Singer Katy Perry tops the latest ranking of the Maxim Hot 100.[Agencies]

Katy Perry has been named the world's hottest woman.

The 'I Kissed A Girl' hitmaker - who is engaged to Russell Brand - topped the annual Maxim Hot 100 list for being "sexy and talented", narrowly beating Victoria's Secret model Brooklyn Decker and 'Avatar' actress Zoe Saldana into second and third place respectively.

Explaining her top ranking, the US men's magazine said of Katy: "She's the best friend you suddenly realize you've loved your whole life. The rad chick who taught you to skateboard and whistle and also looks unbelievable in a bikini."

Making up the rest of the top five were 'Gossip Girl' star Blake Lively, and 'Transformers' beauty Megan Fox, while 'Russian Roulette' singer Rihanna, George Clooney's girlfriend Elizabetta Canalis, actress Olivia Munn, socialite Kim Kardashian and model Marisa Miller made up the rest of the top 10.

Last year's Maxim Hot 100 number one Olivia Wilde scraped in at number 20, while notable absentees included Beyonce Knowles and Lady Gaga.

Maxim Hot 100 Top 20:

1. Katy Perry

2. Brooklyn Decker

3. Zoe Saldana

4. Blake Lively

5. Megan Fox

6. Rihanna

7. Elisabetta Canalis

8. Olivia Munn

9. Kim Kardashian

10. Marisa Miller

11. Eva Mendes

12. Audrina Patridge

13. Amber Heard

14. Scarlett Johansson

15. Amanda Bynes

16. Selita Ebanks

17. Leighton Meester

18. Christina Aguilera

19. Bar Refaeli

20. Olivia Wilde