The Top 5 Most Influential People of 2007

There are many people in our world that influence us in many ways. When choosing the top 5 most influential people of 2007 I had to first think of what influence actually means. Influence is when someone influences others to think the way they do or to do something they want done. We can be influenced in almost anything, from the books we read, causes we fight for, music we listen to, food we eat or don't eat, influence can also help us to keep on reaching for dreams instead of giving up on them. There are good influences and there are bad influences in life. I have chosen to concentrate on those people who have been n the news mostly in 2007 for the influence they have or have influenced people to do things to help others and/or themselves. Here are my choices for the top 5 most influential people of 2007.

Oprah Winfrey - Talk show host/Actress

Oprah Winfrey has been considered to be the most influential person in the world for many years now. I agree with this. When Oprah talks most everyone listens. She is influential in all things. Everyone knows if you can get Oprah to endorse something then it is going to become hugely popular. Whether it is a book, music or even a desert, if Oprah likes it, millions will check it out and most likely support it.

Oprah is huge about helping those in need. Through her Angels Network much as been done to aid those in need. Just being on the Oprah show is considered to be a huge deal for any celebrity or musician. There is no doubt that Oprah is indeed one of the most influential people in the world, and most likely the most influential.

Al Gore - Former vice-president/Environmental activist

In 1976 Al Gore was elected to congress, at that time he started conducting hearings on global warming. He investigated the science of global warming and he held discussions with climatologists. In 1993 he became vice president to Bill Clinton. In 2000 he ran for president and after that loss, that many still question, he could have had an easy life by just concentrating on his family. He did not do this; he started getting involved even more in learning about global warming and alerting the world to the dangers we are facing. His book "An Inconvenient Truth" also became a movie/documentary. It has helped the global warming debate like nothing else before.

There is still much more to be done but we know Al Gore is doing everything possible to get the world to understand that there are things happening now that will forever change the world, if we don't take measure now to stop it from happening. Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his wide reach efforts to draw attention to the danger of global warming. He has the influence to make a difference.

Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) - Actress/Singer

Miley Cyrus is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus. She and Billy star in the Disney channel hit TV show, Hannah Montana. Miley is 15 years old and besides doing the show she is also headlining a sold-out United States concert tour. She also has her own fashion line. Hannah Montana is the hottest thing around these days. Kids and Teens nationwide love and admire Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana. Miley, with the guidance of her parents has managed thus far to escape the trouble and turmoil that most child stars get in too. The kids want to be Hannah Montana and the parents just love the wholesomeness that is Hannah Montana and Miley's music. Parents are paying extraordinary amounts to get their kids to a concert of their idol Miley Cyrus. She has influenced kids to know that you can have fun without the alcohol and drugs that seems to fill the world today.

Hillary Rodman Clinton - Former First Lady/ U.S Senator

Hillary was the only first lady to be elected to the U.S Senate. As Senator of New York she has been a power player in many issues. Hillary is now aiming to be the first woman president of the United States. In 1988 and 1991 she was listed as one of the hundred most influential lawyers in America. In her time as first lady of the United States she took a prominent position in policy matters. In 1997 she helped establish the State Health Insurance Program and Adoptions and Safe Families Act. Hillary's influence is being noticed all over the world as many people realize America may have its first woman president in 2008, if she does become the democrat elect.

Taylor Hicks - Singer/Songwriter/Musician/American Idol

Taylor Hicks was the winner of the fifth season of American Idol. His influence amongst his supporters is huge. Taylor supports charities and his fans have followed him in this aspect, by raising thousands of dollars for charities in Alabama, Kid One Transport and Studio by the Tracks. They have also sent shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in hospitals and sent copies of Taylor's CD "Taylor Hicks" and his book "Heart Full of Soul" to troops overseas. There is huge National Soul Patrol Convention and a Soul Affair that will be taking place in Birmingham Alabama this spring and the funds raised from this event will be split between Kid One Transport and The Alabama/Georgia chapter of The Make a Wish Foundation. Fans have helped children get tickets to attend Taylor Hicks concerts and get meet and greets with him. Taylor gives a kid in the audience the harmonica he played during the concert after each one. Taylor's story is one of self determination and hard work to achieve his dream and his fans have found the strength to carry on with their dreams through Taylor's story. His story proves that dreams come true. Taylor Hicks' influence far exceeds just getting the title of American Idol.