Image Credit: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images
Ever since NME made the transition to a free magazine, it’s been steadily broadening its journalistic outreach to film, music, television and general pop culture, with mixed results. Now the magazine has decided to unveil its latest feature, an annual ‘People of the Year‘ list which is similar to the one featured in TIME magazine, only somehow even weirder.
The lists sees Taylor Swift rubbing shoulders with Arsenal footballer Mathieu Flamini, and The Libertines (every one of ’em, even the two no one ever talks about) sitting side-by-side alongside SNP politician Mhairi Black. Noel Gallagher’s on there because, and I quote, “he makes us laugh,” which is as good a reason as any on a list that also includes both Skepta and Adele.
The list features 12 people (there’s no reason given for this number) who are all “influential and inspiring.” Take a look at the list, and NME’s reasons for each individual’s inclusion, below:
Taylor Swift – For establishing herself as the most powerful pop star on the planet
Kendrick Lamar – For making rap righteous again
The Libertines – For the year’s most beautiful (and unlikely) comeback
Mhairi Black – For changing the face of British politics
Skepta – For taking grime global
Miley Cyrus – For refusing to conform, and celebrating diversity
Nicki Minaj – For speaking out on race, gender and sexuality
Mathieu Flamini – For trying to save the world with his geo-energy company GF Biochemicals
Adele – For breaking every record in music history
Jennifer Lawrence – For being the year’s best role model
JJ Abrams– For re-awakening The Force
Noel Gallagher -For cutting through the crap and making us laugh
Something tells us that these guys are behind NME’s selection process: