Kylie Minogue is an immensely popular Australian singer and actress with over 80 million records sold worldwide, making her Australia's highest-selling female artist. She is celebrated for her musical and fashion transformations and is known as the "Princess of Pop" and a style icon in Europe. Her impressive list of awards includes two Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, and eighteen ARIA Music Awards. In 2024, Time magazine recognized her global influence by naming her one of the most influential people in the world.
Kylie Minogue's mother, Carol Ann Jones, emigrated to Australia from Wales in 1958.
Kylie Ann Minogue was born in May 1968, in Caulfield South, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Kylie Minogue was born in May 1968 in Melbourne, Australia, to Ronald Charles Minogue and Carol Ann Jones.
In 1979, the British television series "Doctor Who" achieved its highest viewing figures since 1979 with the Christmas special episode "Voyage of the Damned," which featured Kylie Minogue as Astrid Peth.
Kylie Minogue made her television debut at age 11 with a minor role in the soap opera "The Sullivans" in 1979.
Kylie Minogue had a small role in the soap opera "Skyways" in 1980.
In 1981, Kylie Minogue's passion for pop music ignited, influenced by artists like Prince, Adam Ant, and the New Romantic movement. Her early musical influences also included iconic acts like the Jackson 5, Donna Summer, Olivia Newton-John, ABBA, and classic rock bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. This period laid the foundation for her own journey into the world of music.
In 1983, the Australian band Men at Work etched their name in Grammy history by becoming the first Australian recording artist to win in a major category since 1983.
Kylie Minogue landed a lead role in the television series "The Henderson Kids" in 1985.
Kylie Minogue was cast as Charlene Mitchell, a schoolgirl-turned-mechanic, in the soap opera "Neighbours" in 1986.
Kylie Minogue joined the cast of the Australian soap opera "Neighbours" in 1986, playing the role of Charlene Robinson.
Kylie Minogue released her debut single, "Locomotion", in July 1987, which went on to become the best-selling single of the decade in Australia.
In September 1987, after the success of her single "The Loco-Motion," Kylie Minogue traveled to London to collaborate with the renowned record producing trio Stock Aitken Waterman.
Kylie Minogue's single "I Should Be So Lucky" was released in 1987, marking the start of a successful career that would span several decades.
The wedding episode of Kylie Minogue's character, Charlene, to Jason Donovan's character in "Neighbours" aired in 1987, drawing a massive audience of 20 million viewers.
From February to April 1988, Minogue engaged in several recording sessions with Stock Aitken Waterman in London and Melbourne. During this period, they composed and produced all the tracks for her upcoming debut album.
In July 1988, Minogue released her self-titled debut album, "Kylie." The album, a collection of dance-pop tunes, achieved significant success, spending over a year on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number one.
After a successful run, Kylie Minogue left "Neighbours" in 1988 to focus on her music career.
Kylie Minogue first became aware of her strong gay following in 1988 after witnessing drag queens performing to her music, an experience that touched her and led her to embrace performances at gay venues.
Minogue released her second studio album, "Enjoy Yourself," in October 1989. The album topped the UK charts and produced popular singles like "Hand on Your Heart" and "Tears on My Pillow."
Minogue's debut film, "The Delinquents," hit theaters in December 1989. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film resonated with audiences, enjoying box office success in both the UK and Australia.
In 1989, Kylie Minogue joined Band Aid II to record "Do They Know It's Christmas?", a charity single to raise funds.
Kylie Minogue made her film debut in "The Delinquents" in 1989.
In February 1990, Minogue launched her first concert tour, the Enjoy Yourself Tour, to support her second album. The tour took her across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
In November 1990, Minogue released her third album, "Rhythm of Love." The album marked a departure from her previous work, showcasing more mature themes and influences, as noted by critics.
In 1990, "The Delinquents," continued its successful run in Australia, becoming the highest-grossing local film of the year. The film's financial success solidified Minogue's presence in the entertainment industry.
