Wednesday saw TIME's 2024 TIME100, its yearly list of the world's 100 most important individuals.
Singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Taraji P. Henson, and Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya are featured on the issue's four covers. 
According to the news release, TIME pairs awardees with guest authors to write about them. Alex Rodriguez, Burna Boy, Maren Morris, Blake Lively, Kate Hudson, Michelle Obama, Jon Huntsman, Naomi Watts, Tom Brady, Mark Zuckerberg, Ryan Reynolds, Michael J. Fox, Richard Branson, Jigar Shah, Joe Biden, and others are on the twenty-first annual list.
Mary J. Blige says, “Even before I knew her, I felt like Taraji P. Henson was my friend.” Her portrayal of women made me relate to her, thus I liked watching her. I was eager to meet her. I eventually did, and it started popping. Taraji fit my team.”
Blige says, “What I love most about her is that she is unapologetically herself. Taraji is a true lady who speaks her mind and stands up for her beliefs. One of my favorite performers, she's always honest and authentic and gutsy onscreen. It's fantastic to see her give her persona 100%. She stands out in Hollywood and real life for her courage.”
TIME CEO Jessica Sibley said: “This year's TIME100 list of the world's most influential people spans industries and continents. With our TIM100 partners, we are thrilled to assemble the newest TIME100 members for a day of discourse at the TIME100 Summit and our annual TIME100 Gala, which we will again air on ABC as a primetime special.
In his letter to readers about the 2024 TIME100 list, TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs explains that influence is complicated, spanning decades, categories, and opinions.TIME evolves in its 101st year. Join our TIME100 community worldwide for events in 12 cities on four continents. TIME100 is an unmatched approach to convey stories about the people and ideas that influence and improve the world.”
The release lists 51 women on this year's list, including Sofia Coppola, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Yulia Navalnaya, Jenny Holzer, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Norah Weinstein, Joanne Crevoiserat, Alia Bhatt, Lauren Groff, Kelly Ripa, Rachel Goldberg-Pol
Elliot Page, Burna Boy, Dua Lipa, 21 Savage, Jeffrey Wright, Kylie Minogue, Fantasia Barrino, America Ferrera, Taraji P. Henson, Maya Rudolph, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, Dev Patel, Alex Edelman, and others made the list, along with world leaders and U.S. politicians.
The TIME100 Summit on April 24 and the TIME100 Gala on April 25 in New York City will honor the 2024 TIME100 list of the world's most important individuals. ABC will broadcast the gala as a primetime special on May 12.