TIME100 Next 2026 Highlights Raye, Ashley Padilla, and Druski as Global Rising Stars

Key points

• TIME released the 2026 TIME100 Next list, recognizing 100 influential rising stars.
• The issue features three covers: singer Raye, actor Ashley Padilla, and comedian Druski.
• Notable honorees include Tyrese Maxey, Alexandra Eala, and AI leaders like Luana Lopes Lara.
• The youngest person on the list is 15-year-old cricket player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
• A celebratory event will be held in New York City on October 29, featuring Raye and other honorees.
• Key themes for the list include education access, AI revolution, and immigration leadership.

Background

The TIME100 Next list was launched in 2019 to recognize individuals who gain influence early, often outside traditional power structures. This is the sixth annual iteration of the list. Previous coverage of rising stars in sports and entertainment, such as the NFL's 25-and-under rankings and the U.S. Open preview, highlights the broader trend of focusing on young talent across various fields. The TIME100 Next list continues this trend by identifying young leaders in diverse sectors, including politics, technology, and the arts.

How outlets are covering it

TIME and PR Newswire both emphasize the global impact and future-shaping nature of the honorees. TIME highlights the diversity of the list, including categories like phenoms, artists, leaders, innovators, and advocates, while PR Newswire provides a more detailed breakdown of the honorees by sector, such as entertainers, musicians, athletes, and business leaders. Both sources agree on the significance of the list and the celebratory event in New York City. However, TIME focuses more on the individual tributes and pairings, such as Tyrese Maxey by LeBron James, while PR Newswire emphasizes the broader themes and the event's sponsors. There is no significant disagreement between the sources, but they differ in the level of detail provided about the honorees and the event.

Why it matters

The TIME100 Next list serves as a barometer for emerging influence and leadership, highlighting individuals who are shaping the future across various sectors. The list's focus on themes like education access, AI revolution, and immigration reflects the current global priorities and challenges. The celebratory event in New York City provides a platform for these rising stars to connect and share their work, potentially influencing future trends and policies. The list also highlights the importance of early influence and the changing nature of power structures, as noted by TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs.

What to watch

The TIME100 Next event will be held in New York City on October 29, featuring performances by Raye and appearances by Druski, Conan Gray, and Eiza González. The event will also include remarks from Ashley Padilla and a special presentation of the TIME Earth Award to Saie Founder and CEO Laney Crowell. The event is sponsored by Rolex, Toyota, Project Management Institute, and Target. Future coverage may focus on the impact of the honorees and the outcomes of the event, as well as the continued influence of the individuals on the list in their respective fields.