In February 1991, Minogue further promoted her album "Rhythm of Love" by embarking on the Rhythm of Love Tour. The tour allowed her to connect with fans and showcase her evolving musical style.
Minogue released her fourth studio album, "Let's Get to It," in October 1991. The album, while reaching number fifteen in the UK, marked her first album to miss the top ten.
During her Rhythm of Love Tour in 1991, Kylie Minogue faced criticism for similarities to Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour, leading some to label her a Madonna wannabe. However, others have differentiated the two, with Minogue acknowledging Madonna's influence while emphasizing her own unique style.
In August 1992, Minogue released her first greatest hits compilation album, "Greatest Hits." The album, reaching number one in the UK and number three in Australia, offered a retrospective of her early career.
In 1993, Kylie Minogue was photographed by renowned photographer Bert Stern, who drew comparisons between her and Marilyn Monroe, noting their shared vulnerability and eroticism. This photoshoot was part of a larger trend in Minogue's career of using photography to shape her image and reach wider audiences.
In 1993, Minogue signed with British record label Deconstruction Records, marking a turning point in her career and setting the stage for a new musical direction.
Seeking greater creative control, Kylie Minogue signed with Deconstruction Records in 1993.
Minogue's fifth studio album, "Kylie Minogue," was released in September 1994 under her new label, Deconstruction Records. The album demonstrated a departure from her previous sound, with critics praising her vocal performance and the album's production.
Further solidifying her status as a gay icon, Kylie Minogue headlined the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1994, demonstrating her strong connection with the LGBTQ+ community.
Kylie Minogue appeared in the film "Street Fighter" in 1994.
Kylie Minogue released her self-titled album, "Kylie Minogue", in 1994 under Deconstruction Records.
In 1995, Minogue collaborated with Nick Cave on the song "Where the Wild Roses Grow", which achieved commercial success and critical recognition, earning ARIA Awards and solidifying her artistic credibility.
In 1996, Kylie Minogue appeared in the film "Street Fighter" alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, which garnered moderate success but also drew criticism for her acting.
Influenced by her relationship with Stéphane Sednaoui, Minogue embraced Japanese culture and experimented with her music style in her sixth studio album, "Impossible Princess", released in 1997.
Kylie Minogue took on roles in films like "Diana & Me" in 1997, marking a period of diverse projects and creative exploration.
Kylie Minogue released her album "Impossible Princess" in 1997.
By 1998, Kylie Minogue underwent a significant artistic evolution, moving away from her bubblegum pop image and taking more control over her songwriting and musical direction. Her sixth studio album, 'Impossible Princess,' showcased this transformation, incorporating influences from Britpop and electronica, drawing comparisons to Madonna's 'Ray of Light' for its introspective lyrics and experimental sound. This period marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a versatile and evolving artist.
In 1998, Minogue faced professional setbacks, including low album sales for "Kylie Minogue" and being dropped by her record label, Deconstruction.
Despite setbacks, Minogue continued performing, including appearances at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Melbourne's Crown Casino in 1999, showcasing her resilience and enduring appeal.
Kylie Minogue joined Parlophone in 1999, marking a return to mainstream dance music.
Minogue collaborated with the Pet Shop Boys, explored acting in "Sample People", and signed with Parlophone in 1999, marking a period of reinvention and a return to her pop roots.
Minogue released an art book, "Kylie", and began a relationship with James Gooding in March 2000, highlighting her growing influence beyond music.
Kylie Minogue's seventh studio album, "Light Years", was released in September 2000, marking a successful return to her signature pop sound and achieving commercial success.
By 2000, Kylie Minogue had achieved significant musical credibility, shedding her early image and embracing a more sophisticated, playful, and sensual persona, which garnered her new fans and influenced her music videos.
Kylie Minogue released the album "Light Years" in 2000, featuring hits like "Spinning Around" and "On a Night Like This".
In March 2001, Minogue embarked on the "On a Night Like This" tour and made a cameo appearance in Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge!", showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Minogue released "Can't Get You Out of My Head" in September 2001, which topped charts globally and became one of her signature songs.
