Grammy winner Carrie Underwood, who co-starred with McDonald in the live broadcast of The Sound of Music, writes about the Broadway favorite in the current issue of the magazine.

Underwood explains, "Audra has accomplished incredible things in her career. She's won more Tony awards than any other Broadway performer, most recently for playing Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. But I feel the greatest legacy she will leave behind lies in the works she does for others.

"Never afraid to stand up for what she believes, Audra is a strong voice speaking out for humane treatment of animals, dignity for the homeless and marriage equality.

"I had the pleasure of getting to know Audra during our time on NBC’s telecast of 'The Sound of Music Live!' and I can honestly say that simply being in her presence was a gift. She is mesmerizing. I would often find myself messing up lines or songs because I was in awe of everything she was doing as the Mother Abbess."

Read Underwood's complete write-up here.

Some of the many other artists selected for the 12th annual TIME 100 are Bradley Cooper, Julianna Margulies, Chris Pratt and Julianne Moore.