IANS
 
New York, Jan 31: 'Material Girl' Madonna is living up to the name of one of her earliest hits. She has been named the richest female artiste in the world, having pulled in a staggering $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007, according to an annual survey by Forbes Magazine.

Most of her earnings came from her Confessions Tour, which is estimated to have grossed some $260 million. Madonna's $72 million take did not even take into account the $120 million contract she signed with Live Nation in October.

Second on the list released on Wednesday was Barbara Streisand, who earned $60 million on her comeback tour, followed by Celine Dion, whose regular gigs at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace helped her rake in $45 million.

Colombian artist Shakira was in fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce Knowles ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million) and Christina Aguilera ($30 million).

Country singer Faith Hill ($19 million), country rock band The Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah Carey ($13 million) rounded out the top 10.