Madonna tops Forbes list of top-earning acts

Forbes magazine issued its list of the year’s top-earning musicians – their year being June to June, that is. And it should come as no surprise that Madonna tops the cash heap.

What is (mildly) unexpected is just how much wealthier Madonna has become. As Forbes reports, the Material Mom has garnered roughly $40-$50 million annually since 2002. Last year, however, she more than doubled that tally, rising to $110 million.

Céline Dion almost beat her, however. The chest-beating French-Canadian songbird raked in a cool $100 mil herself last year. Beyoncé landed in third, with $87 million.

The list was compiled by assessing earnings from album sales, touring, publising and endorsement deals, with Billboard, Pollstar and Nielsen SoundScan cited as sources.

1. Madonna, $110 million
2. Céline Dion, $100 million
3. Beyoncé, $87 million
4. Bruce Springsteen, $70 million
5. Kenny Chesney, $65 million
6. Rascal Flatts, $60 million
6. Coldplay, $60 million
6. AC/DC, $60 million
9. Eagles, $55 million
10. Toby Keith, $52 million
11. Bon Jovi, $50 million
12. Dave Matthews Band, $45 million

Curious about the rest? Check out Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians, June 2008 – June 2009.

From the OCRegister. Thanks to LolaLola.