Dave Matthews, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
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Dave Matthews Band frontman among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, Dave Matthews Band frontman Dave Matthews 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 15/09/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Matthews 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 59-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Matthews 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 ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Johannesburg Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Johannesburg (Dave Matthews' 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:

“Dave Matthews Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Sep 2026
“Congrats! Dave has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Sep 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Dave Matthews?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Sep 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Dave Matthews?

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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