Most Influential People of 2011

The most influential people of 2011 made us laugh, brought us hope, widened our horizons and changed the way we live our lives. These people all made a difference during 2011 in one way or another be it from activism, entertainment, politics or innovation. While we're all influenced by different things, these select few stand above and beyond the rest as the most influential of 2011.

Perhaps some of the most influential people in the world are those who have changed the world by their innovations. Steve Jobs, co-founder and the brainchild behind Apple, was both one of the most influential persons of 2011, with his continued industry-leading gadget releases, and also one we'll miss the most from 2011 as he lost his battle with cancer in October.

Others influenced the way we found entertainment, but not from a gadget but rather from television, music and movies. These influential celebrities, such as television mogul Oprah Winfrey, pop singer Justin Bieber and "Mad Men" mastermind Matthew Weiner, all brought something different to the table but provided us with hours of entertainment.

Even other members of the most influential people of 2011 list brought us something intangible: hope. Politicians, such as President Barack Obama, were key for keeping our hopes up but one politician in particular showed us that miracles really do happen. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a Congresswoman from Arizona, survived a gunshot wound to the head and fights to return to her former self each day.

Whether it was from their innovation, their entertainment or simply their willingness to persist through adversity, each of the people on this list were the most influential of 2011. We are all inspired by different people so tell us who was influential to you during the year by adding your own list of the most influential people of 2011 below!