TIME Magazine unveiled its highly anticipated TIME100 list, featuring the 100 most influential people of 2021.
The front covers of the seven accompanying covers feature royals Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Simone Biles, actress Kate Winslet, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and Jensen Huang (CEO of NVIDIA’s technology company NVIDIA), as well as Ngozi OKonjo-Iweala, director-general at the World Trade Organisation and Cathy Park Hong. They are poets, writers, and professors.
Harry and Meghan unsurprisingly topped the list in the “Icons” category, honoured for springing into action” and using their public platform for the greater good. “In a world where everyone has an opinion about people they don’t know, the duke and duchess have compassion for the people they don’t know. They don’t just opine. They run toward the struggle,” José André said of the pair.
The royal couple was closely followed by BritneySpears — who also earned the top slot in the TIME100 readers poll. Paris Hilton penned a touching tribute to the singer for the publication, writing that “Britney embodies joy and shares the light of her beautiful heart, forever the superstar. So we stand by her and root for her as she turns pain into purpose, her unwavering spirit stronger than ever.”
Biles was especially deserving of a cover, considering her brave acts of self-preservation at this year’s Tokyo Olympics — setting a new precent for athletes and Black women across the globe. Topping the “Titans” section of the spread, fellow athlete Serena Williams contributed the feature on Biles, writing “[she] truly reflects the endless potential of Black women,” and “is a shining example of what success looks like when you let go of what the world thinks and gather your strength from yourself… from your soul.”
American icon Dolly Parton cut as well, and with good reason. Parton was the one who personally supported the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through a $1million donation to Vanderbilt University researchers. He is a national treasure. Pop-star Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, shared a sentimental tribute for the publication.
“There’s a theory that you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but I wish everyone had the chance to meet Dolly Parton because she’s even better than your sparkliest dreams,” Cyrus said. ”She may be my fairy godmother, but I think she’s that to everyone else too. I am happy to share her with the world.”
Cover-star Billie Eilish topped the list of “pioneers,” recognized for her “unique soul, with a voice, style, and attitude,” as summed up by Megan Thee Stallion, who supplied the Gen Z performer’s tribute. “She is a rare spirit who speaks from her heart with no pretenses. I knew I had found a kindred spirit… One who is strong but still learning and still growing. A woman who stands up for herself and advocates for women everywhere.”
Scarlett Johansson was also included on the list, as well as Naomi Osaka and Jason Sudeikis. Shonda Rhimes, Tom Brady, and Lil Nas X were also included. You can see the complete list here.