Who Was Named the Most Powerful Woman in the World?

Which influential woman ranks highest on the Forbes list? Read on to find out!

 

Kevin Winter/ JIM WATSON/Getty Images;Antoine Decaux/FilmMagic

It seems fitting that the Forbes choice for most powerful woman is married to the most powerful man in the world! This year, first lady Michelle Obama beat out famous females including Angelina Jolie, Hilary Clinton and Lady Gaga for the number one spot.

Forbes writes that Mrs. Obama is a fashion icon who has not only run effective campaigns for causes such as fighting childhood obesity, but has also remained a favorable public figure among American citizens.

In addition to the first lady, Hilary Clinton (no. 5), Nancy Pelosi (no. 11), Sarah Palin (no. 16), Sonia Sotomayor (no. 19), Queen Elizabeth II (no. 41), and Maria Shriver (no. 53) were just some of the notable names recognized for their pull in politics.

Oprah Winfrey (no. 3) and Angelina Jolie (no. 21) both solidified their high-ranking slots for their international goodwill, as well as their impact in showbiz. Game-changing entertainers such as Lady Gaga (no. 7) Beyonce Knowles (no. 9), Ellen DeGeneres (no. 10), Madonna (no. 29), Chelsea Handler (no. 33), Sarah Jessica Parker (no. 45) and Twilight scribe Stephenie Meyer (no. 49) made the cut for their influence in film, television, music, books and fashion.

Famous females from the world of news and media (including Katie Couric in the 22nd spot, Diane Sawyer at no. 46, Rachel Maddow at no. 50 and no. 99 Martha Stewart), fashion (Heidi Klum at no. 39, Gisele Bundchen at no. 72 and no. 91 spot holder Vera Wang), and sports (Serena Williams ranked higher than her sister Venus Williams, at no. 55 and no. 60, respectively) were also among the notable names listed for their undeniable presence in their fields.

While there are bound to be some questionable omissions and some rankings may seem out of order, it's always a good thing for women who have achieved so much to be recognized for all they do.

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