Time is back with their fifth annual roundup of the 25 most influential people on the Internet, published today (July 16).
Whether they’re breaking records with photos of eggs, playing with bright-colored unicorn toys or paving the way for women all over the world, these are the personalities who have the biggest global impact on social media. And as always, many musicians made the high profile list, with BTS, Lil Nas X, and Ariana Grande among the names this year.
BTS has undoubtedly been taking 2019 by storm, having just released BTS World, the soundtrack to their mobile game. Not only did the collection of songs help expand their brand, but it also marked the first-ever K-pop soundtrack to enter Billboard’s Top Soundtracks chart, after debuting at No. 6. It also featured artists from all over the world, including Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, and Juice Wrld.
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In addition to the soundtrack, they also became touring superstars after grossing over $50 million from just eight shows in May this year, marking the biggest one-month total of 2019 so far.
Everyone knows Lil Nas X has been on a flabbergasting streak lately, skyrocketing to fame after the release of “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Not only did it exponentially launch his career, but on July 15 it was announced that the song ruled the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a 15th week. That means the rapper, 20, beat out Taylor Swift‘s “You Need To Calm Down,” Post Malone‘s “Goodbyes,” and Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello‘s “Señorita.” It also means that Lil Nas is just one week away from tying the record for the most time on top in the chart’s history (going against Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee‘s “Despacito” feat. Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men‘s “One Sweet Day”).
More celebs have sinced hopped on “Old Town Road,” with Mason Ramsey and Young Thug most recently teaming up to remix the song. Carey and Smash Mouth also playfully teased about the possibility of a second remix on social media.
Grande has also been dominating the Internet. After going through some tough times in the public eye, followed by releasing one of her most personal and vulnerable albums to date (Thank U, Next), fans have been feeling more connected to the superstar on social media than ever before. Most recently, the singer has been indulging in her fashionista side by starring in Givenchy’s new campaign, unveiling her Vogue cover story, and emphasizing all of her iconic accessories (and sadness) in her latest “In My Head” video.
She also announced that she co-executive produced the soundtrack for the upcoming Charlie’s Angels film and has been touring and delivering emotional performances nonstop.
And of course in addition to Lil Nas, Grande has also been leading Nielsen Music’s mid-year charts, with Thank U, Next, ranking as the most popular album in the U.S. for the tracking period of Jan. 4 through June 20.
Time also featured Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Liza Koshy, Brian Kolfage, James Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and more. See the full list here.