Esquire magazine names Rihanna 'Sexiest Woman Alive'

(CNN) -- Esquire magazine has officially named Rihanna their 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive.

The 23-year-old Barbadian beauty poses for the November issue in nothing but patches of seaweed.

Of course, it's rare an interview where her ex, Chris Brown, doesn't come up. Despite their violent history, Rihanna says she's put the past behind her and even calls herself a fan.

"It's incredible to see how he pulled out the way he did," she says of Brown's still-hot career. "Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know?"

The pop star says she even enjoys Chris' work: "I really like the music he's putting out. I'm a fan of his stuff. I've always been a fan." She goes on to insist that she would "never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have."

Photo: Esquire Magazine via CNN

The sultry singer is currently on a world tour promoting her fifth studio album, "Loud," and will release a new album, "Talk That Talk," in November.

(Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) Copyright: Getty Images

Rihanna takes the Sexiest Woman crown from last year's winner, Minka Kelly. Kate Beckinsale and Halle Berry have also held the title.

For more sexy seaweed pics, grab the November issue when it hits stands October 16.

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