Gossip Teen

Time magazine published it’s annual 100 Most Influential People in the World list and among the artists of influence: Robert Pattinson came in at #6 and Taylor Swift at #9.

Rob Pattinson became the biggest of media celebrities with the success of the Twilight movies. Remember back when he was first cast, the doubts that spread across the net? The times (and attitudes) have changed and now the British actor has become hunted like the prey his famous vampire character, Edward Cullen, exists on. Still, the man handles himself well.

New Moon director Chris Weitz says: “And though I am continually impressed by the aplomb with which he handles the hysteria, I occasionally think he would take it all back if given the chance. Because essentially, Rob, 23, is a reserved, bookish sort of specimen, a guy who’d rather spend the night at the corner table in the pub with friends — a bit of a weirdo, frankly, in the best sense.”

The aw shucks quality that Pattinson exhibits is endearing and genuine.

Taylor Swift connects with people who truly root for her to succeed. In this age of negativity and anonymity on the net, when people feel free to say anything no matter how horrendous, about another person, Swift is largely exempt from that. Remarkable in itself, she also has the kind of worldwide success that usually comes with a major scandal or two. Also nada. She activates that hope of the storybook ending that a cynical world tries to shut out.

Grammy winner Stevie Nicks gives us this insight: “Taylor reminds me of myself in her determination and her childlike nature. It’s an innocence that’s so special and so rare. This girl writes the songs that make the whole world sing, like Neil Diamond or Elton John. She sings, she writes, she performs, she plays great guitar. Taylor can do ballads that could be considered pop or rock and then switch back into country.”

Adept, versatile and growing as a musician, Swift is one to reckon with and not underestimate.

While both young stars are influential today – the real question for each is will it last? Both are talented and working at developing more depth to their work. The keep their head down and try to go about their business even when there is a crazed atmosphere around them and they each have become very media savvy. Let’s hope both can make the list again in 2020.