Kylie Minogue achieved international breakthrough with her album "Fever" in 2001, which included the global hit "Can't Get You Out of My Head".
Kylie Minogue had a role in the film "Moulin Rouge!" in 2001.
Kylie Minogue received the prestigious Mo Award for Australian Performer of the Year in 2001, acknowledging her outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.
Kylie Minogue's album "Fever" was released in the US in February 2002, marking her successful return to the American music scene.
In April 2002, Kylie Minogue kicked off her highly-anticipated KylieFever2002 tour across Europe and Australia, showcasing her album "Fever."
In September 2002, Kylie Minogue earned recognition for her sex appeal by being ranked 27th on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists list.
Minogue received an MTV Movie Award nomination for her role in "Moulin Rouge!" in 2002, further solidifying her status as a pop culture icon.
Kylie Minogue unveiled her ninth studio album, "Body Language," in November 2003, following an exclusive, invitation-only concert titled "Money Can't Buy" at London's Hammersmith Apollo.
In 2003, Kylie Minogue released two albums: 'Light Years,' a disco-influenced album praised as one of the best disco records since the '70s, and 'Body Language,' an album that explored electro and hip-hop sounds, further diversifying her musical style.
Kylie Minogue received her first Grammy nomination in 2003 for "Love at First Sight" in the Best Dance Recording category. It was also the year she crossed paths with Olivier Martinez at the Grammy Awards ceremony, marking the beginning of their romantic relationship.
Kylie Minogue was once again honored with the Mo Award for Australian Performer of the Year in 2003, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in Australian entertainment.
Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine recognized Kylie Minogue's "Impossible Princess", released in 1997, as her best work to date, highlighting its personal and artistic depth.
Throughout 2003, Kylie Minogue graced the stage at various KIIS-FM Jingle Ball concerts in the U.S., captivating audiences with her electrifying performances.
In August 2004, Kylie Minogue achieved a remarkable feat by holding the record for the most number-one singles on the ARIA singles chart, with an impressive nine chart-toppers.
Kylie Minogue delighted fans with her second greatest hits compilation album, "Ultimate Kylie," in November 2004.
Kylie Minogue spent time in Thailand following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, providing aid and support.
Kylie Minogue ventured into the world of voice acting in February 2005, lending her voice to the character of Florence in the animated film "The Magic Roundabout."
Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 in May 2005. This led to the postponement of her Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour and her withdrawal from the Glastonbury Festival. The news of her diagnosis resulted in an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists worldwide.
On May 21, 2005, Kylie Minogue underwent a lumpectomy at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern, Australia, to treat her breast cancer. Following the surgery, she began chemotherapy treatment.
In July 2005, Kylie Minogue made her first public appearance after her surgery, visiting a children's cancer ward at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, showing her support for other cancer patients.
In 2005, Kylie Minogue was scheduled to headline the Glastonbury Festival but had to cancel her appearance due to her breast cancer diagnosis.
Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. This event led to her becoming a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness.
Kylie Minogue's publicist announced in January 2006 that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. She continued to receive treatment for the following months as part of her recovery.
In January 2006, Kylie Minogue shared the positive news of completing her chemotherapy treatment and announced that there was "no recurrence" of cancer following her surgery.
Throughout 2006 and 2007, as Kylie Minogue embarked on her Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour, a documentary crew followed her journey, capturing intimate moments and behind-the-scenes glimpses for the documentary "White Diamond: A Personal Portrait of Kylie Minogue."
In 2006, Kylie Minogue reprised her role as the voice of Florence in the American release of "The Magic Roundabout," retitled "Doogal." She also recorded the theme song for the American adaptation.
January 2007 marked several tributes to Kylie Minogue's fame: Madame Tussauds London unveiled her fourth waxwork, a bronze cast of her hands was added to Wembley Arena's "Square of Fame," and a bronze statue of her was unveiled at Melbourne Docklands.
