Beyonce Knowles has been named the world's most beautiful woman by People magazine.

The 'Halo' singer topped the US publication's annual list and said she has never felt more beautiful since becoming a mother to daughter Blue Ivy in January.

She said: "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."

Beyonce - who is married to rapper Jay-Z - says she feels more content now she's a mother as she really knows what love is.

She said: "The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy. The word 'love' means something completely different now."

But it seems little Blue Ivy doesn't look like her famous mother and Beyonce says she has her own distinct features.

She told the magazine: "She looks like Blue. She's her own person."

Other notable Beautiful People of 2012 were Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Wiig, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman.

Last year, the top honour went to Jennifer Lopez.