As icons go, few success stories stand as tall as Taylor Swift‘s.

On the cusp of releasing new music, the 29-year-old star has been named one of TIME’s Most Influential People Of 2019. 

Anchored in the Icons section of the annual list, Swift posed it up a-front of her own cover (which was one of a few commissioned).

Pop star Shawn Mendes profiled the titan.

His words below…

“I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I met and got to know her that I understood how wonderful a person she truly is.

Taylor makes the job of creating music for millions of people look easy. It all comes from her—her belief in magic and love, and her ability to be as honest and raw as possible. She’s the master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking, and that’s why her music connects so well.”

He continued:

“I was so lucky to be able to open for a handful of her stadium shows on the 1989 World Tour. And I quickly learned that the magic of Taylor Swift doesn’t come from the lights, dancers or fireworks (although all of that is incredible) but from the electrifying connection that she has with the people who are there to see her. There’s an overwhelming feeling in the air. The feeling of your heart racing in your chest with ­excitement—so much so that by the time you get to “Love Story,” all you want to do is pick up your phone and text every person you know to say how much you love them. The feeling is so thick, you feel like you could reach out and grab it to keep forever.

Taylor makes anyone older feel young again and anyone young feel they can do anything. It’s so rare and so special. If there is one thing I want to achieve in my career and life, it’s that.”

Do you agree?

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Pari Dukovic for TIME]