English Of The Year’ by some major English newspapers and even ‘Basingstoke Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Basingstoke (Carl Barât'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:
“Carl Barât Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 9 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Carl has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 9 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Carl Barât?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 9 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Carl Barât?
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).
Carl Barât: Recent News
- Rumor January 2026
- Love January 10, 2026
- Pets January 4, 2026
Celebrity Central