If it's an actress, then Lucy Liu definity hits the top of the list. I don't know why everyone thinks her cock-eye freckled face is hot. If I had to pick a singer, I'd say coco lee lol
I guess the problem is not exclusive to the media. Yes, most of the "sexiest woman alive" or "beautiful girls" are just an empty word. But just like putting the word SEX on the cover of any magazine, the scandalous (or the herd psychology) factor is enough to sustain the fame of a starlet for quite some time, specially in Hong Kong since the market is so small and everyone is, well, after all those make-up and hair and styling, plus millions of touch up, more than perfect when they appear in any media. On another note, I think Kirsten Dunst or Zhao Wei or Jessica Biel (who I think is quite hot and talented, watch The Illusionist if you have any doubt) or Shu Qi are not pretty. It was a misnomer, they are talented in the sense that they can look elegant and beyond their age, in a demure fashion. Afterall, when it all comes down, it's grace that conquers all and survive aging. And people, no matter if he/she is an actor/actress or singer, if he/she can achieve the point of being graceful at an early age, the road to fame is solid below their feet. Because no matter how omnipotent the media is, they need SOME raw material to work with, right? Anyways, I am sorry I evaded the question shamelessly, but I have a feeling if I list people who I think are overrated beauty, a mob may gather and burn me at stake ^^b since my idea of beauty is somewhat obscure and weird.
certainly too much hyped for a lot of actors/actresses out there. as for magazine or other polls for "sexiest/hottest" or whatever...i kinda wanna see what they're looking for cause some of their selections aren't even that great looking.
