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10 Independent Celeb Women We Love

On July 4th, we take the time to honor those who gallantly fought for American independence more than 230 years ago. But today, we've decided to put a spotlight on a few Hollywood women who have paved the way for future generations by pushing boundaries in their industries. Their bravery has inspired us to fight for what we want in both our careers and relationships.

Though they may have struggled to achieve success, these ladies fought through the hardships to come out on the other side looking fabulous! So, while we salute our country's independence, let's also salute these 10 independent women:

1. Oprah Winfrey
We love Oprah because she singlehandedly changed the talk show circuit with her afternoon hit, The Oprah Winfrey Show. She became the first African American billionaire in history and has been ranked as the greatest African American philanthropist. As one of the most influential woman in the world, who wouldn't love and be inspired by Oprah? Read More: 3 Highlights From The Kardashians' Revealing Interview With Oprah

2. Emma Stone
One of the things we love about Emma Stone is that she's not afraid to be herself. Since her 2007 film debut in Superbad, she's brought her own quirky and original personality to every character she plays. In 2011, she was nominated for her eccentric character in the film Easy A. With the soon-to-be summer blockbuster hit the Amazing Spider-Man flying into theaters on July 3, there's no stopping this unconventional actress! Read More: Cute Couple Alert! Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield Are Dating

3. Adele

In the span of one year, Adele has taught the world through her music how to come out of a messy breakup on top. The six-time Grammy award winner is credited as singlehandedly saving the music industry in 2011, as her album 21 sold over nine million copies in the United States alone. Billboard and iTunes crowned her as the best-selling artist of the year, and she juggled it all while finding love (and getting pregnant!) with her boyfriend, Simon Konecki. Read More: Adele Is Pregnant! Tells Fans She's "Over The Moon" Excited

4. Beyoncé
We love Beyoncé because she seems to be able to do it all! She's a singer, songwriter, producer, designer, actress, wife, and a mom to six-month-old daughter Blue Ivy. In early 2012, she was named "World's Most Beautiful Woman" by People magazine. Over the course of her 15-year music career, Beyoncé has sold over 75 million records worldwide and 30 million digital singles. She's truly an independent woman and a role model for young girls who want to live their dreams. Read More: Beyonce & Jay-Z Introduce Baby Blue Ivy Carter With Photos!

5. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is America's dearest sweetheart - she captured the hearts of viewers as Rachel Green on Friends. Since then, she's starred in countless films such as Bruce Almighty, The Break-Up and Horrible Bosses, and has grossed over $1 billion at the box office. Jen has weathered plenty of media buzz over her personal life, but she's showed the world that you can come out of a tough breakup looking better than ever and still have a booming career. Read More: What Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux's Love Is Missing

6. Tina Fey
Tina Fey has conquered the male-dominated world of comedy with her own brand of wit and sarcasm. Since her debut on Saturday Night Live in 1997, Fey has starred in and written the screenplays for Mean Girls and Baby Mama, and currently stars in the hit NBC show 30 Rock. She's even a New York Times best-selling author for her autobiography Bossypants. Who wouldn't love a woman who is clever, intelligent and hardworking? Read More: Tina Fey Is Pregnant Again!

7. Katy Perry
We love Katy Perry's free spirited attitude and character. The California Gurls singer became the first female in music history to spawn five #1 singles off of her mega-hit album, Teenage Dream. Since enduring a recent divorce from comic Russell Brand, Perry has converted her heartache into two hit singles and a 3D movie, Katy Perry: Part of Me. The 27-year-old is living proof that an independent spirit and hardworking attitude can let you live out your dreams! Read More: 5 Reasons Russell Brand & Katy Perry's Divorce Was Inevitable

8. Lady Gaga
This native New Yorker is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and we love it! Besides selling 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide, the eccentric singer has donated proceeds from her tour merchandise to earthquake victims in Haiti and Japan. In 2011, she started the nonprofit Born This Way Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment. Lady Gaga is also heavily involved in LGBT advocacy groups and facilitating anti-bullying conversations across the country. Read More: Complete This Sentence: My Favorite Lady Gaga Love Song Is ...

9. Ellen DeGeneres
We love Ellen because this comedian-turned-talk-show-host is one of the funniest ladies in Hollywood. Ellen's career has skyrocketed since her 1997 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show proclaiming her sexuality. The Ellen Degeneres Show has won 25 Emmy Awards thanks to her brand of infectious humor and lighthearted comedy. Ellen's ability to stay true to herself and her fans, even in the face of adversity, is one of the many reasons she's on this list. Read More: 9 Celebrities Who Came Out To The World [PHOTOS]

10. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is regarded as one of the most talented actresses to ever grace the silver screen. She holds the record for most Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, with 17 and 26 respectively, and has won 25 other accolades for her work in film, television and theater. She is a pioneer for her craft and has resurrected other female legends such as Julia Child and Margret Thatcher. The actress has been able to bring her own variety of humor and intellect to every character she plays, and always remains true to her acting roots. Read More: How Meryl Streep & Don Gummer Disprove The Oscar Curse

Tell us: which celebrity impresses you with her independence and drive?

Written by Veronica Geager for YourTango.com.


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