Since 1999, TIME Magazine has released its annual list of the world's most influential people. The list consists of celebrities, politicians, activists and other rising stars "shaping the future of business, entertainment, politics, science and more." This year's list is graced by some of the youngest, most accomplished thought-leaders and needle movers.

TIME has broken the list down into six categories — icons, pioneers, titans, artists, leaders and innovators. They've tapped notable names such as Russell Wilson, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus and more to share their endorsements of this year's entries. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Dolly Parton Ben Crump, and Nikole Hannah-Jones are just a few of the amazing powerhouses to be honored this year, it's these five influential Gen Zers that are giving us a lesson in bravery and breaking the mold.

Naomi Osaka

23-year-old Naomi Osaka’s stats are nothing short of remarkable. The young star has seven WTA titles and four Grand Slam titles under her belt.

Although she has broken records, won the U.S. Open multiple times and beat tennis legend Serena Williams, what makes Osaka influential isn’t just her accomplishments — it's her attitude. Osaka’s relentless dedication to mental health was a bold statement on the precedence health should take over achievement. Osaka also fights for justice, has protested and stood against racism, speaks about Black wellness and centers her healing. If that isn’t iconic liberation work, we don’t know what is.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is following suit and continuing the legacy of reclaiming her time.

“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,” Williams once said of the star gymnast. 

At just 24, Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts that has ever lived. Not only is her confidence, resilience and grace a majestic thing to behold on the mat, but she's also walking that same walk outside of the gym. We’ve watched as this Olympian has won 32 Olympic and world championship medals, but what really has stopped us in our tracks has been her outstanding ability to advocate for what’s right. Whether it’s telling people to leave her out of beauty competitions, refusing to compromise her mental health or, most recently, speaking out about sexual violence, Biles is an unstoppable force.

Willow Smith

In her tribute to Willow Smith, actress/comedian Tiffany Haddish wrote, “She’s the voice of today, and not afraid to speak. She checked me once for judging people who chew their nails, and I respected that.”

Fearlessness is the name of the game, and Smith has never been afraid to carve her own path and be herself. From being open about her sexuality to breaking the norms of fashion and Black aesthetics, this 20-year-old knows exactly who she is.

Smith has been making alternative hits with Roc Nation for the last decade and has a rock album on the way. But what makes her an innovator is her stake in the Red Table Talk and the impact she has on the Black community.

Red Table Talk is the first three-generation talk show featuring Black women, and who better to lead dialogue around relationships, authenticity, healing, family and life than Willow, her mother Jada Pinkett Smith and her grandmother Adrienne Banfield Norris. Willow and the matriarchs she learns from have never shied away from doing exactly what feels good in their souls.

Most importantly, healing relationships and shedding light on topics that are often silenced in the Black community is not only innovative, but now also a staple in the culture and community. Where many seasoned women would shy away, Willow leans in.

Lil Nas X

Representation is everything, and Lil Nas X stays true to it. It’s that no f**ks attitude that has solidified Lil Nas X as a household name as he continuously tops the charts with hits like "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby."

Following in the footsteps of many great rock stars that have come before him, Lil Nas X is essentially creating his own genre of unapologetic music and reinventing what hip-hop looks and sounds like. He is among few openly gay men in hip-hop who are breaking social norms and not letting prejudice stop his momentum, and it has been inspiring to watch. That representation in art and craftsmanship is a sight to behold. Lil Nas X is a mood, and it looks like he's here to stay.

Bad Bunny

Puerto Rican rapper Benito Ocasio, widely known as Bad Bunny, has been slaying the scene and leaving a trail of flyness everywhere he goes. We've loved watching his come up.

Bad Bunny got his start on Soundcloud, and it's only been up from there ever since.

From his 2020 Super Bowl halftime show appearance to his epic collaborations with Cardi B and Drake topping the Billboard Hot 100, Bad Bunny has been taking no prisoners.

Bad Bunny is nothing short of a trendsetter and can be seen sporting gender-bending looks in his videos, as well as wearing bold nail art and making a statement with vibrant colors and unapologetic fashion. His green nails even inspired Andrade's exclusive Latinx fashion line with Footaction.

Bad Bunny is leading the conversation when it comes to breaking gender norms and creating his own style while still repping his heritage. As the winner of a Latin Grammy for Best Urban Music Album, and as one continual bop maker, Bad Bunny is the true definition of an artist — or as J Balvin said, "I met him when he was like a little monster, and now he is like Godzilla."