Madonna Tops 2009 Music Money Makers List

In fact, those questioning whether Madonna rates a reported 10-year, $120 million 360 deal with Live Nation might reconsider. Madonna's Sticky & Sweet tour took in $229,886,340 at the box office, although the extravagant production might have cost up to 40% of that gross, according to industry estimates. The margin is much better on tour merchandise, where Madonna probably raked in more than $18 million in sales, not counting her licensing business.

Of course, nothing helps reduce tour production costs like more touring. So Madonna will perform another run of concerts this summer -- 25 shows in the United Kingdom and Europe -- which will add to the take of the top-grossing tour by a female or solo artist.

Outside of the United Kingdom, all of Madonna's concerts will be in stadiums, so she'll gross several million dollars per night. By fall, Sticky & Sweet will have run for 80 shows and earn a place in the top five grossing tours of all time.

This is the first time Madonna has ever extended a tour. "It absolutely hasn't happened in the four tours I've been involved with," says Madonna's tour producer Arthur Fogel, chairman of global music for Live Nation.

"There's been talk [of extending] during each one, but it has never come to be. But with this one, she loves the show, she's had a great time and she's excited about playing new markets."

Reporting by Mariel Concepcion, Ann Donahue, Mitchell Peters and Ray Waddell.