01of 100The RockPeter YangDwayne “The Rock” Johnson covers PEOPLE’s 2021 Issue of 100 Reasons to Love America, opening up about life as a girl dad, his career and his potential run for political office. “I’m a lucky guy to be in the position I’m in,” he shares. “Around every corner, if there’s something that I can do to create an opportunity for somebody to work, take care of their own family, live their dream — that’s the kind of stuff that matters.“Read on to see nine more reasons why we’re loving America right now. And to read the full list (and hear more from The Rock), pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
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The Rock
Peter Yang
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson covers PEOPLE’s 2021 Issue of 100 Reasons to Love America, opening up about life as a girl dad, his career and his potential run for political office. “I’m a lucky guy to be in the position I’m in,” he shares. “Around every corner, if there’s something that I can do to create an opportunity for somebody to work, take care of their own family, live their dream — that’s the kind of stuff that matters.”
Read on to see nine more reasons why we’re loving America right now. And to read the full list (and hear more from The Rock), pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
02of 100COVID-19 VaccinesCOVID-19 vaccine.Chip Somodevilla/GettyBefore 2020, the fastest vaccine ever developed was for mumps — and that took four years. Yet researchers developed immunization against COVID in less than one year. One time-saving step: mass-producing the shots before clinical trials were completed. “The speed was not at all at the sacrifice of safety,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “The speed was the reflection of extraordinary advances in the science of vaccine platform technology.”
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COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine.Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Before 2020, the fastest vaccine ever developed was for mumps — and that took four years. Yet researchers developed immunization against COVID in less than one year. One time-saving step: mass-producing the shots before clinical trials were completed. “The speed was not at all at the sacrifice of safety,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “The speed was the reflection of extraordinary advances in the science of vaccine platform technology.”
03of 100Dolly PartonDolly parton/TwitterThe music legend donated $1 million to help fund COVID vaccine research at Vanderbilt University — and sang about getting vaccinated to the tune of her hit song “Jolene” after a friend there, Dr. Naji Abumrad, gave her the shot.
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Dolly Parton
Dolly parton/Twitter
The music legend donated $1 million to help fund COVID vaccine research at Vanderbilt University — and sang about getting vaccinated to the tune of her hit song “Jolene” after a friend there, Dr. Naji Abumrad, gave her the shot.
04of 100Our Ability to PivotJeffrey McWhorter/AP/ShutterstockAcross the country restaurants are thriving again after months of offering only takeout and delivery, retailers are opening their doors after moving their businesses online, and ballparks like Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas (shown here), are back in business. As the pandemic raged, stadiums did their part to contribute to the fight against COVID, offering up their acreage — as well as their expertise in traffic flow and crowd control — to function first as testing centers and later as vaccination sites. Now, with COVID cases slowing and vaccines widely available, arenas are again welcoming fans to big games like this one pitting the Texas Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Our Ability to Pivot
Jeffrey McWhorter/AP/Shutterstock
Across the country restaurants are thriving again after months of offering only takeout and delivery, retailers are opening their doors after moving their businesses online, and ballparks like Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas (shown here), are back in business. As the pandemic raged, stadiums did their part to contribute to the fight against COVID, offering up their acreage — as well as their expertise in traffic flow and crowd control — to function first as testing centers and later as vaccination sites. Now, with COVID cases slowing and vaccines widely available, arenas are again welcoming fans to big games like this one pitting the Texas Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays.
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The 4th of July
istockphoto/Getty
06of 100America’s Mission to MarsNasa/GettyNASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Feb. 18 for a 687-day stay. So far it has found no signs of life but determined that wind and water have eroded some of the rocks, and it has released a device that can produce oxygen to prepare for human occupation and a helicopter to perform test flights on the planet.
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America’s Mission to Mars
Nasa/Getty
NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Feb. 18 for a 687-day stay. So far it has found no signs of life but determined that wind and water have eroded some of the rocks, and it has released a device that can produce oxygen to prepare for human occupation and a helicopter to perform test flights on the planet.
07of 100Oprah WinfreySteve Jennings/GettyShortly before ending her talk show, in January 2011 she launched her network, which has brought acclaimed shows likeQueen SugarandThe Legacy of Black Wall Street.And this year she demonstrated the art of the compassionate interview with can’t-miss sit-downs with people likePrince Harryand Elliot Page that informed the world.
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Oprah Winfrey
Steve Jennings/Getty
Shortly before ending her talk show, in January 2011 she launched her network, which has brought acclaimed shows likeQueen SugarandThe Legacy of Black Wall Street.And this year she demonstrated the art of the compassionate interview with can’t-miss sit-downs with people likePrince Harryand Elliot Page that informed the world.
