Taylor Swift joined the ranks of President Barack Obama and singer Prince as an honoree at the gala.
"It's important to stay excitable," said the singer. "None of this is wasted on me. I'm just really, really loving all of it and getting to dress up in dresses and get your hair and make-up done and go to red carpet events like this, it's every girls dream and I love doing it."
Fellow honoree Elton John seemed to take the title in stride.
"What can I say? It's a nice compliment and I don't read too much into it," said John. "It's a very nice compliment and it's nice to be at an event where you can meet some unusual people, like Sarah Palin."
The former Republican Vice Presidential candidate attended the event, as well as honorees Ashton Kutcher and Ben Stiller.
"I can't even get my dogs to listen to me. So I don't know how influential I really am, but it's an honor to be here," said Kutcher. "It's like one of those lists that you could never imagine being on."
Actor /*Neil Patrick Harris*/ was recognized for helping to change the public's perception of gay men.
"I'm not one to stand on soap boxes and lead crusades. I feel like the best example you can live is by living a good example," said Harris. "So I have a pretty normal, kind of boring life, aside from work stuff. And so I'm very content and happy to be doing what I do. Thankfully we live in a time where that doesn't have to be in the shadows."
Glenn Beck, Lady Gaga, Conan O'Brien, /*Oprah Winfrey*/ and /*Robert Pattinson*/ are also featured in the issue on newsstands now.
