Katy Perry Tops Magazine's 'Hot 100' List

Katy Perry is probably one happy "California Gurl" this week. The Maxim Magazine annual "Hot 100" list came out today, and the pop singer beat out the likes of Sports Illustratedswimsuit bombshell Brooklyn Deckerand "Avatar" star Zoe Saldana for the top spot. Billed by Maxim as "The definitive list of the world's most beautiful women," the annual contest is a fierce competition between actresses, models, singers, reality-TV stars, and even the girlfriends of celebrities.

Calling this Perry's "supernova moment," in the Hot 100 issue of the magazine, Maxim's Editor-in-Chief Joe Levy explained Perry's appeal as more than just about her looks: "It's that feeling you get when you suddenly realize that the smartest, funniest, coolest girl you know also happens to be the best looking and a pretty good skateboarder, too."

When contacted by Yahoo!, Levy jokingly explained the way in which the Hot 100 is determined. "The MaximHot 100 is a highly scientific selection process involving a hermetically sealed laboratory and blood pressure monitoring devices," Levy said. "But we've had to junk all the equipment, because the editors serving as test subjects busted it when someone brought a picture of Katy Perry in the room."

Perry, 25, has been on the public radar already lately -- her latest single, "California Gurls," hit the airwaves late last week, and she got attention at the Met's Costume Institute Gala last week when she showed up in a glow-in-the-dark dress. And the singer is a tabloid favorite ever since she started dating British bad-boy comedian Russell Brand, who no doubt appreciates his fiancee's skateboarding skills in addition to her bikini-perfect figure.

Last year's winner, "House's" Olivia Wilde, placed 20th on this year's list, which includes newcomers like "Modern Family's"Sofia Vergara (#47) and Ke$ha (#56), as well as regulars likeBritney Spears (#54), Scarlett Johansson (#14), andAngelina Jolie (#38). Here are the ladies who round out this year's Top 10, and what Maxim had to say about their attributes:

1. Katy Perry: "[She's] the hottest woman alive because she's sexy and because she's talented. But more important, because she's the best friend you suddenly realize you've loved your whole life."
2. Brooklyn Decker: This model and 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model is married to tennis starAndy Roddick. Says Maxim: "We think it's time to crown a new world supermodel...Let's go, Brooklyn!"

3. Zoe Saldana: "The scorchingly sexy "Avatar" star had dudes the world over learning to say 'Damn, she's hot,' in perfect Na'vi."
4. Blake Lively: "Gossip Girl's breakout bombshell was destined for stardom. Born in LA, she started acting at 11 and grew into the ultimate California girl."
5. Megan Fox: "A sex symbol for the ages, Megan's sultry looks hit every red-blooded guy right in the gut."

6. Rihanna: "This Barbadian beauty hit a rough patch last year, but after her fourth album went platinum, she proved she can fight back, hard. Please don't stop the music."

7. Elisabetta Canalis: The Italian TV presenter is best known in the States for datingGeorge Clooney. Says Maxim: "Whether or not she's still George Clooney's girlfriend, this bellissima Italian will always have a place in our hearts."
8. Olivia Munn: This model and actress is best known for hosting G4's nerdfest "Attack of the Show!" She first made Maxim's list in 2008 at No. 99. Maxim adds: "She sure doesn't look like any tech geeks we know."
9. Kim Kardashian: "Keep your eyes glued to Kim's Twitter page, where the recently single reality goddess is known to post sexy bikini shots of herself. Thank you, modern technology!"
10. Marisa Miller: The Victoria's Secret Angel held the top spot on Maxim's list in 2008, and the editors seem to think her hotness is making a comeback: "All hail the return of the great American supermodel!"

Katy Perry Tops Magazine's 'Hot 100' List