Entertainment
3. Aishwarya Rai
Almost every South-Asian knows Aish as a major star in Bollywood. However, she has only recently begun shooting for Hollywood in movies like The Mistress of Spices. Aishwarya is slowly opening the doors for Bollywood actresses into Hollywood’s domain.
2. Oprah Winfrey
Her talk show reaches millions each day, while addressing numerous important issues. She is an inspirational figure to African Americans and people everywhere with the way she handles touchy controversies so bluntly.
1. Tyra Banks
A supermodel, an actress, a talk-show host, and a reality show producer: it seems as if Tyra Banks has done it all. Her achievements have made her a role model for girls all over. Her role as a talk show host suggests that she is following in Oprah’s footsteps. Her show addresses different subjects, some lighthearted and humorous and others serious. Perhaps her new reality show, America’s Next Top Model, adds to her influence. Millions of girls watch her show religiously, and because she chooses a diversity of models, girls from all ethnicities are affected.
Music
3. Jay-Z
He is one of the best known rappers and his lyrics are like a Bible to many people. He’s the superstar of the rap world, idolized by millions, and no matter how low the rap world sinks, he always manages to bring it back to the top with a new hit.
2. Atif Aslam
Back up Sonu and Kunal, there’s a new guy in town. Atif Aslam was the first Pakistani singer to be appreciated and recognized globally for his singing in a Bollywood movie.
1. Eminem
He was the first white guy to make it big in the rap industry. His lyrics aren’t stereotypically about drugs and sex, they speak out to people and he has a way of entertaining people.
Fashion
3. Miuccia Prada
Miuccia Prada designs purses, shoes, dresses, hats along with much more. For a long time her products have been viewed as extremely “stylish”.
2. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren perfume, clothing, sunglasses. You name it, he’s done it. Ralph Lauren has managed to top several different industries. He has remained on top of the fashion industry for a while, and it looks like his products will be popular (and expensive) for a while longer.
1. Kimora Lee Simmons
Creator of the popular Baby Phat line, Kimora Lee Simmons designs everything from clothing to belts and back. Her products are very popular among both adults, teenagers and children.
Politics
3. Pope Benedict
As the head of the Church, the Pope already possesses a significant amount of influence. However, this year we’ve seen exactly how influential he can be. With a few words, he provoked Muslims all over the world into rioting.
2. Osama Bin Laden
Five years after the attack on the Twin Towers, Muslims are still being degraded and discriminated against. Some people believe Islam to be a Cultist and satanic religion with encourages violence.
1. George W. Bush
Doing even more damage in his second term than his first, George W. Bush succeeded in tearing the world apart. He single-handedly elicited ungodly amounts of hate towards the U.S., much more than prior to Iraq.
