Kevin Richardson, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Backstreet Boys singer among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, Backstreet Boys singer Kevin Richardson 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 14/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Richardson 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 54-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Richardson 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 ‘Lexington Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Lexington (Kevin Richardson'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:

“Kevin Richardson Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 13 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Kevin has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 13 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Kevin Richardson?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 13 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Kevin Richardson?

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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