Forbes magazine on Wednesday released a list of 20 richest women in the music industry, with Madonna topping the roster of "Cash Queens of Music" between June 2006 and June 2007.

Madonna earned 72 million U.S. dollars during the period, followed by Barbara Streisand with 60 million dollars and Celine Dion, 45 million dollars.

Ranking fourth through 10th were Shakira with 38 million dollars; Beyonce, 27 million dollars; Gwen Stefani, 26 million dollars; Christina Aguilera, 20 million dollars; Faith Hill, 19 million dollars; the Dixie Chicks, 18 million dollars; and Mariah Carey, 13 million dollars.

The other singers that made the list were Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride, each earning 12 million dollars; Britney Spears, 8 million dollars; Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado, 7 million dollars each; Fergie, Jennifer Lopez and Sheryl Crow, 6 million dollars each; and Norah Jones, 5.5 million dollars.

During the period, the 20 women earned a combined fortune of 420 million dollars. 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2008)