Winfrey Takes Top Spot On Forbes Celebrity Power List

RTT News - Williamsville, NY, USA - Wednesday, Forbes published its list of the 100 most powerful celebrities, with U.S. television hostess Oprah Winfrey taking the top spot for a second year in a row.

According to Forbes's website, the list was compiled by estimates of celebrity earnings solely from entertainment related income from June 2001 to June 2008, web searches and mentions on TV, radio or print media.

Forbes estimated that Winfrey earned about $275 million within the last 12 months, despite sagging television ratings and magazine circulation.

She beat out golfer Tiger Woods, who took second place for the second year in a row with $115 million in earnings, and actress Angelina Jolie, who landed third. Although Jolie only raked in $14 million in the last year, she ranked No. 1 in terms of web hits.

Singer Beyonce Knowles took fourth-place, three spots ahead of her rap star husband Jay-Z. Knowles made $80 million off of a highly successful concert tour, private shows, her fashion line, endorsement and film work, while Jay-Z signed a $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation (LYV).

Soccer player David Beckham's $50 million in earnings after signing with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy boosted him to fifth. Beckham finished just ahead of the top actor on the list, Johnny Depp, who made $72 million last year.