Madonna has been nominated for a Grammy for her film of the tour

Its first-ever list focusing on women in the music industry estimates the 49-year-old banked $72m (£36m) between June 2006 and June 2007.

Madonna earned much of that from her Confessions tour - the highest-grossing tour for a female artist - earning $260m (£130m) worldwide.

Barbra Streisand came second in the survey, followed by Celine Dion.

Streisand, who at 65 is the list's oldest member, earned $60 million (£30 million) during her first tour since she announced her retirement in 2000.

Dion took the third place after making $45 million (£23.6), mainly from her series of concerts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which ended in December.

HIGHEST-PAID FEMALE MUSICIANS 1. Madonna - $72m (£36m) 2. Barbra Streisand - $60m (£30m) 3. Celine Dion - $45 (£22.6m) 4. Shakira - $38m (£19.2m) 5. Beyonce - £27m (13.5m) 6.Gwen Stefani - $26m (£13m) 7.Christina Aguilera - $20m (£10m) 8. Faith Hill - $19m (£9.5m) 9. Dixie Chicks - $18m (£9m) 10. Mariah Carey - $13m (£6.5m) Source: Forbes.com

Grammy-award-winner Shakira was in fourth place, with former Destiny's Child singer Beyonce rounding off the top five.

Singer Gwen Stefani, who also owns a fashion label and fragrance, was at number six and Christina Aguilera, followed in seventh place.