The internet explodes: People magazine and Benny Blanco get roasted for Sexiest Man Alive nod

As People prepares to announce the latest recipient of its “Sexiest Man Alive” award, the magazine has revealed - to the evident disbelief of many social-media users - that Benny Blanco features in its “SMA” issue.

Blanco gives “sexy gentleman” tips

On Monday, People published an interview with Blanco, in which the Grammy-nominated music producer “shares his rules for being a sexy gentleman”. In a guide which, it should be acknowledged, doesn’t always appear to take itself completely seriously, he delivers tips that cover areas including: “learn how to cook”, “dress with confidence” and “say no to ghosting”.

However, while there are light-hearted elements, Blanco does speak seriously and sincerely, too. For example, when the 36-year-old lifts the lid on his relationship with his girlfriend, the actor and musician Selena Gomez, he quips that she enjoys his homemade Taco Bell-style cuisine - “it‘s disgusting, but it’s delicious” - but also opens up touchingly about the couple’s habit of enjoying early-morning quality time together. “I’m a real morning person,” Blanco says. “It’s my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It’s like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up.”

Gomez has taken to social media to hail her beau’s inclusion in the Sexiest Man Alive issue. Posting an image from his People photo shoot, Gomez wrote: “Not only do you love me unconditionally, you always get me my Taco Bell Mexican pizza.” She also shared a quote by William C. Hannan, which reads: “I still haven’t figured out how to sit across from you, and not be madly in love with everything you do.”

How have fans reacted on social media?

Many internet users have made it plain that they’re less convinced by People’s decision to spotlight Blanco and his “sexy gentleman” tips, despite the tongue-in-cheek tone that at least partially seems to come across in the feature. (In the image below, for instance, he can be seen lying across a dining table, in a suggestive pose, grandly displaying what looks like his Taco Bell-imitation cooking). Some social-media posters, it’s worth noting, may also have been reacting in the mistaken belief that Blanco has actually been announced as the new Sexiest Man Alive.

“The only sexy thing about him is his girlfriend‚” wrote @arianatorswildt on X, while @folkred12 said: “Was literally every other man unavailable?” @BrittanyXVenti posted: “Did they throw a dart blindfolded to pick?” and @RedRebeccax added: “He’s not even the sexiest man in that photo.“ Another user, @positionsmafiaa, said simply: “Is this a joke...?”

Who are the favorites for Sexiest Man Alive 2024?

Hollywood actor Glen Powell is the bookmakers' frontrunner for Sexiest Man Alive 2024, whose identity is to be announced today, Tuesday November 12, on CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”.

Per Sports Book Review, Powell is the +170 favorite for the accolade, followed by fellow screen stars Jeremy Allen White, Pedro Pascal and Ryan Reynolds, who are all valued at +340. Reynolds, 48, was previously declared Sexiest Man Alive in 2010. Also among this year’s top contenders is NFL tight end Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs player, whose fame has grown considerably since he became an item with pop icon Taylor Swift, is likewise priced at +340.

Who was the Sexiest Man Alive 2023?

Former Grey’s Anatomy actor Patrick Dempsey is the current holder of the Sexiest Man Alive award, whose recipient is chosen by the editorial staff at People.

The first Sexiest Man Alive, named in 1985, was two-time Oscar winner Mel Gibson. Since then, the award’s winners have included actors George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt, and former soccer player David Beckham. Only Clooney, Depp and Pitt have been named Sexiest Man Alive on more than one occasion.