Madonna

Madonna crisscrossed the globe last year for her tour, 'Confessions,' which drew over 1 million fans and grossed $194 million, making it the top-earning tour by a female artist in history. NBC cut the Material Girl a hefty check to broadcast the 'Confessions' tour live last November, though ratings proved disappointing. In March, the always-fashion-forward singer linked up with retailer H&M for her own clothing line, M. (Rhinestones a-plenty, but no cone bras.) Generated a maelstrom of negative publicity last year for her adoption of a baby in Malawi.

Cast of Desperate Housewives

Cast of Desperate Housewives
Cast of Desperate Housewives

Pay $14 million
Power Rank 34
2005 Rank: 25





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Actors


© Justin Stephens/Corbis Outline


ABC's Sunday night anchor suffered a major ratings hit in its sophomore year. That didn't hamper the ladies of Wisteria Lane from snagging handsome new contracts, guaranteeing the stars an estimated $440,000 per episode. Felicity Huffman increased her artistic cred in acclaimed indie film "Transamerica," for which she received an Oscar nomination, while cast mate Eva Longoria opted for a small role in the big-budget turkey "The Sentinel."

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington

Pay $38 million
Power Rank 33
2005 Rank: 31




E-Score Rank 5

Top Attributes
Talented, Intelligent

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Actor


© Sipa Press


One of Hollywood's highest paid and bankable actors, he is the only actor on the list to have been paid twice for the same movie. In 2004 Washington was paid to appear in "American Gangster," but the project was scrapped before filming began. As part of a pay-or-play agreement, Washington kept the cash. The project was recently revived, and Washington was paid again to play the role of a Harlem drug lord. Last year he scored big with Spike Lee's well-received heist flick "Inside Man" and pocketed a big paycheck for the upcoming movie "Deja Vu."

Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh

Pay $30 million
Power Rank 32
2005 Rank: 28




E-Score Rank 73

Top Attributes
Aggressive, Influential

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Talking head


© John M. Heller/Getty Images


Despite settling allegations of prescription drug fraud in April 2005, the conservative talkmeister remains one of talk radio's biggest draws. His syndicated show, heard by as many as 20 million listeners per week, can be heard daily on 600 radio stations nationally.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks

Pay $29 million
Power Rank 31
2005 Rank: NR




E-Score Rank 1

Top Attributes
Talented, Funny

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Actor


© Sam Jones/Corbis Outline


The 51-year-old actor earned a huge payday last year for his starring role in the "The Da Vinci Code," the film adaptation of Dan Brown's best seller. Though the film was critically panned, it raked in $224 million at box offices worldwide over its opening weekend, crowning it the second-largest debut in cinematic history. (It was the biggest international opening ever.) Next up: Hanks plays a scandal-plagued congressman in "Charlie Wilson's War," rumored to co-star Julia Roberts in her return to the big screen.

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher

Pay $58 million
Power Rank 30
2005 Rank: 17




E-Score Rank 63

Top Attributes
Talented, Physically Fit

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Athlete


© AP Photo/Bernd Kammerer


After five straight World Championships (seven in total), Schumacher came back to earth last year, finishing third in the year-end standings. After winning 12 races the previous year, Schumi reached the top of the podium only once in 2005. Much of the blame went to inferior Bridgestone tires. Schumacher remains the highest-paid racer in Formula One, with a nearly $40 million salary from team owner Ferrari.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell



Pay $43 million
Power Rank 29
2005 Rank: NR




E-Score Rank 76

Top Attributes
Rude, Mean

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Personality


© Colin Bell/Corbis Outline


The snarky judge on TV's top-rated show, "American Idol," reportedly makes $36 million a year thanks to the rich contract renewal he inked this year. He is also the brain trust behind three other reality shows, including NBC's upcoming "America's Got Talent." Cowell frequently sells his show concepts abroad, and recently re-upped his contract for the U.K. hit show "X Factor." His Syco music label is responsible for such blockbuster acts as Il Divo.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld

Pay $100 million
Power Rank 28
2005 Rank: NR
E-Score Rank 23
Top Attributes
Funny, Talented

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Comedian


© Andrew Brusso/Corbis Outline


His hit series about nothing just entered its third round in syndication. While most old hits lose steam over the years, "Seinfeld," which went off the air eight years ago, still generates substantial ad revenue for cable. In addition to a piece of syndication, Seinfeld also pockets a cut of the show's DVD sales. Seinfeld was plenty busy this year--not that there's anything wrong with that. He wrote, produced and stars in a DreamWorks animated film "Bee Movie," set for release next year. And, of course, he periodically returns to the stage to ply his original craft, stand-up comedy.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp


