Time has chosen its 100 most influential people in the world and Carrie Underwood is representing country music. She’s one of very few musicians chosen on for a Time 100 list that includes actors, politicians and world leaders.

Friend and CMA co-host Brad Paisley wrote the introduction to Underwood for the list, recalling a day in 2005 when the ‘American Idol’ winner told him how she badly wanted to earn a place in the country industry.

“Not only has she earned her place, she’s also raised the bar: she’s a prolific songwriter, a trendsetter and an Opry member,” Paisley writes. “But it’s her decency as a person that is so impressive.”

Beyonce and Pharrell Williams are to other musicians to make this list. Matthew McConaughey, Hillary Clinton, Pope Francis and Robert Redford are a few others. Paisley says that in Underwood he sees hope for the world.

“If I had a daughter, nothing would make me happier than to hear her say she wanted to grow up to be like Carrie Underwood.”

The 2014 Time 100 will be on news stands on Friday (April 25).

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