Madonna - File

The 49-year-old Madonna has topped the first Cash Queens of Music list, compiled by Forbes.com, after raking in US$72 million between June 2006 and June 2007.

The Hung Up singer's personal fortune was boosted by her successful Confessions Tour, which generated a staggering US$260 million worldwide.

Madonna also benefited financially from working with high street fashion chain H+M, general record sales and her deal with United States broadcaster NBC for the rights to air her concert from London's Wembley Arena.

Barbra Streisand, 65 - who was the oldest performer on the list - finished second with US$60 million.

The Woman In Love star remains one of the most successful female entertainers in the world, having sold more than 145 million albums worldwide.

Celine Dion, 39, came third with US$45 million.

Beautiful hits

The My Heart Will Go On singer's fortune was boosted by her five-year Las Vegas residency, which ended last December. Her A New Day show grossed more than US$400 million since it opened at Caesars Palace in March 2003.

Shakira and Beyoncé Knowles - who collaborated on hit song Beautiful Liar last year - rounded out the top five with US$38 million and US$27 million, respectively.

Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey all feature in the top 10. The top 20 women on the list earned a combined fortune of US$420 million. The list was compiled by examining the artistes' concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and additional revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements.

Only 'active' artistes - those who released an album or film or toured during the specified period - were considered.

Forbes' Cash Queens of Music full list is available online at www.forbes.com.

Forbes.com's Cash Queens of Music top five:

1. Madonna - US$72 million

2. Barbra Streisand - US$60 million

3. Celine Dion - US$45 million

4. Shakira - US$38 million

5. Beyoncé Knowles - US$27 million.