The Scottish Beyoncé Conquers the World: Lewis Capaldi Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential List of 2025
The ballroom at the TIME 100 gala is typically a space reserved for polite applause and the clinking of crystal glasses, a gathering where world leaders, tech titans, and polished celebrities maintain a veneer of serious decorum. However, that atmosphere was joyously shattered last night when the name of a certain Scottish singer-songwriter was read aloud, prompting not just a standing ovation, but a roar of laughter and genuine affection that is rarely seen in such hallowed halls. Lewis Capaldi, the self-proclaimed “Scottish Beyoncé” and the undisputed King of Heartbreak, has officially been named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2025.” It is a crowning achievement for a man who has conquered the globe not by trying to be a superstar, but by remaining steadfastly, hilariously, and unapologetically himself.
While his discography is filled with platinum records and sold-out stadium tours, TIME’s recognition stems from a much deeper cultural contribution: his radical vulnerability regarding mental health. In an industry that often demands invincibility from its male icons, Capaldi has built his legacy on the courage to admit he is struggling.1 His inclusion in this prestigious list is a direct acknowledgment of his groundbreaking honesty about living with Tourette’s syndrome and debilitating anxiety. By allowing the world to witness his tics, his panic attacks, and his need for a hiatus, he has done more to destigmatize these conditions than any glossy awareness campaign ever could. He has shown millions that having a disability or a mental health battle does not preclude you from greatness; in fact, it can be the very thing that connects you to the world.
