Actress and singer Beyoncé, arrives to attend the amfAR (the Foundation for AIDS Research) gala benefit in New York on Wednesday. - Contributed

Bangshowbiz:

Beyoncé Knowles has been voted the Most Desirable Woman of 2007.

The 25-year-old singer and actress topped a poll - which considered beauty, intelligence, humour, charisma and ambition - of the 99 'most alluring' women in the world by website AskMen.com.

AskMen.com said: "Beyoncé's accomplishments over the last year have helped skyrocket her from last year's number 50 position to the coveted number 1 spot and deservedly so. Yes, she's breathtakingly beautiful - with sexy curves, wide eyes and luscious lips that make her every man's fantasy woman - but add a few scoops of talent to that beauty and you have the perfect 10."

"Beyoncé not only proves that she looks great on the red carpet, but she demonstrates that she actually deserves to be on it."

Screen siren Scarlett Johansson jumped from 28th place to second this year, while last year's winner Jessica Alba finished third.

AskMen.com's editor-in-chief James Bassil said: "The diverse group of women on this list reflects the diversity of our own readers. Even though most of our readers are in the U.S., the women on this list are from Brazil, India, Mexico and lots of places in between."

"Whether they're known for singing, modelling, acting or sports, there is a common thread; these women offer more than meets the eye."

Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima and actress Jessica Biel also made the top five.

Rounding out the top 10 were Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, singer Shakira, TV host Maria Menounos, Angelina Jolie - who slipped from third to ninth place this year - and 24 star Elisha Cuthbert.

More than 8.5 million votes were cast in a poll to find the woman who best embodies the qualities of a 'fantasy girlfriend'.

The 99 most desirable women 2007 top 10:

1. Beyoncé Knowles

2. Scarlett Johansson

3. Jessica Alba

4. Adriana Lima

5. Jessica Biel

6. Alessandra Ambrosio

7. Shakira

8. Maria Menounos

9. Angelina Jolie

10. Elisha Cuthbert