100 most influential people: This candidate won Time's reader poll

Democratic underdog Bernie Sanders is more influential than every other presidential candidate—at least according to Time magazine's readers.

Despite trailing Hillary Clinton, by almost 2.5 million votes in the ongoing primaries, Sanders easily beat the Democratic front-runner in the annual Time 100 reader poll, with 3.3 percent of the total vote to Clinton's 1 percent. Every GOP candidate fell behind Sanders and Clinton in the poll. Donald Trump took 0.6 percent of the vote, John Kasich pulled in 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent of readers voted for Ted Cruz.

The candidates weren't just competing among themselves. Readers were voting for leaders and figures they believe should appear on Time magazine's annual list of 100 most influential people, which editors will select and announce on April 21. Readers could choose between dozens of politicians, pop stars, globally-renowned actors and other cultural icons, to weigh in on who they think should be recognized in the final 100.

Sanders narrowly beat the massively popular South Korean K-pop boy band Big Bang, which received 2.9 percent of the total votes before the poll ended on Thursday. In third place, with 2.2 percent of the vote, was Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a landslide victory in the 2015 Myanmar general election.

Celebrities who endorse Bernie Sanders:

Time suggested Sanders' dominance in its survey was because he has "long benefited from digitally active supporters." The magazine added: "While he badly lags Clinton in winning the delegates needed to capture the presidential nomination, his populist rhetoric and emphasis on income inequality has allowed him to sustain a stronger-than-expected challenge to Clinton while also helping frame the debate in the Democratic contest."

It remains to be seen, however, if Sanders will top the annual 100 Most Influential People list when it's announced next week.