X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has become Bing UK's most searched person of 2012, beating Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton to the top spot while last year's winner, Justin Bieber, fell to fifth place.

The 23 year-old singer, who was recently named FHM's Sexiest Woman In The World, has had a pretty busy year. Along with taking her seat on the X Factor judging panel again, she released her official autobiography Honest: My Story So Far, and also attracted media attention for her new relationship with Newcastle United footballer Danny Simpson, after his pregnant ex-girlfriend Stephanie Ward accused her of stealing the footballer.

Meanwhile, The Duchess made it to the second spot, largely attributable to her prominent role during the Olympics, and the controversy surrounding French magazine Closer's decision to publish topless photos taken during her holiday in France.

However, Prince Harry and his own naked photo scandal could not match the attention lavished upon his sister-in-law, the third in line to the throne finished in sixth place. Singer Cheryl Cole took third spot, with late singer Whitney Houston named in fourth position.

"Every year, the Bing search results give us a unique insight into what and who is top of mind for Brits," Bing UK Director of Search Dave Coplin said.

"It's always fascinating to see which celebrities have had the biggest impact on Britons throughout the year, and of course it's no surprise to see that the 2012 Olympics and Olympians have captured our hearts and minds after such a golden summer."

Bing's Top searches:

Celebrity couple: Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart

Celebrity wedding: Jessica Biel's pink wedding dress

Celebrity death: Robin Gibb death

Celebrity divorce: Katie Holmes divorce

Celebrity baby: Robbie Williams son Teddy

Celebrity pregnant: Imogen Thomas pregnant

Celebrity chef: Jamie Oliver

Girl band: Little Mix

Boy band: One Direction

Lyrics: Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

Festival: V Festival

Fashion brand: Next

Store: Argos

Supermarket: Tesco

Football club: Liverpool FC

Movie trailer: Skyfall

Car model: Nissan Qashqai

Car make: BMW

Airline: Ryanair

Holiday destination: Turkey

Viral video: Gangnam Style

Diet: Cambridge diet

Recipe: Pancakes

Click on the slideshow to take a look at the 2012's most searched celebrity.

Tulisa Contostavlos

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Cheryl Cole

Whitney Houston

Justin Bieber arrives at the 40th American Music Awards in Los Angeles

Prince Harry Nude Scandal

Robert Pattinson Tops 2013 Glamour UK's Best Dressed Men

Rihanna

Kim Kardashian

Jimmy Savile