Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Simone Biles Make TIME's 100 Most Influential People List

As 2021 begins to come to a close (seriously — how did fall come so quickly?), critics and publications are already starting to turn out their "best of" lists for the year. TIME magazine's famous "100 Most Influential People" issue has just been announced, and Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Simone Biles are some of the Gen-Z changemakers who've made the honorable list.

The announcement comes after they all attended the MTV Video Music Awards and Met Gala earlier this week. While Billie made history as the youngest person to co-chair the gala, Lil Nas X took home Video of the Year at the VMAs for "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)." Simone also wore an 88-pound gown to the Met Gala, and if that doesn't show you the power she holds, I don't know what will.

In the issue, each star was highlighted by other household names in their respective industries, including Megan Thee Stallion, Kid Cudi, and Serena Williams. While Megan only met Billie at this year's Grammy Awards, she had a lot of kind words to share about the 19-year-old "Happier Than Ever" singer.

"She is a rare spirit who speaks from her heart with no pretenses," Megan said of Billie. "I knew I had found a kindred spirit [at the Grammys]. One who is strong, but still learning and still growing. A woman who stands up for herself and advocates for women everywhere."

Fellow hip-hop star and Grammy winner Kid Cudi referred to Lil Nas X as a "true rock star" because of his efforts to break down the "homophobic cloud" hanging over the genre. He also credits the "Old Town Road" rapper with bringing a fresh perspective to the music industry.

"Lil Nas X is a new twist on some of the themes I was riding on when I first started out: being true to yourself and not giving a f-ck what anyone says," Kid Cudi, also known as Scott Mescudi, wrote. "What he's doing is what we need right now."

And, when it comes to groundbreaking Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, star athlete Serena Williams echoed the sentiment that Simone is using her platform to spark change. Serena said that Simone's advocacy for self-love and mental health is just as valuable and inspiring as her Olympic wins.

"What she embodies truly reflects the endless potential of Black women. I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams," Serena told TIME.

If there's one thing we've gathered from watching Billie, Lil Nas X, and Simone over the past year, it's that nothing will dim their shine any time soon.

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