Christina Aguilera has been voted most inspirational pop act for gay people, beating Lady Gaga and Katy Perry in a Stonewall social media poll.

Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful was the most empowering pop song of the last decade for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, according to Stonewall’s latest social media poll.

Christina Aguilera said: ‘I’m delighted to have been voted the most inspirational pop act by Stonewall’s supporters – my gay fan base is so important to me and this continues my special relationship with them.’

The multiple-choice, light-hearted poll asked Stonewall’s online supporters which pop song / video had the most empowering message for or best depiction of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people during the last decade.

There were 1,007 respondents to the poll and results were as follows:

1.    Christina Aguilera – Beautiful (33%)

2.    Boyzone – Better (25%)

3.    Lady Gaga – Born This Way (17%)

4.    Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control (16%)

5.    Katy Perry – Firework (9%)

‘Professor of Pop’ Paul Gambaccini said: ‘Recently many of the United States' leading female vocalists have recorded anthems of self-empowerment as a response to bullying, homophobia and misogyny in schools and society. Several of these have become major hits.  The one that has registered most with Stonewall’s online supporters has been the out lesbian Linda Perry's song "Beautiful", popularised by Christina Aguilera.  This recording lives up to its title.  As a song and as a performance, it is a major achievement that has inspired millions of young people around the world.’

The Beautiful video featured people who can feel ostracised from society – including a same-sex couple. Christina Aguilera recently supported Stonewall’s ‘It gets better…today’ campaign (www.stonewall.org.uk/itgetsbettertoday) which reassures young LGB people that their lives can be great and they don’t have to stand for bullying. Speaking at the time Christina said: 'I know just how important it is to feel like you can be yourself – in your career and in your everyday life. For anyone who feels like an outsider, I want to say: Don’t let the bullies win. Be yourself – and don’t let words get you down.’

Music