Madonna's big pay day

Madonna has become the world's highest paid female singer.The 'Material Girl' singer earned an astonishing £26.6 million in 2004 which landed her a place in the new Guinness Book of Records, published today (29.09.06).The 48-year-old has knocked pop princess Britney Spears from the top spot for the first time in five years.Britney had held the record since 2001, when she made £20.5 million, but after taking time out to be a mother, the 'Toxic' singer has passed the crown to her idol Madonna.It's not the first time this year that Madonna has beaten Britney to the top spot.In July Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' was voted the most groundbreaking video of all time.The singer topped a poll conducted by music channel MTV, beating off stiff competition from Britney Spears' 'Baby One More Time' and Michael Jackson's classic 'Thriller'.

Madonna's 'Confessions' world tour was recently named the top grossing tour ever by a female artist.

The controversial show - which started in Los Angeles on May 21 and ended at the Tokyo dome last Thursday (21.09.06) - has made $193.7 million.

The new Guinness Book of Records also names Simon Cowell as the highest paid TV talent show judge, earning £18 million.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has the record for the highest annual earnings for a children's writer with an estimated £34.2 million.