Pay $29 million
Power Rank 27
2005 Rank: 7
E-Score Rank 10

Top Attributes
Talented, Interesting

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Actor
© Kevin Winter/Getty Images
He wowed audiences worldwide with his quirky, if somewhat creepy, portrayal of Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which grossed almost $500 million worldwide. The one-time indie film prince has emerged as one of Hollywood's biggest draws and is set to star in this summer's highly anticipated sequel to "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan



Pay $32 million
Power Rank 26
2005 Rank: 16




E-Score Rank 7

Top Attributes
Physically Fit, Talented

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Athlete


© AP Photo/Mark J. Terril


MJ's endorsements have been pared down to a handful, including Gatorade, Sara Lee and Upper Deck. The bulk of his income, though, still comes from the Swoosh. Nike's Jordan brand is a $500 million business (sales) and finished the year with record profits and sales. In addition to the legendary basketball star, Nike employs an elite list of athletes to market the Jordan brand, including Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony and Derek Jeter. Jordan's latest book, "Driven From Within," has sold 111,000 copies since its fall release, according to Nielsen BookScan.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant

Pay $31 million
Power Rank 25
2005 Rank: 19

E-Score Rank 91

Top Attributes
Physically Fit, Talented

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Athlete
© AP Photo/Matt York


With his past legal troubles finally laid to rest, Bryant has devoted himself to his sport. His 81 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in a January game against Toronto were the second highest in NBA history. Bryant led his team to the playoffs despite a less-than-stellar supporting cast. Nike released a Bryant signature shoe that sold well and added several million to his $10 million Nike base pay. He also announced plans to switch his jersey number from 8 to 24.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion
Celine Dion

Pay $40 million
Power Rank 24
2005 Rank: NR

E-Score Rank 53

Top Attributes
Talented, Distinctive Voice

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Musician


© AP Photo/John Marshall Mantel


The Canadian chanteuse's exclusive run at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has been extended into 2007, thanks to its continued popularity. In 2005, she has the third-highest-grossing "tour," earning $81 million in ticket sales for 155 gigs, according to Pollstar. Fans shelled out on average $136 per ticket to hear her. Only Barry Manilow fans paid more.

Jay Leno

Jay Leno
Jay Leno

Pay $32 million
Power Rank 23
2005 Rank: 21

E-Score Rank 31

Top Attributes
Funny, Distinctive Voice

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Talking head
© Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images
Although he consistently beats Letterman in the ratings, drawing 5.9 million viewers to Letterman's 4.4 million, Leno still earns less. (Letterman owns a piece of his show.) The classic car buff supplemented his income last year with voice roles in the animated features "Ice Age 2" and "Cars."

Dr. Phil McGraw

Dr. Phil McGraw
Dr. Phil McGraw
Pay $45 million
Power Rank 22
2005 Rank: NR

E-Score Rank 61

Top Attributes
Intelligent, Confident

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Talking head


© Robert Trachtenberg/Corbis Outline


Oprah Winfrey's tell-it-like-it-is protégé has emerged as a star in his own right with an ultra-successful syndicated talk show that draws 6.7 million viewers. He also boasts six best sellers, as well as an endorsement deal with online dating service Match.com. Last year he made a cameo appearance in "Scary Movie 4."

Earnings estimates are for June 2005 to June 2006. Figures rounded off where appropriate. Exact figures available on Forbes.com. Includes dollars earned solely from entertainment income. Management, agent and attorney fees have not been deducted. Estimates by forbes; sources include Billboard, Pollstar, Adams Media Research, Nielsen SoundScan and Nielsen BookScan. Rankings are generated by combining earnings with other metrics: Web mentions on Google press clips compiled by LexisNexis; TV/radio mentions by Factiva; and number of times a celebrity's face appeared on the cover of 26 major consumer magazines.

Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson

Pay $39 million
Power Rank 21
2005 Rank: 30

E-Score Rank 37

Top Attributes
Talented, Influential

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Director/Producer


© Art Streiber/Corbis Outline


Had a monster hit with the "King Kong" remake. Even if it didn't do "Lord of the Rings" dollars, the film kept Jackson on top as one of Hollywood's most reliable, and profitable, directors. Next, he goes from blockbuster special effects to family drama with an adaptation of Alice Seybold's "The Lovely Bones."

