The Power List: ELLEN DEGENERES

Spokesperson/Talk-Show Host/Producer, 54

Now that Oprah has left network television, DeGeneres reigns supreme with her talk show, using her pulpit to change public opinion. When J.C. Penney tapped her as its spokesperson, antigay group One Million Moms campaigned to remove her, which was followed by the unthinkable: Bill O'Reilly came to her defense. J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson ignored the hate and decided to keep DeGeneres, saying, "She shares the same values that we do in our company."

Return to Complete List