Superstar US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey has regained the title of the world's most powerful celebrity in her fourth appearance at the top of a Forbes magazine survey that includes Aussie musicians AC/DC and Keith Urban.
With $US315 million ($A361.36 million) in earnings, Winfrey, 56, who next year is set to launch her own television channel, ousted Angelina Jolie as the top power player with the actress slipping from last year's number one to the 18th spot.
In second place to the enduring talkshow diva, popular singer Beyonce Knowles jumped two positions with earnings of $US87 million ($A99.8 million), following a profitable year for her growing entertainment and fashion empire.
Director James Cameron, fresh from the success of his record-breaking movie Avatar, came in third with earnings of $US210 million ($A240.91 million).
The top rankings are based on income over the past 12 months, as well as web references, press clippings, broadcast mentions and major magazine covers devoted to the celebrity, Forbes said.
At number four was the list's highest-ranked newcomer - singing sensation and one-woman fashion whirlwind Lady Gaga.
With huge tours and successful music ventures, the New York-born entertainer earned $US62 million ($A71.13 million) over the last year.
Tiger still in top 5
Golfer Tiger Woods kept his high standing despite reports of his extra-marital affairs, maintaining the number five position and raking in $US105 million ($A120.45 million) even
in the wake of his self-imposed six-month break from the game.
Others in the top 10 included pop singer Britney Spears at six, and Irish rockers U2 at seven.
Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock, whose cheating husband kept her in the tabloid limelight, soared from last year's 92nd spot to be this year's number eight, with $US56 million ($A64.24 million) in earnings.
Actor Johnny Depp was at number nine, while singer Madonna fell seven positions over her 2009 spot to round out the top 10 with $US58 million ($A66.54 million) in earnings.
The highest placed Aussies on the list are AC/DC at number 38 with earnings of $US114 million ($A130.78 million) - a jump from number 47 in 2009.
Forbes puts the band's earnings last year at a "staggering $US226 million ($A259.26 million)" courtesy of their worldwide tour, placing them "second only to U2 in band earnings".
Keith Urban replaces wife Nicole Kidman on this year's powerful list. Kidman, who last year ranked 74th, is missing from this year's top 100, while Urban joins the list at number 76 with earnings of $US27.5 million ($A31.55 million).