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The First Gay Captain America
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The Great Outdoors
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Amanda Gorman
Patrick Semasky/Getty
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NPR’s 50th Annviersary
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty
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Nia Dennis
Kyusung Gong/AFP/Shutterstock
13of 100Zillow Gone Wild InstagramThe addictive, carefully curatedaccountspotlights the weirder side of real estate, like a toilet in the kitchen, a house shaped like a mushroom, or a mansion with a potato shed.
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Zillow Gone Wild Instagram
The addictive, carefully curatedaccountspotlights the weirder side of real estate, like a toilet in the kitchen, a house shaped like a mushroom, or a mansion with a potato shed.
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Waffles + Mochi
ADAM ROSE/NETFLIX
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Little Island Park
Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty
16of 100Bad BunnyTaylor Hill/GettyThe Puerto Rican rapper is Spotify’s most streamed pop star in the world. With his colorful clothes and painted nails, he has redefined masculinity in a genre known for its machismo and is always ahead of the trends. “His IQ for music is just astronomical,” his manager Noah Assad toldThe Guardian. “He sees things in music … six months or a year before anyone else.”
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Bad Bunny
Taylor Hill/Getty
The Puerto Rican rapper is Spotify’s most streamed pop star in the world. With his colorful clothes and painted nails, he has redefined masculinity in a genre known for its machismo and is always ahead of the trends. “His IQ for music is just astronomical,” his manager Noah Assad toldThe Guardian. “He sees things in music … six months or a year before anyone else.”
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Crowd-sourced Ratatouille the Musical
18of 100Andra DayAndra Day.Amy Sussman/FilmMagicA star is born. Scripts have been pouring in for the singer and songwriter since her stunning acting debut inThe United States vs. Billie Holidayled to a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination. Though she may have been destined for the role (born Cassandra Batie, she took the stage name Day in honor of Holiday), she is in awe of her new star status. “I’m blown away,” Day, who lives with her mother and two cousins, told PEOPLE.“And disoriented in the best way, but grateful.”
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Andra Day
Andra Day.Amy Sussman/FilmMagic
A star is born. Scripts have been pouring in for the singer and songwriter since her stunning acting debut inThe United States vs. Billie Holidayled to a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination. Though she may have been destined for the role (born Cassandra Batie, she took the stage name Day in honor of Holiday), she is in awe of her new star status. “I’m blown away,” Day, who lives with her mother and two cousins, told PEOPLE.“And disoriented in the best way, but grateful.”
19of 100Summer CampGettyKids can finally head back to these idyllic places for first kisses, dirty socks and finding their people.
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Summer Camp
Getty
Kids can finally head back to these idyllic places for first kisses, dirty socks and finding their people.
20of 100Crispy Chicken Sandwich WarsMCdonaldsSeventeen months after Popeyes introduced its version, McDonald’s added three varieties, and sales exploded. The more the merrier.
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Crispy Chicken Sandwich Wars
MCdonalds
Seventeen months after Popeyes introduced its version, McDonald’s added three varieties, and sales exploded. The more the merrier.
21of 100Gender Neutral Potato HeadHasbroHasbro is following the science. Potatoes have both male and female flowers and are self-pollinating.
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Gender Neutral Potato Head
Hasbro
Hasbro is following the science. Potatoes have both male and female flowers and are self-pollinating.
22of 100Tabitha BrownTabitha Brown/InstagramThe influenceramassed nearly 5 million TikTok followers with her vegan recipes, cooking hacks and motivational videos — and a role onThe Chi.
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Tabitha Brown
Tabitha Brown/Instagram
The influenceramassed nearly 5 million TikTok followers with her vegan recipes, cooking hacks and motivational videos — and a role onThe Chi.
23of 100The SmithsonianRon BLuntThe world’s largest museum is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a new immersive experience titled “Futures” at the Arts and Industries Building.
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The Smithsonian
Ron BLunt
The world’s largest museum is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a new immersive experience titled “Futures” at the Arts and Industries Building.
24of 100Matthew McConaugheyDan HImbrechts/ShutterstockOscar, check. Bestselling memoir, check. What’s next for the dad of three? Perhaps governor of Texas: “I have a new chapter for myself, personally in my life. I believe it is in some sort of leadership role,” he told CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla, admitting that he’s mulling a run to lead his beloved home state. “I’m actually trying to look at the idea and give it serious consideration.”