Earnings estimates are for June 2005 to June 2006. Figures rounded off where appropriate. Exact figures available on Forbes.com. Includes dollars earned solely from entertainment income. Management, agent and attorney fees have not been deducted. Estimates by forbes; sources include Billboard, Pollstar, Adams Media Research, Nielsen SoundScan and Nielsen BookScan. Rankings are generated by combining earnings with other metrics: Web mentions on Google press clips compiled by LexisNexis; TV/radio mentions by Factiva; and number of times a celebrity's face appeared on the cover of 26 major consumer magazines.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt

Pay $25 million
Power Rank 20
2005 Rank: 11
E-Score Rank 32
Top Attributes
Handsome, Physically Fit

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Actor


© Sipa Press


For an actor who eschews the spotlight, Pitt couldn't avoid it last year. His breakup with Jennifer Aniston and subsequent coupling with Angelina Jolie sent the tabloids into a veritable feeding frenzy. (His daughter by Jolie, named Shiloh, was born in May in Namibia.) But it was his share of the profits from the half-billion-dollar grossing "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" that lined his pockets. While fatherhood should no doubt keep him busy, Pitt plans to film "Ocean's 13" with pal George Clooney.

J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling


J.K. Rowling

Pay $75 million
Power Rank 19
2005 Rank: 22

E-Score Rank 56

Top Attributes
Talented, Intelligent

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Author
© AFP/Getty Images

One of the few billionaires on our list, J.K. Rowling is preparing to close the book on her "Harry Potter" series. The next installment, the seventh in the series, is rumored to be her last, although she'll continue to write and will likely explore other parts of the Potter milieu. Worldwide sales of the Potter books have topped 300 million copies worldwide. "The Goblet of Fire" was last year's highest-grossing film, with a worldwide box office take of $892 million.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson


Phil Mickelson

Pay $47 million
Power Rank 18
2005 Rank: 47




E-Score Rank 20

Top Attributes
Talented, Experienced

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Athlete


© Stephen Danelian/CORBIS OUTLINE


With his Masters win in April, Mickelson has won a major tournament for three straight years, a feat only he and Tiger Woods have accomplished in the past two decades. Mickelson earned $5 million on the course over the past 12 months, but the bulk of his income is from sponsors like Ford, Exxon Mobil and Bearing Point. His biggest deal is a ten-year agreement with golf club maker Calloway worth more than $10 million a year. Look for Mickelson to sign deals with a financial services firm and a telecom outfit in the coming months.

David Letterman

David Letterman


David Letterman

Pay $40 million
Power Rank 17
2005 Rank: 14




E-Score Rank 45

Top Attributes
Funny, Intelligent

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Talking head


© Getty Images


Although famously low-key off-camera, Letterman is one of late night television's biggest stars. "Late Night With David Letterman" earned him $40 million this year, more than rival Jay Leno. (Letterman owns a stake in the show.) This year he had Oprah Winfrey as a guest. The two publicly patched up a long-standing rift. And earlier this year he scooped the world when Britney Spears appeared on his program to announce her pregnancy. Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, is responsible for hit shows like "Everybody Loves Raymond," which just ended its nine-year run.

Elton John

Elton John


Elton John

Pay $34 million
Power Rank 16
2005 Rank: 9
E-Score Rank 50

Top Attributes
Talented, Unique

E-Score is a celebrity appeal ranking, comprised of 46 separate personality attributes. E-Score evaluations are provided by E-Poll Market Research, which has a database of more than 2,800 celebrities.

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Musician


© Jason Joyce/Corbis Outline


The Rocket Man has taken his act to theater, where he rakes it in from his musical involvement in 11 shows worldwide, including eight "Lion King" productions. His newest theater hit, "Billy Elliot," is winning raves on London's West End. But not all his shows are winners: "Lestat," based on Anne Rice's acclaimed vampire novel, just closed after a handful of performances. The famously flamboyant star also earns $17 million for his standing gig in Vegas.

Earnings estimates are for June 2005 to June 2006. Figures rounded off where appropriate. Exact figures available on Forbes.com. Includes dollars earned solely from entertainment income. Management, agent and attorney fees have not been deducted. Estimates by forbes; sources include Billboard, Pollstar, Adams Media Research, Nielsen SoundScan and Nielsen BookScan. Rankings are generated by combining earnings with other metrics: Web mentions on Google press clips compiled by LexisNexis; TV/radio mentions by Factiva; and number of times a celebrity's face appeared on the cover of 26 major consumer magazines