Paula Abdul, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
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Paula Abdul among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a well-informed source, Paula Abdul 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 15/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Abdul 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 63-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Abdul 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 ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘San Fernando Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in San Fernando (Paula Abdul'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:

“Paula Abdul Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LovePaula”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 14 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Paula Abdul?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Paula Abdul?

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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