Roland Orzabal, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • London
  • Last updated on

Tears for Fears singer among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a reliable source, Tears for Fears singer Roland Orzabal 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 Orzabal 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 64-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Orzabal 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 ‘Portsmouth Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Portsmouth (Roland Orzabal'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:

“Roland Orzabal Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 9 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveRoland”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 9 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Roland Orzabal?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 9 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Roland Orzabal?

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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