The ranking of the most influential people in the world, according to a survey of readers of the American magazine TIME, was headed by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

Putin has gained 6.9 percent of the vote, almost on a par with him turned out to be a South Korean singer Lee Jae Rin from the group 2NE1. Third place went also to the singer Lady Gaga, however, she lags far behind the leaders with 2.6% of the vote.

The top ten includes also Barbadian singer Rihanna, American country-pop singer Taylor Swift, British actress and model Emma Watson, Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a Pakistani human rights activist, advocating for access to education for women around the world Malala Yousafzai, American singer and producer Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.

Rounded out the top ten Pope Francis, who scored 1.5 per cent of the votes. Immediately after his 11th place was the U.S. President Barack Obama with 1.4% of the votes. On 12th place with a slight separation from the spouse was the US first lady Michelle Obama with 1.2% of the vote. In 15th place was British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, known in for the TV series «Sherlock Holmes».

Chinese leader XI Jinping took 22nd place, Syria’s President was one step below. German Chancellor Angela Merkel received 25th place, ahead of the American pop singer Madonna.

TIME magazine, based in new York, published since 1923, is one of the most published magazines in the United States. The magazine is known for its selection of “Person of the year”, which is determined in December, Executive editor (2007 person of the year became Putin), and a list of the hundred most influential people, which is determined by the readers and the Commission.

The voting results will be formally announced on 13 April, the official version of the list of the 100 most influential people will be announced on April 16.