Age: 52
Occupation: Comedian, talk-show host, American Idol judge
Previous TIME 100 Appearances: 1
With Oprah Winfrey readying to end her syndicated talk show, the lighthearted, light-footed DeGeneres is a prime candidate for the next queen of daytime. And she's on the biggest show in nighttime too, filling the optimist's chair on the American Idol judges' bench, where, with Simon Cowell leaving next season, she stands to be the show's biggest star.