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TIME on Wednesday unveiled its 2026 TIME100 Next list, recognizing 100 rising stars across entertainment, sports, politics and other fields.
Singer-songwriter RAYE, actor Ashley Padilla and comedian Druski appear on the issue's three worldwide covers. Athletes such as Arch Manning and political figures such as Andy Kim are also on the list.
The issue's three covers were photographed this summer in London and New York by Stefano Giuliano. The sets were built entirely from paper by creative director Jana Frost, using about 500 sheets of A3 for each scene.
The entertainers on this year's list include comedian Druski, "Saturday Night Live" actor Ashley Padilla, actor Joey King, actor Chase Infiniti, actor Isa Briones, musician Conan Gray and filmmaker Curry Barker, actor Charles Melton, actress Sarah Pidgeon, singer-songwriter PinkPantheress.
Pop star Olivia Rodrigo authored a TIME100 Next tribute for her close friend and fellow singer-songwriter Conan Gray.
"I remember so vividly seeing him play an arena in London. I bawled my eyes out with the crowd watching him perform “Family Line” because it’s such a brave thing to do. Offstage, Conan is always making me laugh, and he’s very much a caretaker too," Rodrigo said.
Actor Charles Melton tribute was written by Oscar winner Natalie Portman, who previously starred alongside him in the 2023 drama "May December."
"I first saw Charles Melton’s work in his audition for "May December." I was blown away by his performance; he has that rare ability to be a very serious artist and a very good person at the same time," Natalie said about her friend.
After fans on social media initially joked about PinkPantheress being her daughter, Kelela recalled being "instantly floored" the first time she listened to the British artist's music.
Praising her as a self-assured talent who is "not an extension of anybody," Kelela highlighted PinkPantheress's potent sonic vision and agency as a writer and producer.
She also emphasized the significance of PinkPantheress building her career as a Black femme in a genre that historically offered limited space, noting that every track she creates keeps doors open for others.
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