Grandmaster Flash, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five frontman among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a reliable source, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five frontman Grandmaster Flash is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the musician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Grandmaster Flash 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 67-year-old musician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Grandmaster Flash 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 musician have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Bridgetown Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Bridgetown (Grandmaster Flash's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Grandmaster Flash Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Grandmaster Flash has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Grandmaster Flash?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Grandmaster Flash?

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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