Tim McGraw Earns Spot on ‘Time’ 100 Most Influential People of 2015 List

Tim McGraw is in good company these days. The singer has earned a spot on Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2015 list, which includes movie stars, politicians, CEOs and more, joining an impressive array of notable personalities.

With more than 40 million albums sold, 26 No. 1 singles and an award-winning acting career that includes roles in The Blind Side and Country Strong, as well as the upcoming Tomorrowland, McGraw has an impressive resume -- but it's his affable personality that earns him the most respect.

"He moves between genres with the same down-to-Earth grace that’s always on display at the Nashville high school football games he never misses," Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham says of McGraw. "A big reader of serious novels and of history, McGraw’s a kind of Renaissance man in a cowboy hat, and it’s clear he’s got a lot of life left to live and art still to make — good news for the rest of us."

Not surprisingly, country-turned-pop megastar Taylor Swift also appears on the list, as much for her goodwill as her numerous successes.

"I’m amazed at how much earned wisdom Taylor threads into her work," actress Mariska Hargitay says of Swift. "She seems tuned in to the greater good, and she embraces — thoughtfully and authentically — the chance to contribute to the world. I’m always trying to find the best words to talk to my kids (and myself) about growing up, but you can’t top her beautifully articulated advice. The haters are gonna hate, but, well, shake it off. She illuminates our inner music that lets us dance to our own beat.

"Also," she continues, "it doesn’t hurt that she named her cat after me."

Although not included on the list herself, Carrie Underwood shares her thoughts on singer and Broadway star Audra McDonald, who starred with Underwood in The Sound of Music Live! and is among the 100.

"Never afraid to stand up for what she believes, Audra is a strong voice speaking out for humane treatment of animals, dignity for the homeless and marriage equality," Underwood says. "I knew from the moment I heard her angelic voice that I was in the presence of greatness, and my thoughts about her were only intensified when I saw a glimpse of her amazing heart. I am proud to call myself her fan — and to call her my friend."

Other notables featured on the list include Julianna Margulies, Bradley Cooper, Laverne Cox, Lorne Michaels, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Kanye West, who tops this year's list.

McGraw and West will perform at the Time 100 Gala, celebrating themselves and the others on this year's list, on April 21 in New York City.

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