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The Weeknd, Gabrielle Union, Megan Thee Stallion and more celebs make Time's 'Most Influential People' list

For the first time, honourees were celebrated in a primetime special.
September 23, 2020 1:11 p.m. EST
September 25, 2020 8:34 a.m. EST
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Time Magazine has named its picks for this year’s 100 Most Influential People, and the list is as varied as the events that have defined 2020. Highlighting the work of celebrities, activists, politicians, medical specialists and everyday people who have stepped up to help fight the social injustices that continue to plague North America and the world, Time's list is a look back on where we have been in 2020, and what work still desperately needs to be done.On Tuesday night, Time Magazine revealed their list of this year’s picks and celebrated those who made the cut with its first-ever prime time TV special. Jennifer Hudson, Halsey and The Weeknd all made this year’s list and performed during Tuesday’s special. As one of the few non-Americans to make the list, Toronto native The Weeknd, who was profiled by Elton John and compared to the late Prince, not only earned a spot on the list, he also received one of only eight covers.
In addition to The Weeknd, Time also gave covers to actor Gabrielle Union and athlete Dwyane Wade, immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, nurse Amy O'Sullivan, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen, and Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi.[video_embed id='2041624']RELATED: The Weeknd is one of many celebrities named to Time's 100 'Most Influential' list[/video_embed]Union and Wade were celebrated on Tuesday by John Legend for using their platforms to promote compassion and understanding in their home life. The couple are parents to four children, including 13-year-old Zaya, who earlier this year came out as transgender. “She doesn’t ask permission to exist,” said Union. “That is wildly inspiring.” Taraji P. Henson honoured BET Award and Billboard Women In Music winner Megan Thee Stallion, who has enjoyed a year of highs, including dominating the charts and signing a deal with Revlon, and suffered massive lows, including getting shot by fellow rapper Tory Lanez. “She is the epitome of tenacity,” said Henson. “She was shot this summer and still people tried to tear her down. It’s invigorating to see her become a platinum selling artist with multiple number one songs. She’s got a plan that’s much bigger and I just want her to keep winning.” Frontline workers were also honoured during Tuesday’s event, including nurse Amy O’Sullivan, who was one of the first medical personnel to treat COVID patients and develop the virus herself. O’Sullivan was profiled by Oscar nominee Kumail Nanjiani, who talked about the Brooklyn nurse’s resilience, which included returning to work after spending time on a ventilator. Late night host Jimmy Kimmel celebrated immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has become the voice of reason in the U.S. as the country endures a pandemic that is largely denied by President Trump, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. Actor Yara Shahidi paid tribute to Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, saying she ‘sits in gratitude’ of what the women have inspired. The event also included an appearance from past nominees Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex congratulated this year’s honorees and encouraged viewers to practice kindness online and get out and vote in the November U.S. presidential election. “Every four years we are told the same thing, that this is the most important election of our lifetime,” said Markle. “But this one is.” Many celebrities stepped up to honour their peers for this year’s seventeenth annual list, including Chrissy Teigen on Ali Wong, America Ferrera on Selena Gomez, BTS on Halsey, Mary J. Blige on Jennifer Hudson, Bubba Wallace on Lewis Hamilton, Denzel Washington on Michael B. Jordan, Common on Angela Davis, Oprah Winfrey on Tyler Perry, Taylor Swift on Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Maya Moore on Naomi Osaka, Leonardo DiCaprio on Nemonte Nenquimo, Cyndi Lauper on Billy Porter, Deepika Padukone on Ayushmann Khurrana, Lena Waithe on Michaela Coel, Tilda Swinton on Bong Joon Ho, Kim Kardashian West on JoJo Siwa, Jennifer Garner on Greg Berlanti and many more. [video_embed id='2030708']Before you go: Harry and Meghan have paid off their $4.2 million royal debt[/video_embed]

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