Top 10 People of 2024

7=. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked
(Credit: Universal Pictures)

We knew that Ariana Grande was a talented singer. But few of us knew just how brilliant she would be on the big screen. Thanks to her role as Glinda in Wicked, she has ensured she has a Hollywood career for years to come. This time next year, she could very well be an Oscar-winning actor if the Academy enjoys Wicked as much as audiences did. One thing's for sure, we're all holding space for Ariana.

Speaking of the joyous impact of Wicked, why not click here and read all of our reviews and articles about the film? You can also see where it finished in our best movies of 2024 poll.

7=. Joe Biden

Joe Biden stepped away from fighting the 2024 election
(Credit: Matt Johnson)

The second half of this year was dominated by news coverage of the US Election 2024, in which Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris to win re-election. However, the man in the White House throughout all of this has been Joe Biden. Up until this summer, it was Biden who was set to take on Trump at the ballot box, just as he did successfully in 2021.

But in July, he made the unprecedented decision to abandon his candidacy in order to ward off what he saw as the threat of Trump. In an address to the notion, he told the American people that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy".

7=. Simone Biles

Simone Biles again inspired people at the Paris Olympics
(Credit: Andy Miah)

Athletes just don't get more dominant than Simone Biles. She's almost certainly the greatest Olympic gymnast in history and definitely ranks among the USA's most impressive sporting stars of all time. As well as her success in the sporting world, she's also a hugely inspiring and outspoken woman who is unafraid of using her voice and her platform for good.

At the Paris Olympics this year, she competed in her third Olympic Games and won another three gold medals, as well as a silver. She now has 11 Olympic medals in total, which is simply remarkable. And she hasn't ruled out competing in yet another Olympics, this time on home soil, in 2028. Simone Biles cannot be stopped. 

7=. Richard Gadd

Richard Gadd broke out in a big way as creator and star of Baby Reindeer
(Credit: Netflix)

Stand-up comedian Richard Gadd laid his soul bare at the beginning of 2024 when he debuted his TV show Baby Reindeer on Netflix. Drawing on his own experiences with a stalker, as well as the sexual violence he suffered as a young man in comedy, it was a raw and bleakly powerful TV series. After a long time toiling away in the comedy industry, Gadd has now become an overnight success story.

"Outside of the British comedy world, nobody knew how Richard Gadd was at the beginning of 2024," said Voice Editor Tom Beasley. "But thanks to Baby Reindeer, he is now one of the most in-demand and sought after voices in entertainment. That's impact."

2=. Kjersti Flaa

Norwegian-born journalist Kjersti Flaa went viral earlier this year when she shared an uncomfortable interview with actor Blake Lively. Anne Hathaway later apologised to her for another ill-tempered interview when the clip resurfaced. At a time when journalists seldom speak out about the difficulties of the celebrity interview circuit, Flaa has been willing to lift the lid.

Voice Contributor Elle Farrell-Kingsley wrote: "Kjersti exposed some of the difficulties of what it can be like to be a journalist with bad interviews by publishing her awkward interview with Blake Lively, but then also went after the Hollywood Foreign Press. I think by exposing some of these truths, she demonstrated such fierce inspirational bravery and what it really means to be a journalist — not to be swayed by bribery, but to tell the story."

2=. Marc Guehi

The footballer Marc Guehi made an impact in 2024
(Credit: Chelsea Debs)

Marc Guehi has had a big year on the football pitch, becoming arguably one of England's first-choice centre-backs and very nearly winning a big money move to Newcastle United in the summer. But his appearance on this list comes as a result of his advocacy for his faith. In December, he wrote an "I love Jesus" slogan on a rainbow captain's armband, which he later said was "a message of truth and love and inclusivity" despite the criticism he received in some quarters.

Voice Local Reviewer Naomi Johnson wrote: "He is an inspiration for how he stands up for his faith without being offensive towards other beliefs."

2=. Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan has spoken out about the state of fame in 2024
(Credit: Jason Martin)

Musically, this was a breakout year for Chappell Roan. Her album became a sleeper hit, powered by the bumper online success of her Grammy-nominated standalone single Good Luck, Babe! this year. But away from music, Roan made a big impact on the world in 2024 by bravely speaking out about her struggles around dealing with fame and the pressure the industry puts upon young female artists. 

She also turned down an invitation to perform at the White House, alluding to transgender rights and the conflict in Palestine. "We want liberty, justice and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come," said Roan.

2=. Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer won a UK election in July 2024
(Credit: Keir Starmer MP)

Do we need to explain why Keir Starmer is on this list? The UK's new prime minister is the first Labour leader to occupy 10 Downing Street since Gordon Brown, overturning an enormous Tory majority to form a government which is already making strides forward around issues including energy, planning, and the climate crisis. For more on the election, check out our 2024 Election Insider series.

Our charity's director Diana Walton said: "Keir Starmer has managed to end 14 years of Tory misrule, despite dire predictions that Labour would be out of power for 10 years after the 2019 election. Of course he had a lot of help from a disastrous and dying Tory regime. Starmer's political instincts are centrist and he's not a charismatic leader but, despite a bumpy start and some misgivings, I have hope for what his government might achieve."

2=. Elon Musk

Elon Musk became even more politically significant in 2024
(Credit: Steve Jurvetson)

You probably don't like him much. We don't like him either. But it's impossible to deny that Elon Musk has been one of the most influential and significant people of the year. The owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, threw his weight and wealth behind Donald Trump and, since the election result, has become a firm part of the president-elect's top team.

Voice Managing Editor Tom Inniss wrote: "I loathe the man, but no one person has had such reach and control over global events as Musk. His Starlink satellites are being deployed in war and disaster zones, and his X platform basically won the US election. I think his politics and personal attitudes are repugnant, but for most impact, there's nobody else that can top him." 

1. Gisèle Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot is, quite simply, one of the most inspiring women in modern history. Earlier this year, she chose to waive her right to anonymity in order to speak out publicly about the horrific actions of her husband. He frequently drugged her and raped her, allowing other men to assault her as well. 50 of the 51 men tried in relation to the crimes were convicted, with Pelicot's husband receiving a 20-year prison sentence. Her bravery has already inspired millions and will continue to do so in years to come.

Voice Contributor Elisha Pearce summed up Pelicot's impact brilliantly. She wrote: "A true inspiration to women and girls, she is truly changing the way we think of SA. It is not women who should be ashamed, but men. I truly think she will change the way we talk about and sentence violence against women and girls."