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Matthew McConaughey
Dan HImbrechts/Shutterstock
Oscar, check. Bestselling memoir, check. What’s next for the dad of three? Perhaps governor of Texas: “I have a new chapter for myself, personally in my life. I believe it is in some sort of leadership role,” he told CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla, admitting that he’s mulling a run to lead his beloved home state. “I’m actually trying to look at the idea and give it serious consideration.”
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Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
26of 100Rugrats RebootNIckelodeon/Paramount +Fans of the Nickelodeon show, which ran for 15 years beginning in 1991, can watch the new version with rugrats of their own.
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Rugrats Reboot
NIckelodeon/Paramount +
Fans of the Nickelodeon show, which ran for 15 years beginning in 1991, can watch the new version with rugrats of their own.
27of 100The Woman Who Found an Apartment Behind Her MirrorSamantha Hartsoe/TikTokSamantha Hartsoe traced a draft to a mirror over her bathroom sink and discovered a hole leading to a three-bedroom apartment. Alas, it was uninhabitable, but she gave every tiny-apartment dweller hope.
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The Woman Who Found an Apartment Behind Her Mirror
Samantha Hartsoe/TikTok
Samantha Hartsoe traced a draft to a mirror over her bathroom sink and discovered a hole leading to a three-bedroom apartment. Alas, it was uninhabitable, but she gave every tiny-apartment dweller hope.
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Erin & Ben Napier
30of 100Barbie’s ComebackMattel, IncThe iconic toy spent a few years in cultural exile because of her impossible-to-attain figure, but the brand expanded its line to be more inclusive — adding dolls of Helen Keller and fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, among others — and now Margot Robbie is starring as Barbie in a movie she’s also producing; Greta Gerwig signed on to direct.
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Barbie’s Comeback
Mattel, Inc
The iconic toy spent a few years in cultural exile because of her impossible-to-attain figure, but the brand expanded its line to be more inclusive — adding dolls of Helen Keller and fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, among others — and now Margot Robbie is starring as Barbie in a movie she’s also producing; Greta Gerwig signed on to direct.
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Bo Burnham
Netflix
32of 100ClubhouseChristoph Dernbach/Picture Alliance/GettyThe invitation-only social media app lets groups of people interact in real-time — and, because it’s audio-only, never get caught with their pants down.
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Clubhouse
Christoph Dernbach/Picture Alliance/Getty
The invitation-only social media app lets groups of people interact in real-time — and, because it’s audio-only, never get caught with their pants down.
33of 100Yo-Yo MaBerkshire community college/facebookAfter the famed cellist received his second dose of the COVID vaccine in Pittsfield, Mass., he broke out his cello and played for volunteers during his 15-minute wait time.
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Yo-Yo Ma
Berkshire community college/facebook
After the famed cellist received his second dose of the COVID vaccine in Pittsfield, Mass., he broke out his cello and played for volunteers during his 15-minute wait time.
34of 100ChessCharlie Gray/NetflixThanks to the popularity ofThe Queen’s Gambit,the centuries-old game is experiencing a revival, notably among women.
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Chess
Charlie Gray/Netflix
Thanks to the popularity ofThe Queen’s Gambit,the centuries-old game is experiencing a revival, notably among women.
35of 100Fire Pitsistockphoto/gettySales heated up when we all stayed home and became determined to make use of outdoor space, even as temps dropped.
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Fire Pits
istockphoto/getty
Sales heated up when we all stayed home and became determined to make use of outdoor space, even as temps dropped.
36of 100Siblings or Dating? InstagramYou have to guess frompictures posted, and your mind will be blown.
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Siblings or Dating? Instagram
You have to guess frompictures posted, and your mind will be blown.
37of 100Bowen YangWill Heath/NBC/GettyHe’s carved out a niche onSaturday Night Liveplaying characters who are original and queer and leave the audience wanting more, like the iceberg that sunk theTitanic,right. (“First of all, you came to whereIlive and you hitme!") He’s going to be one of the greats.
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Bowen Yang
Will Heath/NBC/Getty
He’s carved out a niche onSaturday Night Liveplaying characters who are original and queer and leave the audience wanting more, like the iceberg that sunk theTitanic,right. (“First of all, you came to whereIlive and you hitme!") He’s going to be one of the greats.
38of 100Tulsa’s Gathering PlaceShane Bevel PHotographyThe 100-acre riverfront public park, bursting with attractions, has made many lists of best places to visit in America. What’s more, it’s a beacon of inclusivity in a city known for its 1921 race massacre.
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Tulsa’s Gathering Place
Shane Bevel PHotography
The 100-acre riverfront public park, bursting with attractions, has made many lists of best places to visit in America. What’s more, it’s a beacon of inclusivity in a city known for its 1921 race massacre.
