Podcaster Joe Rogan and Kate Middleton have been listed alongside Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Elon Musk as contenders for Time magazine’s annual Person Of The Year award.
The accolade was presented to music icon Taylor Swift last year, with former President Barack Obama receiving the honor twice, in 2008 and 2012.
According to Time magazine, the title is awarded to the individual, organization, or idea that has had the most significant effect—whether positive or negative—on the globe in the preceding year.
The complete shortlist for 2024, arranged alphabetically, includes: Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk, Yulia Navalnaya, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerome Powell, Joe Rogan, Claudia Sheinbaum, Donald Trump, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Kamala Harris
The Democratic nominee for the presidency had the opportunity to become the first female US leader but was unable to secure a victory against Mr. Trump in the election held in November.
In 2020, she appeared on the Person Of The Year cover alongside President Joe Biden following their election win over Mr. Trump and Mike Pence that year.
Kamala Harris delivers remarks during her election campaign. Pic: AP
Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales has experienced a challenging year, during which she underwent cancer treatment amidst a backdrop of unpleasant conspiracy theories.
The publication noted that the media coverage surrounding her has “sparked a discussion regarding the privacy and health of public figures”.
The Princess of Wales at Wimbledon earlier this year. Pic: PA
Elon Musk
Characterized by the magazine as an “innovative disruptor,” Mr. Musk ascended to the status of the world’s wealthiest individual in 2024, and his increasing relationship with Mr. Trump positions him to wield a significant influence over the forthcoming US administration.
He was awarded the title of Person Of The Year in 2021.
Elon Musk’s political clout has escalated this year. Pic: Reuters
Yulia Navalnaya
Economist and advocate Yulia Navalnaya has garnered attention this year following the passing of her spouse, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
She has publicly denounced Vladimir Putin and holds him accountable for Mr. Navalny’s death.
Yulia Navalnaya at a demonstration in Berlin. Photo: AP
Benjamin Netanyahu
As one of the most contentious personalities in global politics, the Israeli Prime Minister consistently remains in the spotlight amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In November, the International Criminal Court released an arrest warrant for Mr. Netanyahu.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Jerome Powell
While perhaps not as renowned as others on this list, Mr. Powell wields significant influence nonetheless.
He has held the position of chairman of the US Federal Reserve since 2018, serving under both the Trump and Biden administrations. The magazine notes that he has been “navigating the economy,” a critical topic in the upcoming 2024 election.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Photo: AP
Joe Rogan
As one of the preeminent names in modern media, Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” boasts an average of 11 million listeners per episode, predominantly from a youthful male demographic, according to the magazine.
His discussions and subsequent endorsement of Mr. Trump during the US election are said to have swayed certain voters’ opinions.
Joe Rogan has cultivated a massive audience. Photo: AP
Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum achieved a historic milestone by becoming Mexico’s first female president after being inaugurated in October.
The magazine reported: “Sheinbaum concentrated her campaign on advocating for the impoverished, assuming office during a challenging period marked by economic difficulties and escalating organized crime.”
Claudia Sheinbaum created history by becoming the president of Mexico. Pic: AP
Donald Trump
The forthcoming US leader, who was honored as Time’s Person Of The Year back in 2016, achieved what may be regarded as the most extraordinary political rebound in history when he secured the 2024 election.
He is set to be the oldest person to occupy the presidency in US history and also the first individual with a felony conviction to be elected to the nation’s highest office.
Donald Trump at the ceremony for Notre-Dame’s reopening in Paris this month. Pic: Reuters
Mark Zuckerberg
Mr. Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook/Meta, has been prominently featured in 2024 as his organization faced governmental examination regarding the influence of social media on adolescents.
Mark Zuckerberg responded to inquiries from US lawmakers. Pic: Reuters
In its profile of Mr. Zuckerberg, Time magazine noted the concerns raised by election officials about the proliferation of misinformation on Facebook during the US election period.
