Elon Musk’s Son X AE A-Xii Charms Crowds at TIME Person of the Year Gala in New York City
The annual TIMEPerson of the Year event is always a star-studded affair, celebrating individuals who have profoundly influenced the past twelve months, for better or worse. The 2021 ceremony, held in New York City on December 13th, was no exception. However, amidst the distinguished guests and industry titans, one attendee managed to steal the spotlight with an undeniable cuteness factor: Elon Musk‘s adorable son, X AE A-Xii. The presence of the 19-month-old, whom the Tesla and SpaceX CEO shares with artist Grimes, transformed a high-profile corporate gathering into a heartwarming, viral moment that captivated audiences worldwide.
Elon Musk, 50, arrived at the prestigious event not with a business associate or a celebrity partner, but with his youngest child nestled comfortably in his arms. The sight of the tech mogul, usually known for his ambitious ventures and often controversial statements, openly displaying paternal affection immediately drew attention. This unexpected appearance added a layer of personal insight into the life of a man whose public persona is frequently dominated by his professional endeavors and future-gazing aspirations. For many, it offered a rare and endearing glimpse into the more private side of one of the world’s most influential figures.
The Event and the Unforgettable Entrance
The TIME Person of the Year gala is an occasion steeped in recognition and significance, celebrating individuals whose actions have shaped global conversations and trends. As Elon Musk made his entrance into the grand venue, holding X AE A-Xii, a palpable wave of admiration swept through the room. Dressed for the occasion, Elon sported a classic white button-up shirt paired with a sleek black jacket and matching pants. His son, however, was the picture of innocent charm, clad in a sweet white shirt adorned with prints of tractors and mountains, complemented by olive green jeans. This simple, child-like attire provided a delightful contrast to the formal setting, making X AE A-Xii an instant topic of conversation.
The heartwarming moment was quickly captured and shared, notably by TIME owner Marc Benioff, who posted a video on Twitter showing Musk’s arrival. The clip vividly illustrated the collective “Aww” that emanated from the crowd as they witnessed the tender interaction between father and son. Elon, pausing briefly to engage with the moderator, continuously smiled at his little one, conveying a profound sense of pride and affection. Benioff’s caption, “Welcome to NYC X Æ A-12 Musk and @elonmusk! ❤️”, not only highlighted the unique name but also underscored the warmth of the reception.
Welcome to NYC X Æ A-12 Musk and @elonmusk! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/H7oF8gdsp7
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) December 14, 2021
Elon Musk: TIME’s 2021 Person of the Year
Earlier on the day of the event, Elon Musk was officially named TIME‘s 2021 Person of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognized his profound and often transformative impact across various sectors, both on Earth and beyond. Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal articulated the magazine’s rationale, stating that Musk has demonstrated an “extraordinary influence for Life on Earth and life off Earth, too.” This acknowledgment underscored his pivotal roles at the helm of groundbreaking companies such as Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, and SpaceX, his pioneering aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company.
Musk’s visionary leadership at Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry, accelerating the global transition towards sustainable energy with its electric cars, battery storage, and solar solutions. His audacious goal to make electric vehicles mainstream has forced traditional automakers to adapt, thereby contributing significantly to efforts against climate change. Concurrently, SpaceX has redefined space exploration. Through its reusable rocket technology, the company has dramatically reduced the cost of space travel, making once-unimaginable feats, like routine missions to the International Space Station and the ambitious Starlink satellite internet constellation, a reality. Beyond these, Musk’s involvement in ventures like Neuralink, aiming to integrate the human brain with artificial intelligence, and The Boring Company, focused on innovative transportation systems, further cemented his status as a relentless innovator whose ideas frequently push the boundaries of what is technologically feasible.
His selection as Person of the Year was a testament to his unparalleled ability to catalyze change, disrupt established industries, and inspire a global conversation about humanity’s future, from sustainable living on Earth to the colonization of Mars. Despite his often polarizing public persona and the controversies that sometimes swirl around his business practices or social media presence, TIME recognized the undeniable breadth and depth of his influence across technology, finance, and culture.
A Glimpse into Elon’s Personal Life: The “Semi-Split” from Grimes
In his candid Person of the Year interview, Elon Musk also touched upon his personal life, specifically addressing his “semi-split” from Canadian musician and artist Grimes (Claire Boucher). The couple had ended their romantic relationship in September 2021 after three years together, a revelation that garnered considerable media attention given their unconventional pairing and public appearances. Musk explained the practicalities behind their decision: “We weren’t seeing each other that much, and I think this is to some degree a long-term thing, because what she needs to do is mostly in L.A. or touring, and my work is mostly in remote locations like this.” This statement highlighted the geographical challenges and demanding schedules that often accompany the lives of two highly successful, globally active individuals.
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Musk confirmed that they remained on good terms and continued to co-parent X AE A-Xii. He also clarified that he was not dating anyone new in the wake of their separation, indicating a focus on his work and family responsibilities. Their relationship, which began in 2018, was often characterized by its unique and sometimes quirky public displays, including a memorable appearance at the 2021 Met Gala where Grimes wore a custom-designed sword. Months after their public debut, they announced the birth of their son, X AE A-Xii, whose unconventional name quickly became a global talking point, prompting detailed explanations from both parents about its symbolic meaning and phonetic pronunciation.
The Legacy and Future of a Unique Figure
Elon Musk’s appearance at the TIME Person of the Year event, accompanied by his young son, provided a compelling blend of professional recognition and personal revelation. It humanized a figure often seen as larger than life, a visionary constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and human potential. The viral moments created by X AE A-Xii’s presence not only softened Musk’s public image but also underscored the enduring public fascination with the intersection of celebrity, innovation, and family life.
As Elon Musk continues to steer his empires towards ambitious goals, from establishing human colonies on Mars to developing advanced artificial intelligence, his personal life occasionally offers a grounding counterpoint to his cosmic aspirations. The TIME Person of the Year honor solidified his standing as an individual whose influence is undeniably shaping the 21st century. His journey, marked by innovation, controversy, and now, moments of unexpected paternal tenderness on the world stage, ensures that he remains one of the most compelling and watched figures globally, embodying a future that is both technological and, at its heart, deeply human.