39of 100Sitting Bernie MemeVermont senator Bernie Sanders captured the imagination of the Internet when he was photographed sitting on a folding chair at President Biden’s Inauguration, all bundled up. Immediately Sanders and his enormous mittens started popping up everywhere: on a bench next to Forrest Gump; alongside Deadpool; riding a New York City subway; on the moon. “I was just sitting there trying to keep warm,” Sanders told Seth Meyers. But he quickly embraced the moment, selling meme merchandise that raised $1.8 million for charitable organizations in Vermont.
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Sitting Bernie Meme
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders captured the imagination of the Internet when he was photographed sitting on a folding chair at President Biden’s Inauguration, all bundled up. Immediately Sanders and his enormous mittens started popping up everywhere: on a bench next to Forrest Gump; alongside Deadpool; riding a New York City subway; on the moon. “I was just sitting there trying to keep warm,” Sanders told Seth Meyers. But he quickly embraced the moment, selling meme merchandise that raised $1.8 million for charitable organizations in Vermont.
40of 100Hot Springs National Park 100th AnniversaryGettyKnown as the American Spa, the Arkansas territory became a national park in 1921 to preserve the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain.
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Hot Springs National Park 100th Anniversary
Known as the American Spa, the Arkansas territory became a national park in 1921 to preserve the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain.
41of 100Olivia RodrigoOlivia Rodrigo.JMEnternational/GettyAnother Disney star rises to the top. Rodrigo’s raw, emotional music captures the feelings of a generation of fans who have made the 18-year-old the breakout singer of 2021.
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Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo.JMEnternational/Getty
Another Disney star rises to the top. Rodrigo’s raw, emotional music captures the feelings of a generation of fans who have made the 18-year-old the breakout singer of 2021.
42of 100Missouri Statehood BicentennialGettyHappy 200th, Show Me State!
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Missouri Statehood Bicentennial
Happy 200th, Show Me State!
43of 100Darnella FrazierShe witnessed George Floyd’s murder and, at just 17, had the wisdom to videotape it — leading to the conviction of Derek Chauvin and sparking a global movement for racial justice.
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Darnella Frazier
She witnessed George Floyd’s murder and, at just 17, had the wisdom to videotape it — leading to the conviction of Derek Chauvin and sparking a global movement for racial justice.
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The Photography of Gray Malin
Aerial views of remote locations and beautiful beaches are hallmarks of the L.A.-based travel photographer’s pictures, and during the pandemic people scooped them up. “My work sits at the center of escapism and home décor — both of which were having a moment last year with everyone stuck at home,” he says. (Malin was too, and he turned his focus to his own backyard, shooting a series on the Hollywood sign.) Now he’s happy to be back on the road to places like Hawaii, where he took these pictures when the state reopened, and hopes his photos “reminded people of the vacation they cannot wait to take once they are able to travel again,” he says.
45of 100Alan S. KimJimmy Kimmel LiveThe 9-year-old star became an awards season darling when he cried during his acceptance speech at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Young Actor/Actress inMinari. Afterward, he says, he celebrated with “a pizza party, and then we also got chicken.” He already has his next role lined up inLatchkey Kids,and luckily for him, he won’t have too much trouble memorizing his lines: “I just go to sleep, and then, when I wake up, I memorized them all,” he says. No wonder then that when he grows up he doesn’t want to do “anything else than being an actor.”
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Alan S. Kim
Jimmy Kimmel Live
The 9-year-old star became an awards season darling when he cried during his acceptance speech at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Young Actor/Actress inMinari. Afterward, he says, he celebrated with “a pizza party, and then we also got chicken.” He already has his next role lined up inLatchkey Kids,and luckily for him, he won’t have too much trouble memorizing his lines: “I just go to sleep, and then, when I wake up, I memorized them all,” he says. No wonder then that when he grows up he doesn’t want to do “anything else than being an actor.”
46of 100The Friends ReunionTerence PatrickIt finally happened, and it was spectacular.
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The Friends Reunion
Terence Patrick
It finally happened, and it was spectacular.
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Jennifer Doudna
Anastasila Sapon/The New York Times/Redux
48of 100Major BidenAdam Schultz/Official White House PhotoThe first shelter dog in the White House may have been involved in two minor biting incidents, but the German shepherd has received training to adjust to his new digs. Youcanteach a rescue dog new tricks.
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Major Biden
Adam Schultz/Official White House Photo
The first shelter dog in the White House may have been involved in two minor biting incidents, but the German shepherd has received training to adjust to his new digs. Youcanteach a rescue dog new tricks.
