People Magazine Names Beyonce as 'Most Beautiful Woman of 2012'

American singing star Beyonce Knowles has been named the "Most Beautiful Woman" of 2012, by People magazine. Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, star of television sitcom "Modern Family" and Academy Award-winning South African actress Charlize Theron were second and third, with two more actresses - Lily Collins and Madeline Stowe lining up behind Theron.

"I feel more beautiful than I've ever felt because I've given birth. I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth. The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy. The word 'love' means something completely different now," Beyonce said of the award.

Beyonce, who is a proud first-time mother to Blue Ivy Carter, also spoke on how being a mother changed her life, using her switching to short-heel or even flat-heeled shoes as an example.

"I never thought there would be a day when I wouldn't wear heels. Now that I have a child, I walk around holding her all day, I'm buying loafers and oxfords. I love the, because they're comfortable, and shorter heels too," she explained.

Meanwhile, Charlize Theron, who won an Oscar for her role in "Monster" (2003), spoke on her perceptions of her body in a recent interview with Vogue.

"I was too tall, too big, too late for the supermodel look of the Eighties. Kate Moss and all the tiny, grungy girls had just become fashionable, and I didn't fit the bill," the actress said.

The other stars in the list include "Mad Men" star Christina Hendricks, "My Week with Marilyn" star Michelle Williams and "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" actress Paula Patton.

Also on the list were American country singer Miranda Lambert and, in tenth position, is Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Top Ten

1. Beyonce Knowles

2. Sofia Vergara

3. Charlize Theron

4. Lily Colins

5. Madeleine Stowe

6. Christina Hendricks

7. Michelle Williams

8. Paula Patton

9. Miranda Lambert

10. Kate Middleton