London, Apr 30 (IANS): Pop star Lady Gaga has been named the world's most influential artist -- in a new poll by America's Time magazine.

The singer, 24, takes the top spot in the list of 25 stars, which is a part of the publication's 2010 Time 100 compilation.

Describing her lyrics as literary, Gaga's fellow pop star Cyndi Lauper said that an artist's job is to take a snapshot - be it through words or sound, lyrics or song - that explains what it's like to be alive at that time.

"Lady Gaga's art captures the period we're in right now. These days, you go to a club and wonder who all these kids are. They don't seem to have jobs. How can they afford to be here?

"Her song 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' explains that scene. It's about the New York prep-school party kids she grew up with. It's where she came from," Lauper said.

TV funnyman Conan O'Brien is second on the list, followed by Kathryn Bigelow on third spot and Oprah Winfrey at fourth.

"Twilight" actor Robert Pattinson makes an appearance at number six and singer Taylor Swift is at ninth position. Glee star Lea Michele is a surprise entry at number 13 - above music mogul Simon Cowell and Sir Elton John.

The 25 most influential artists of 2010 are:

1. Lady Gaga

2. Conan O'Brien

3. Kathryn Bigelow

4. Oprah Winfrey

5. Valery Gergiev

6. Robert Pattinson

7. Ashton Kutcher

8. Suzanne Collins

9. Taylor Swift

10. Neil Patrick Harris

11. Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof

12. Prince

13. Lea Michele

14. Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik

15. Simon Cowell

16. Neill Blomkamp

17. Elton John

18. Marc Jacobs

19. David Chang

20. Banksy

21. Chetan Bhagat

22. Sandra Bullock

23. Ricky Gervais

24. Han Han

25. James Cameron