49of 100Mikayla HolmgrenCourtesy Fadil BerishaShe competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, and now the inspiring 26-year-old model wants to be the first woman with Down syndrome to appear in theSports IllustratedSwimsuit issue. “Just follow your dreams and then do things!” she told PEOPLE.
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Mikayla Holmgren
Courtesy Fadil Berisha
She competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, and now the inspiring 26-year-old model wants to be the first woman with Down syndrome to appear in theSports IllustratedSwimsuit issue. “Just follow your dreams and then do things!” she told PEOPLE.
50of 100Krispy Kremekrispy kremeShow your vaccination card and get a free donut! The brand has given away more than 1.5 million.
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Krispy Kreme
krispy kreme
Show your vaccination card and get a free donut! The brand has given away more than 1.5 million.
51of 100Ali Fedotowsky-MannoAli Fedotowsky/InstagramShe didn’t find lasting love as the Bachelorette (she married radio host Kevin Manno six years later), but Ali Fedotowsky-Manno has become a beacon of inspiration for the influencer set. For her 1 million Instagram followers, the mom to Molly, almost 5, and Riley, 3, skillfully integrates real life like her struggles with anemia (“Kevin jokes that I produce my own 24-hour reality show”) with business partnerships with lifestyle brands. “I made more as an influencer than in any of my other jobs,” she says proudly. Despite the downfalls — “People can pick you apart online” — “I feel connected with my followers. This could all go away tomorrow, so for now I’m as authentic as I can possibly be.”
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Ali Fedotowsky-Manno
Ali Fedotowsky/Instagram
She didn’t find lasting love as the Bachelorette (she married radio host Kevin Manno six years later), but Ali Fedotowsky-Manno has become a beacon of inspiration for the influencer set. For her 1 million Instagram followers, the mom to Molly, almost 5, and Riley, 3, skillfully integrates real life like her struggles with anemia (“Kevin jokes that I produce my own 24-hour reality show”) with business partnerships with lifestyle brands. “I made more as an influencer than in any of my other jobs,” she says proudly. Despite the downfalls — “People can pick you apart online” — “I feel connected with my followers. This could all go away tomorrow, so for now I’m as authentic as I can possibly be.”
52of 100NeighborhoodsMacall PolayCommunities mattered more than ever this year, andIn the HeightsisLin-Manuel Miranda’s love letter to his in Washington Heights. “It’s an insanely picturesque point in Manhattan,” he says. “I love it so much.” Below, the movie’s stars share their favorite parts of N.Y.C.
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Neighborhoods
Macall Polay
Communities mattered more than ever this year, andIn the HeightsisLin-Manuel Miranda’s love letter to his in Washington Heights. “It’s an insanely picturesque point in Manhattan,” he says. “I love it so much.” Below, the movie’s stars share their favorite parts of N.Y.C.
53of 100Tiffany HaddishEmily Shur/CBS/GettyBeating out four men, she was the first Black woman since Whoopi Goldberg to win a Grammy for a comedy album.
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Tiffany Haddish
Emily Shur/CBS/Getty
Beating out four men, she was the first Black woman since Whoopi Goldberg to win a Grammy for a comedy album.
54of 100One World ObservatoryErik Pendzich/REXAs the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the highest spot in New York City, atop One World Trade Center (aka the Freedom Tower), is a reminder of how the United States stands strong.
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One World Observatory
Erik Pendzich/REX
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the highest spot in New York City, atop One World Trade Center (aka the Freedom Tower), is a reminder of how the United States stands strong.
55of 100Olympic Hopeful Sunisa LeeHarry How/GettyThe St. Paul native, 18, hopes to make history in Tokyo as the first Hmong American Olympic gymnast. “It would mean the world for me to go to the Olympics,” says Lee, who helped the U.S. team win gold at the 2019 world championships. “To be an inspiration to other Hmong people would mean a lot to me too.”
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Olympic Hopeful Sunisa Lee
Harry How/Getty
The St. Paul native, 18, hopes to make history in Tokyo as the first Hmong American Olympic gymnast. “It would mean the world for me to go to the Olympics,” says Lee, who helped the U.S. team win gold at the 2019 world championships. “To be an inspiration to other Hmong people would mean a lot to me too.”
56of 100The PatinkinsKathryn Grody and Mandy Patinkin.Axelle/Bauer-Grifin/FilmmagicActor Mandy Patinkin and his wife of 41 years, Kathryn Grody, became unlikely Instagram stars when their son Gideon began documenting his parents' lives in upstate New York during the pandemic — all the joy and all the bickering. The forced togetherness, Patinkin toldThe New York Times,has been “one of the true gifts of my life.”
