Each year, since 1985, People Magazine has presented one famous man with the prestigious title of ‘Sexiest Man Alive.’
It’s not all about looks; this guy’s soul has to be in check for him to win the crown, too. Donating to charity, campaigning for social causes, and starring in movies we didn’t hate are big pluses. Most times, we can all agree that the weekly’s inspired decisions represent the screen legends with whom we wouldn’t mind running off into the sunset ourselves. 2017’s pick, however, is raising eyebrows and questions alike.
In early November, People announced that country singer Blake Shelton would grace their covers as this year’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive.’ Sure, he might give off those old-fashioned cowboy crooner vibes, but many citizens of the Internet don’t consider Shelton’s supposed support for Trump and subsequently-revealed racist and homophobic tweets to be all that ‘sexy’ – and, well, we can’t really blame them for that. “I’ve been ugly my whole life. If I can be sexy for a year, I’m taking it,” he told People Country about the unlikely honor.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with the most recent recipient of the accolade, or any of them for that matter, scroll down to see all the men People Magazine has dubbed the pinnacle of desire from 1990 onward, and let us know how many of your top choices made the front page.
1990, Tom Cruise
1991, Patrick Swayze
1992, Nick Nolte
1995, Brad Pitt
1996, Denzel Washington
1997, George Clooney
1998, Harrison Ford
1999, Richard Gere
2000, Brad Pitt
2001, Pierce Brosnan
2002, Ben Affleck
2003, Johnny Depp
2004, Jude Law
2005, Matthew McConaughey
2006, George Clooney
2007, Matt Damon
2008, Hugh Jackman
2009, Johnny Depp
2010, Ryan Reynolds
2011, Bradley Cooper
2012, Channing Tatum
2013, Adam Levine
2014, Chris Hemsworth
2015, David Beckham
2016, Dwayne Johnson
2017, Blake Shelton