Forbes magazine yesterday 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 US$72 million during the period, followed by Barbara Streisand with US$60 million and Celine Dion, US$45 million.

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

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

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