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The Patinkins
Kathryn Grody and Mandy Patinkin.Axelle/Bauer-Grifin/Filmmagic
Actor Mandy Patinkin and his wife of 41 years, Kathryn Grody, became unlikely Instagram stars when their son Gideon began documenting his parents' lives in upstate New York during the pandemic — all the joy and all the bickering. The forced togetherness, Patinkin toldThe New York Times,has been “one of the true gifts of my life.”
57of 100Kim NgRob Leiter/MLB Photos/GettyShe started as an intern with the Chicago White Sox and worked her way up. Now she’s the new general manager of the Miami Marlins — and the first woman to run a major league baseball team.
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Kim Ng
Rob Leiter/MLB Photos/Getty
She started as an intern with the Chicago White Sox and worked her way up. Now she’s the new general manager of the Miami Marlins — and the first woman to run a major league baseball team.
58of 100Celebrity Mini-MesMike Ehrmann/GettyThese kids have talent! They held their own — and then some — performing alongside their famous parents, like Charlie Woods, who at 11 years old came in 7th place with his dad Tiger at the PNC championship father-son challenge in Florida last December. (See also: Blue Ivy Carter winning a Grammy, Willow Smith taking the stage with mom Pink and Vin Diesel’s son Vincent joining the cast ofF9.)
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Celebrity Mini-Mes
Mike Ehrmann/Getty
These kids have talent! They held their own — and then some — performing alongside their famous parents, like Charlie Woods, who at 11 years old came in 7th place with his dad Tiger at the PNC championship father-son challenge in Florida last December. (See also: Blue Ivy Carter winning a Grammy, Willow Smith taking the stage with mom Pink and Vin Diesel’s son Vincent joining the cast ofF9.)
59of 100Guy Fierifood networkHe inked a new three-year deal with the Food Network after helping raise $21.5 million for restaurant workers during the pandemic.
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Guy Fieri
food network
He inked a new three-year deal with the Food Network after helping raise $21.5 million for restaurant workers during the pandemic.
60of 100Empire State Buildingistockphoto/gettyIt hasn’t been the tallest since 1972, but it’s still arguably the world’s most famous; this year the N.Y.C. skyscraper turned 90.
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Empire State Building
It hasn’t been the tallest since 1972, but it’s still arguably the world’s most famous; this year the N.Y.C. skyscraper turned 90.
61of 100The Nomads of NomadlandEverettHouseless but not homeless, the real-life stars of the movie love the van life. “We have quite an eclectic group that come together and bond,” Linda May told theLos Angeles Times.
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The Nomads of Nomadland
Everett
Houseless but not homeless, the real-life stars of the movie love the van life. “We have quite an eclectic group that come together and bond,” Linda May told theLos Angeles Times.
62of 100Levain CookiesLevain BakeryEach heavenly treat from the famous bakery has more calories than a Quarter Pounder — but every bite is worth the Quarantine 15.
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Levain Cookies
Levain Bakery
Each heavenly treat from the famous bakery has more calories than a Quarter Pounder — but every bite is worth the Quarantine 15.
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Cameo
64of 100Fran LebowitzMonica Schipper/GettyHer Netflix seriesPretend It’s a Cityput the curmudgeonly New Yorker back in the spotlight. Now 70, she doesn’t use a computer but did some virtual events during the pandemic — and missed having a live audience. “People who are in show business play to the audience,” she toldBillboard.“I don’t do that — I’m not that nice, I’m not that friendly.”
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Fran Lebowitz
Monica Schipper/Getty
Her Netflix seriesPretend It’s a Cityput the curmudgeonly New Yorker back in the spotlight. Now 70, she doesn’t use a computer but did some virtual events during the pandemic — and missed having a live audience. “People who are in show business play to the audience,” she toldBillboard.“I don’t do that — I’m not that nice, I’m not that friendly.”
65of 100EtsyEtsyDid you go there for masks? Or perhaps candles or crocheted animals? When quarantined craftspeople connected with home shoppers, this online marketplace for handmade items doubled its revenue in 2020.
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Etsy
Did you go there for masks? Or perhaps candles or crocheted animals? When quarantined craftspeople connected with home shoppers, this online marketplace for handmade items doubled its revenue in 2020.
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Luis Elizondo
67of 100Kane BrownKevin Mazur/GettyHis positive attitude has helped make him a country music star. The secret to his award-winning hit “Worldwide Beautiful”? “It was the message of being able to come together even though we are different,” he told thePittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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Kane Brown
Kevin Mazur/Getty
His positive attitude has helped make him a country music star. The secret to his award-winning hit “Worldwide Beautiful”? “It was the message of being able to come together even though we are different,” he told thePittsburgh Post-Gazette.