In February 2007, Kylie Minogue and French actor Olivier Martinez decided to end their relationship, which began in 2003. Despite the split, they maintained a cordial friendship.
"White Diamond: A Personal Portrait of Kylie Minogue," a documentary chronicling her life and career during her Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour in 2006 and 2007, was released in October 2007.
In October 2007, Kylie Minogue was honored with the Music Industry Trust's award in recognition of her two-decade-long career in music. She was praised as an "icon of pop and style" and became the first female musician to receive this prestigious award.
In 2007, French avant-garde guitarist Noël Akchoté released an album titled "So Lucky," featuring solo guitar interpretations of songs originally recorded by Kylie Minogue.
In 2007, Kylie Minogue's compilation album "Ultimate Kylie" earned a coveted spot on The Guardian's prestigious "1000 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" list.
Marc Brennan, in his 2007 work 'Beautiful Things in Popular Culture,' examined Kylie Minogue's appeal to gay audiences, suggesting that her work offers a form of escapism.
Kylie Minogue added "entrepreneur" to her list of accomplishments in February 2008 when she launched her home furnishings line, "Kylie Minogue at Home."
By May 2008, the "Kylie effect" was being discussed, with French Cultural Minister Christine Albanel noting an increase in young women getting regular cancer checks. Minogue's openness about her journey encouraged others to prioritize their health.
In July 2008, Kylie Minogue was invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles for her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
In 2008, Kylie Minogue pledged her support for a campaign against child abuse, benefiting ChildLine and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The campaign raised approximately $93 million.
PopMatters described "Impossible Princess", released in 1997, as a groundbreaking dance-pop album, further solidifying its legacy as a pivotal work in Minogue's discography.
During an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2008, Kylie Minogue revealed that her breast cancer had initially been misdiagnosed. This experience led her to emphasize the importance of seeking second opinions and advocating for oneself in medical situations.
Kylie Minogue, alongside English entertainers James Corden and Mathew Horne, took on the role of host for the Brit Awards in January 2009.
The Victoria and Albert Museum celebrated Kylie Minogue's significant influence on fashion with a dedicated exhibition titled "Kylie Minogue: Image of a Pop Star" in 2009.
In March 2010, Kylie Minogue earned the top spot in a study by researchers as the "most powerful celebrity in Britain," highlighting her influence in marketing and brand partnerships.
In May 2010, Kylie Minogue participated in her first breast cancer campaign for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, posing for photographer Mario Testino.
In July 2010, Kylie Minogue released her eleventh studio album, "Aphrodite," featuring collaborations with various artists and producers, including Stuart Price, Calvin Harris, and Jake Shears.
Kylie Minogue joined other artists in recording a cover of "Everybody Hurts" in 2010 as part of the Helping Haiti initiative, raising funds for relief efforts after the Haiti earthquake.
In January 2011, Kylie Minogue was awarded a Guinness World Record for having the most consecutive decades with top-five albums in the UK, a testament to her enduring popularity and musical impact.
In February 2011, Kylie Minogue made history by simultaneously having two songs within the top three positions on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart, with "Better than Today" at number one and "Higher" at number three.
Kylie Minogue embarked on her "Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour" in February 2011, with performances across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The tour, inspired by the Greek goddess of love, received positive reviews for its stage production and commercial success.
Kylie Minogue was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in November 2011, cementing her legacy as one of Australia's most successful and influential music artists.
Despite the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami impacting Japan, Kylie Minogue chose to continue her Aphrodite World Tour, demonstrating her commitment to her fans and raising funds for disaster relief.
In January 2012, music critics at NME placed Kylie Minogue's single "Can't Get You Out of My Head" at number four on their list of the Greatest Pop Songs in History.
The Official Charts Company recognized Kylie Minogue as the 12th best-selling singer in the United Kingdom in June 2012, with over 10.1 million singles sold, making her the third best-selling female artist in the country's history.
