Lady GaGa has been voted the world's most influential artist in a new poll by America's Time magazine.

The singer clinched the top spot in the list of 25 stars, with Conan O'Brien coming second and director Kathryn Bigelow [ Images ] and talk show host Oprah [ Images ] Winfrey coming third and fourth respectively, reports the Daily Star.

GaGa's entry featured a tribute from veteran popstar Cyndi Lauper, who described the Poker Face singer's lyrics as "incredibly literary" and "sophisticated".

Lauper wrote: 'When I see someone like GaGa, I sit back in admiration... She isn't a pop act, she is a performance artist. She herself is the art.'

The top ten also featured Twilight star Robert Pattinson [ Images ] at number six and singer Taylor Swift [ Images ] at nine.

Meanwhile, Glee star Lea Michele was a surprise entry at number 13, above established stars such as American Idol judge Simon Cowell [ Images ] and Sir Elton John [ Images ].