'People' magazine named their Sexiest Man Alive and people aren't having it

Every year, People magazine name their Sexiest Man Alive - it’s a pretty big deal, and tends to get a lot of coverage, that coverage being largely people going, “Yes, that man is indeed very sexy”.

Last year, The Rock claimed the title. The year before that it was David Beckham. The likes of Channing Tatum, Chris Hemsworth, George Clooney and Bradley Cooper have also won in recent years, so whoever takes the title is always in very good company.

However, this year, People’s choice has proved somewhat controversial - they’ve gone for Blake Shelton.

If you’ve never heard of him, don’t worry, a lot of people this side of the pond aren’t that familiar with him. He’s a 41-year-old American singer-songwriter from Nashville, who has been a judge on the US version of The Voice for each of its 12 seasons, and is married to No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani.

Here’s his Sexiest Man Alive cover, due for release on 27 November:

Now, I feel like we need to get this out the way first, before we get to all the controversy - Blake Shelton is clearly a very good looking man. He’s much better looking than, say, me. He might be better looking than you, but I don’t want to make any assumptions - you may be a nailed-on 10/10 (please like and subscribe to ShortList.com for more ego-boosting compliments).

But is he the sexiest man alive? Is he the most handsome man on this whole planet? A lot of people don’t seem to think so, and have been kicking up a fuss online.

People were also making other suggestions - although a lot of those suggestions were for one man. Who else?

I momentarily felt a bit bad for poor Blake, before remembering that he is a huge TV star, is married to Gwen Stefani and has literally just been named the sexiest man on the planet. I think he’ll probably be OK.

The one question I do have to ask though - why is it always celebrities who win these awards? When are us normies going to get a shot?

Where’s the ‘Sexiest Man in Liverpool Street Station Wetherspoon’s on a Monday’ award? I reckon I might have a slim chance at that one.

After winning the title, Shelton told People: “I can’t wait to shove this up [fellow The Voice judge Adam Levine’s] ass. As proud as I am and honored that you guys asked me, that’s really the only thing I care about.”

Levine was named People’s sexiest man in 2013, meaning the US version of The Voice is good for some eye candy, if nothing else.

Anyway, congratulations Blake, whatever people may say, you are officially the sexiest man on this planet for the next year, and also congratulations to Idris Elba, the people’s champ.

(Images: Rex)