Kylie Minogue celebrated her 25 years in the music industry with the "K25" anniversary throughout 2012. She launched the "Anti Tour," released the single "Timebomb" and the greatest hits compilation "The Best of Kylie Minogue," and performed at notable events such as Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert.
Kylie Minogue appeared in the film "Holy Motors" in 2012.
In 2012, Dino Scatena, a journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald, recognized the significant impact of Kylie Minogue on Australian popular culture, highlighting her transformation from a soap opera actress to a global pop star. VH1 also acknowledged her influence by including her in their lists of the 100 Greatest Women in Music and the 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era.
In January 2013, Kylie Minogue made significant career moves by parting ways with her longtime manager, Terry Blamey, and signing a management deal with Roc Nation.
Further solidifying her sex symbol status, Kylie Minogue was named one of the 100 Hottest Women of All-Time by Men's Health in 2013.
Kylie Minogue's relationship with Spanish model Andrés Velencoso, which began in 2008, came to an end in 2013.
Kylie Minogue released her twelfth studio album, "Kiss Me Once," in March 2014, featuring collaborations with artists like Sia and Pharrell Williams.
In April 2014, Kylie Minogue launched the One Note Against Cancer campaign, releasing her single "Crystallize" to raise funds for French cancer research charity APREC.
By December 2014, "Especially for You," Minogue's duet with Jason Donovan, had sold its millionth copy in the UK. The single, released in response to public demand, had reached number one in the charts.
Kylie Minogue served as a judge on both the UK and Australian versions of "The Voice" in 2014.
Kylie Minogue made significant changes to her professional career in March 2015 by leaving both Parlophone Records and Roc Nation.
Kylie Minogue released her first Christmas album, "Kylie Christmas," in November 2015 and held a series of Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London in December 2015.
Kylie Minogue appeared in the film "San Andreas" in 2015.
Billboard ranked Kylie Minogue as the 18th most successful dance artist of all time in December 2016, acknowledging her enduring influence and impact on the dance music genre.
Kylie Minogue got engaged to British actor Joshua Sasse in 2016.
Kylie Minogue's financial success was highlighted in 2016 when the Sunday Times Rich List estimated her net worth to be £55 million.
The Britain-Australia Society recognized Kylie Minogue's efforts in strengthening the relationship between Britain and Australia with their 2016 award, acknowledging her impact as a prominent figure in both countries.
Kylie Minogue signed a new record deal with BMG Rights Management in February 2017.
Kylie Minogue was recognized by the Britain-Australia Society in April 2017 with their 2016 award for her outstanding contributions to fostering positive relations and understanding between Britain and Australia.
In December 2017, Kylie Minogue and BMG Rights Management secured a joint deal with Mushroom Group's sub-label, Liberator Music, to release her upcoming album in Australia and New Zealand.
Kylie Minogue emerged victorious in 2017 after a trademark dispute with reality television personality Kylie Jenner over the brand name "Kylie."
Kylie Minogue partnered with BMG Rights Management in 2017.
Kylie Minogue's relationship with British actor Joshua Sasse ended in 2017.
In February 2018, "Kylie Minogue at Home" celebrated its tenth anniversary by unveiling a brand new collection, showcasing the brand's enduring appeal and Kylie's evolving style.
April 2018 marked the release of Kylie Minogue's album 'Golden,' which topped charts in Australia and the UK. Critics praised the album's bold country direction, although some felt it lacked authenticity. This busy month also saw her perform at The Queen's Birthday Party and begin a relationship with Paul Solomons.
Kylie Minogue released "Dancing" in 2018, her first album with BMG Rights Management.
In January 2019, Kylie Minogue received the Officer of the Order of Australia as part of the Australia Day Honours, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and entertainment.
June 2019 was a month of milestones for Kylie Minogue. She released her greatest hits album, 'Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection,' which topped charts and earned critical acclaim. Even more significantly, she made a triumphant return to the Glastonbury Festival, headlining the Legends slot after a 14-year absence due to her battle with breast cancer. Her performance, featuring guest appearances by Nick Cave and Chris Martin, was a resounding success, breaking viewership records and cementing her legacy as a pop icon.
