Tulisa Contostavlos Crowned Sexiest Woman In The World 2012

2 May 2012, 00:01 | Updated: 2 May 2012, 14:13

FHM magazine unveils its top 100 countdown, which also features Cheryl Cole and Rihanna.

Tulisa Contostavlos has been named the sexiest woman in the world by readers of FHM magazine.

The N-Dubz star, who is currently at number one on the Vodafone Big Top 40 with her debut solo single 'Young', beat the likes of Rihanna and former winner, model Rosie Huntington Whitley to take the honour.

Speaking about the award, Tulisa said: "Thank you so much for voting for me. It's a true honour and definitely a lovely confidence boost.

"I'm proud of me and I am who I am. I know that I'm marmite and I wouldn't wanna be anything less or anything more, I'm just myself.

She added: "I believe in embracing being sexy but I'm not one to agree with stripping off for the cameras, I like to be more subtle than that as these shots show. This is an award that will stay on the mantelpiece probably for the rest of my life."

Two-time winner of the accolade Cheryl Cole is at number two, while Rihanna is at number three in the 2012 countdown.

FHM sexiest woman in the world 2012 cover

Other music stars that featured on the list included Katy Perry (6), Pixie Lott (12), Mollie King (14) and Jessie J (16). The Saturdays' Frankie Sanford also came inside the top 20 at number 19.

Lana Del Rey, Beyonce and Nicole Scherzinger also made it into the top 100 – check out their positions by clicking the gallery below.