68of 100Iris ApfelSean Zanni/GettyThe style icon, who turns 100 in August, is as cool now as ever. Known for her oversize glasses, chunky jewelry and bright colors, she has said, “I never think about my age. Maybe that’s the ticket.”
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Iris Apfel
Sean Zanni/Getty
The style icon, who turns 100 in August, is as cool now as ever. Known for her oversize glasses, chunky jewelry and bright colors, she has said, “I never think about my age. Maybe that’s the ticket.”
69of 100Kai ShappleyTexas SenateThe brave 10-year-old trans activist testified before the Texas Senate against transphobic bills.
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Kai Shappley
Texas Senate
The brave 10-year-old trans activist testified before the Texas Senate against transphobic bills.
70of 100Leslie JordanRobert TrachtenbergBuilding on his social media fame, the diminutive actor released a bestselling memoir and a gospel album this year.
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Leslie Jordan
Robert Trachtenberg
Building on his social media fame, the diminutive actor released a bestselling memoir and a gospel album this year.
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Jean Smart
HBO Max
72of 100Eugene GoodmanEugene Goodman.Ashley Gilbertson/VII PhotoThe Capitol Police officer was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for diverting rioters from the United States Senate chamber on Jan. 6.
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Eugene Goodman
Eugene Goodman.Ashley Gilbertson/VII Photo
The Capitol Police officer was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for diverting rioters from the United States Senate chamber on Jan. 6.
73of 100New Postal TrucksUSPSThe U.S. Postal Service is doing something right. Its new mail truck — which will hit the road in 2023 — has innovative safety features as well as more cargo space and can be electric- or gas-powered.
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New Postal Trucks
USPS
The U.S. Postal Service is doing something right. Its new mail truck — which will hit the road in 2023 — has innovative safety features as well as more cargo space and can be electric- or gas-powered.
74of 100Shonda RhimesKevin Winter/GettyNetflix made a smart investment paying the showrunner $150 million to make hits. Her first,Bridgerton,is the streaming service’s most-watched show and has already been renewed for three more seasons.
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Shonda Rhimes
Kevin Winter/Getty
Netflix made a smart investment paying the showrunner $150 million to make hits. Her first,Bridgerton,is the streaming service’s most-watched show and has already been renewed for three more seasons.
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Ghost Kitchens
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
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Jessica Long
Catherine Ivill/Getty
77of 100Sex and the City RebootJames Devaney/WireimageFilming began this month for HBO Max’sAnd Just Like That,though a premiere date has not been set. All original cast members except Kim Cattrall are slated to return.
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Sex and the City Reboot
James Devaney/Wireimage
Filming began this month for HBO Max’sAnd Just Like That,though a premiere date has not been set. All original cast members except Kim Cattrall are slated to return.
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Santa Maria Valley, California
George Rose/Getty
79of 100Cheez-ItOne of a handful of brands turning 100 this year, its original tagline was: “A Baked Rarebit.” (The next seven brands are celebrating the big milestone, too!)
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Cheez-It
One of a handful of brands turning 100 this year, its original tagline was: “A Baked Rarebit.” (The next seven brands are celebrating the big milestone, too!)
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Betty Crocker
82of 100Edy’s PieEDY’SInvented after a boy in a store couldn’t decide whether to spend his money on chocolate or ice cream.
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Edy’s Pie
EDY’S
Invented after a boy in a store couldn’t decide whether to spend his money on chocolate or ice cream.
83of 100WheatiesThe breakfast of champs was created when a wheat-bran mixture accidentally spilled onto a hot stove. The Muhammad Ali box is part of a new a limited-edition Century Box Series hitting grocery stores this month.
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Wheaties
The breakfast of champs was created when a wheat-bran mixture accidentally spilled onto a hot stove. The Muhammad Ali box is part of a new a limited-edition Century Box Series hitting grocery stores this month.
84of 100White CastleThe original location, in Wichita, Kansas, was started with $700.
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White Castle
The original location, in Wichita, Kansas, was started with $700.
85of 100Wise Potato ChipsDeli owner Earl Wise made potato chips as a way to use excess potatoes.
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Wise Potato Chips
Deli owner Earl Wise made potato chips as a way to use excess potatoes.
86of 100Wonder BreadOne of the country’s first presliced breads.
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Wonder Bread
One of the country’s first presliced breads.
