Idris Elba, Pharrell Williams & Bruno Mars Make PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive List

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

PEOPLE Magazine’s sexiest man alive list is back and although the list is getting lots of backlash because the publication crowned singer Adam Levine as the absolute sexiest for the 2013 list, we do think they got some other names right. Actor Idris Elba may have a baby on the way with his hair stylist girlfriend, but he’s quickly gaining notoriety in the business and becoming a certified sex symbol. The actor came in at number two on the list and with the Oscar buzz surrounding his upcoming biopic for Nelson Mandela, the timing couldn’t be better. The magazine writes:

Look up “man” in the dictionary, and you’ll see a photo of Elba next to the entry. We kid – we think – but the 41-year-old Brit really is the picture of masculinity with his strong features, deep voice and towering height (he’s 6’3″!). He’s a bit of a troublemaker – his road to fame was dotted with some slightly naughty behavior – but it seems all is forgiven when he smiles. Not that he minds the bad-boy reputation. “The way I live my life, I’m two drinks from being in the tabloids every day. I’m no national treasure,” he told Esquire U.K. “I’m a f–ing [dirty] rude boy!” Rarr!

Bruno Mars has had a great year musically as he continues to make quite the name for himself in the business. He’s even set to headline next year’s Super Bowl Halftime show. He nabbed the number five spot. The magazine writes:

The Hawaii native’s smile is one of his sweetest attributes, but it’s that silky voice and those sexy dance moves (check out this clip at 2:45) that really rev engines. Plus, the 28-year-old isn’t afraid to talk about his love of, well, lovemaking. “It feels … sexy,” he told GQ of singing about sex. “It puts you in a sexy frame of mind. It feels good to project. Sex is a great party starter.”

Pharrell Williams also made the list and the newlywed producer could probably use the good news considering that pending legal battle he has coming up with Marvin Gaye’s family over the hit Robin Thicke track he produced, “Blurred Lines.” Pharrell came in at the number nine spot. The magazine writes:

He had the two sexiest singles of the summer (and escaped all the controversy surrounding one), and though he’s been around for quite some time, Pharrell’s star got a bit brighter this year. However the 40-year-old hit maker, who has a snazzy sense of style (and an equally fashionable new wife) is all about reinventing himself – and he hopes his next iteration is different than what we’ve already seen. “Pharrell the person is never going to change, but before the shell becomes too popular, I like to switch it up,” he told Interview. “I want to express myself, but I never really want to express myself in the same way over and over again.”

Congrats to Idris Elba, Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams.