TIME Magazine revealed its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world today (September 22). Megan Thee Stallion, the Weeknd, J Balvin, Selena Gomez, and Halsey were among the notable musicians named on the list. Megan Thee Stallion’s entry was written by actress Taraji P. Henson. “I remember hearing Megan Thee Stallion on one of those famous DJ radio shows a few years ago. She rode the beat like I’d never heard anybody ride the beat in a long time,” Henson wrote. Find TIME’s full list here.
The Weeknd’s tribute was penned by Elton John, who referred to “Blinding Lights” as “2020’s best pop single.” “Like Prince, he marches to his own beat,” Elton wrote. “That’s an exemplary way for an artist to be.”
Of J Balvin, singer Camila Cabello wrote that the Reggaeton star has “opened up the doors for Latino artists everywhere by making the world hear and fall in love with our culture, our sounds and our spirit.”
Elsewhere on TIME’s list, Taylor Swift wrote a tribute to Phoebe Waller Bridge, BTS wrote about Halsey, Stevie Wonder discussed Yo-Yo Ma, Missy Elliott wrote about Dapper Dan, America Ferrera talked about Selena Gomez, Riz Ahmed wrote an entry for Waad Al-Kateab, Mary J. Blige wrote about Jennifer Hudson, Common paid homage to Angela Davis, Cyndi Lauper praised Billy Porter, and John Legend wrote about Dwayne Wade.
Read “The Thrill of Megan Thee Stallion’s Real-Time Rise” over on the Pitch.