87of 100Immersive Van Gogh ExhibitMichael BrosilowMore than 500,000 tickets have been sold for the digital extravaganza (playing in 40 cities), which allows visitors to virtually step inside the works of the legendary Postimpressionist.
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Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
Michael Brosilow
More than 500,000 tickets have been sold for the digital extravaganza (playing in 40 cities), which allows visitors to virtually step inside the works of the legendary Postimpressionist.
88of 100Celebrity Game Show HostsPEOPLE Puzzler.Like talk shows before them, game shows are attracting top talent like Elizabeth Banks (Press Your Luck), Anthony Anderson (To Tell the Truth) and Leah Remini (our ownPeople Puzzler,pictured).
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Celebrity Game Show Hosts
PEOPLE Puzzler.
Like talk shows before them, game shows are attracting top talent like Elizabeth Banks (Press Your Luck), Anthony Anderson (To Tell the Truth) and Leah Remini (our ownPeople Puzzler,pictured).
89of 100Ford’s Electric Pickup TruckJEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via GettyThe rugged F-150 Lightning proves there is an electric vehicle for everyone.
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Ford’s Electric Pickup Truck
JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty
The rugged F-150 Lightning proves there is an electric vehicle for everyone.
90of 100Spencer Pratt’s HummingbirdsSpencer Pratt/FacebookThe hundreds of hummingbirds that the “obsessed” formerHillsstar feeds from his L.A. terrace may be the most magical thing on Instagram.
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Spencer Pratt’s Hummingbirds
Spencer Pratt/Facebook
The hundreds of hummingbirds that the “obsessed” formerHillsstar feeds from his L.A. terrace may be the most magical thing on Instagram.
91of 100Movie TheatersAaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GettyStreaming may be here to stay, but the lure of the movie theater still beckons. Turns out lots of people crave a dark space, a giant screen, a box of popcorn and lots of company.A Quiet Place Part IIbroke pandemic records with a $58.5 million debut.
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Movie Theaters
AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/Getty
Streaming may be here to stay, but the lure of the movie theater still beckons. Turns out lots of people crave a dark space, a giant screen, a box of popcorn and lots of company.A Quiet Place Part IIbroke pandemic records with a $58.5 million debut.
92of 100Tom BradyPatrick Smith/GettyIn his first year with Tampa Bay, the quarterback won his seventh Super Bowl — a record — and, at 43, became the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP. Respect!
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Tom Brady
Patrick Smith/Getty
In his first year with Tampa Bay, the quarterback won his seventh Super Bowl — a record — and, at 43, became the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP. Respect!
93of 100The Best Ice Cream ShopsWhen it comes to frozen desserts,these spotsare the cream of the crop!
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The Best Ice Cream Shops
When it comes to frozen desserts,these spotsare the cream of the crop!
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Dionne Warwick
David Vance
95of 100White Earth NationKEREM YUCEL/AFP via GettyThe Minnesota tribe doubled the minimum wage for tribal employees to $16 per hour despite COVID disruptions.
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White Earth Nation
KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty
The Minnesota tribe doubled the minimum wage for tribal employees to $16 per hour despite COVID disruptions.
96of 100Natural History MuseumAngela Weiss/GettyAmong America’s most loved vaccination sites: New York’s American Museum of Natural History, with shots administered under the giant blue whale, now sporting a post-jab bandage in solidarity.
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Natural History Museum
Angela Weiss/Getty
Among America’s most loved vaccination sites: New York’s American Museum of Natural History, with shots administered under the giant blue whale, now sporting a post-jab bandage in solidarity.
97of 100Stanley Tucci’s CocktailsStanley Tucci/InstagramBefore launching his CNN showSearching for Italy,the actor and connoisseur broke the Internet with instructional videos for making a negroni, a margarita, a Scotch sour and an old-fashioned.
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Stanley Tucci’s Cocktails
Stanley Tucci/Instagram
Before launching his CNN showSearching for Italy,the actor and connoisseur broke the Internet with instructional videos for making a negroni, a margarita, a Scotch sour and an old-fashioned.
98of 100Dancing RobotsBoston DynamicsTo show off their engineering prowess, Boston Dynamics gave their robots rhythm. The results went viral, with 31 million views on YouTube.
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Dancing Robots
Boston Dynamics
To show off their engineering prowess, Boston Dynamics gave their robots rhythm. The results went viral, with 31 million views on YouTube.
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Queen Latifah
The Tyler Twins
100of 100Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez’s Rekindled RomanceRodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic; Andrew H. Walker/ShutterstockThe couple’s second chance at love is giving fans a little nostalgia for the early 2000s — and plenty of goose bumps.
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Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez’s Rekindled Romance
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic; Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
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