The devastating Australian bushfires of 2019-20 spurred Kylie Minogue to pledge significant financial support for relief efforts.
In response to the 2019-20 Australian bushfire season, Kylie Minogue and her family donated A$500,000 in January 2020 to support firefighting efforts and ongoing recovery.
Alison Boshoff of The New Zealand Herald dubbed Kylie Minogue the "great comeback queen of Pop" in May 2020, acknowledging her resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
In May 2020, Kylie Minogue diversified her portfolio by launching her own wine brand, Kylie Minogue Wines. Her debut product, Rosé Vin de France, was met with success, with her prosecco rosé becoming a top seller in the UK.
Kylie Minogue became the first female artist to achieve number-one albums on the UK Albums Chart in five consecutive decades when her studio album "Disco" reached the top spot in November 2020.
Adding to her accolades, BBC's Nick Levine described Kylie Minogue as "pop's most underestimated icon" in November 2020, praising her longevity, passion, and enduring likability.
As of November 2020, Kylie Minogue has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making her the most successful Australian female recording artist in history. Notably, PRS for Music recognized her 2001 single "Can't Get You Out of My Head" as the most-played track of the 2000s, owing to its widespread airplay and numerous live covers throughout the decade.
Kylie Minogue released the album "Disco" in 2020.
Rolling Stone Australia placed Kylie Minogue at number three on its list of the 50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time in 2020.
In 2020, Kylie Minogue released her fifteenth studio album, 'Disco,' which was heavily influenced by her experiences recording at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The album, featuring hit singles like 'Say Something' and 'Magic,' reached number one in both Australia and the UK, solidifying her status as a music legend by becoming the only female artist to achieve number-one albums in five consecutive decades.
November 2021 saw the re-release of Kylie Minogue's album 'Disco' as 'Disco: Guest List Edition.' This expanded version featured collaborations with notable artists such as Years & Years, Jessie Ware, and Gloria Gaynor, adding a fresh dimension to the already successful album.
After residing in London for three decades, Kylie Minogue made a significant move back to her hometown of Melbourne in February 2022. This relocation brought her closer to her family and marked a new chapter in her personal life. In a nostalgic move, she also reprised her iconic role as Charlene in the long-running Australian soap opera 'Neighbours' for its final season.
By June 2022, Kylie Minogue Wines had sold over five million bottles, demonstrating its remarkable success in the competitive beverage market. The brand also received recognition for its entrepreneurial spirit with a Golden Vines Award.
In February 2023, Kylie Minogue and Paul Solomons, creative director of British GQ, ended their five-year relationship.
In June 2023, Barbara Ellen of The Guardian emphasized the role of Kylie Minogue's modesty, likability, and vulnerability in her sustained appeal over 36 years after her early hit "I Should Be So Lucky."
In June 2023, Kylie Minogue set a new record by becoming the only female artist to have top-ten singles on the UK singles chart across five consecutive decades, from the 1980s to the 2020s, when her single "Padam Padam" entered the top ten.
Kylie Minogue continued her musical success in 2023 with the release of her sixteenth studio album, 'Tension.' The album, a compelling blend of dance-pop and introspective lyrics, received widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one in Australia and the UK. Its lead single, 'Padam Padam,' became a global sensation, reaching the UK top ten and earning her a unique distinction as the only female artist to achieve this feat across five decades. The song's impact was further cemented with an ARIA Award for Best Pop Release and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording.
Kylie Minogue released the single "Padam Padam" in 2023.
In February 2024, Kylie Minogue signed with United Talent Agency for representation in live performances in North America and acting roles globally, marking a strategic move in her career.
In March 2024, a Barbie doll was created in the likeness of Kylie Minogue to celebrate the 65th anniversary of International Women's Day.
In April 2024, Time magazine included Kylie Minogue in its annual list of the top 100 most influential people in the world.
In 2024, Kylie Minogue was recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world.