Music Artists on TIME's 100 Most Influential People (2025)

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Ed Sheeran
by Chris Hemsworth, Actor and Producer





I’m fortunate enough to meet some of the most talented people in the world. But every now and then, I come across a person who isn’t just talented—they’re something else entirely.

Ed Sheeran has an almost supernatural ability to connect. His songs, his voice, his words—they belong to all of us. Whether you’re at home with your headphones on, driving through the countryside, or in a stadium packed with 70,000 people singing at the top of their lungs, his music feels personal.

He has an instinct for storytelling that makes you feel like he wrote that song just for you, no matter where you’re from or what you’ve been through.




But beyond the music, beyond the palpable anticipation for his upcoming album and the stadiums full of people hanging on to every note, is the man himself. Ed is one of the most kindhearted, down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. He’s got this incredible ability to make you feel like you’ve been mates forever, even if you just met five minutes ago. There’s no ego, no pretension—just warmth, laughter, and a wicked sense of humor.

He can go from writing a beautiful song to cracking a joke so ridiculous you forget what you were talking about in the first place. Ed brings people together in a way that few can. He writes the songs that become the soundtrack to our lives. He makes strangers feel like family. He doesn’t just perform for an audience—he creates a world where everyone is welcome.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...33/ed-sheeran/








Nicole Scherzinger
by Patti LuPone, Tony and Grammy-winning Singer and Actress





I didn’t know what to expect from Jamie Lloyd’s explosive reimagining of Sunset Boulevard. While my experience with the show may not be totally objective, I feel Mr. Lloyd stripped the musical of its bloat, of its too-careful re-creation of the film—and in doing so set a theatrical pace that was exhilarating.

Then there was Nicole Scherzinger: courageous, audacious, mesmerizing, elegantly beautiful, and ultimately heartbreaking. Her mad scene alone is worth the price of admission. I left the theater energized. And it’s made all the more stunning by watching her transition from a pop singer to a bona fide Broadway star.

All audiences want is to be assured the actors onstage are in command. From Nicole’s first entrance, I sat back in my seat and happily gave her my complete and undivided attention. I was riveted. Brava, Diva.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...e-scherzinger/








Hozier
by Noah Kahan, Grammy-nomianted Musician





When an artist can create a sound so beautiful and melancholy, so full of symbolism and truth that you feel they must be from a different time, or a better world, you can’t help but believe in magic. Hozier had me believing from the first note.

His music became the barometer for my own: How can I make a song feel like an extension of my soul, the way Hozier does? How can I create a voice, a language, like he has?



It was easy to imagine Hozier as a folk deity in the forests of Ireland until I met him. At a festival in 2023, he asked if I wanted to sing together. I ran into him in a hotel lobby, in sweaty golf clothes with a bag of fast food in my hand—not how I envisioned this moment.

Fortunately, he is as kind as they come. We spoke about the performance, and I pinched myself as I stuffed fries in my face on the way upstairs. Performing with him was one of the greatest moments of my life. And when we collaborated on my song “Northern Attitude,” I didn’t believe it was truly happening until I heard his voice on the track.



I’m not sure where my life would’ve gone if I hadn’t been exposed to his music. Thank you, Hozier, for sharing your gift with us mere mortals.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...273830/hozier/








Yoshiki
by Nicole Scherzinger, Grammy-nominated Musical Artist and Actress





Yoshiki is an absolute force—an artist whose brilliance has transcended borders and genres throughout his 40-plus-year career. Our collaboration in 2002 on “I’ll Be Your Love” was one of my earliest moments in music, and even then I could feel the magnitude of his vision.

He doesn’t just play music; he channels emotion through every note, whether he’s behind a piano or a drum kit.



In recent years, Yoshiki has continued to break boundaries—not just as a musician, but also as a cultural ambassador. From his classical world tour and his directorial debut to becoming the first Japanese artist to have his hand- and footprints memorialized at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, his influence resonates across the globe.

Yoshiki’s artistry is matched only by his heart. His philanthropic efforts through his foundation have made him a timeless inspiration. He donated half a million dollars to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year, benefiting seven organizations.



He is a legend and a true original, and I  feel blessed to call him my friend.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...73761/yoshiki/








Myles Smith
by Shaboozey, Grammy-nominated Musical Artist





I met Myles Smith in December at the Jingle Ball in New York City. Already a huge fan, I ran over and literally lifted him off the ground, filled with excitement. It honestly felt like meeting a long-lost brother.

Myles sees music as a limitless form of expression—and something meant to be shared with everyone. A singular talent, he has the ability to tell a compelling story over driven, energetic acoustic-guitar instrumentals with the sort of raw timbre that proves singer-songwriter music is still alive in the age of Top 40.

A warm, funny guy with an honest smile and a big heart, Myles encourages us through his music to see the world and all the wonderful things life and love have to offer. His music is welcoming and familiar, and I’d love to see his story told in a movie one day. Thank you, Myles, for inspiring me and countless others with your gift. We are forever grateful.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...6/myles-smith/








Snoop Dogg
by Hoda Kotb, Emmy-winning Broadcast Journalist





Snoop Dogg once told me he’s a “moment” type of guy, and if the moment’s right, he’ll grab it. I’ll say. The world’s warmest cool kid has been carpe diem–ing for more than three decades.

With his signature superfly charm, Snoop has remained consistently current and effortlessly authentic, all while rocking a jumpsuit. From his roots in gangster rap to his Cheech & Chong friendship with Martha Stewart, Snoop vibes with every generation.


I watched him work his mellow magic at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Athletes and audiences couldn’t get enough of his joyful spirit. I’ll never forget when gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles spotted USA’s hype man grooving in the stands and joined him, a little hit of fun at their stressful qualifying round. Whenever I saw him, he’d dance his way over to me. “C’mon, girl, show me what you got!” I dropped it like it was hot.

I gotta say, there’s just something about this guy that makes me—and millions of his fans—feel so happy and loved. Do I think “Uncle Snoop” is the legit top dog for 2025? Fo shizzle.

https://time.com/collections/100-mos...70/snoop-dogg/