Net Worth...

Always the queen...

It should come as no surprise that Madonna tops this list. Madonna forged a path for younger singers like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears by breaking down many of the barriers working against a powerful, sexual and outspoken singer/songwriter who controls her own fate. She pushed boundaries, created controversy, and sang about topics that were often uncomfortable to others. All along she consciously worked to build her brand and become not only a successful singer but also a business woman. Her success has spanned over thirty years. Madonna has appeared in numerous movies, often in leading roles. It’s believed that Madonna is worth roughly $1.1 billion – a surprising number for a woman who has only released 12 studio albums during the entirety of her music career.

Moving...

After the news yesterday about Kylie Minogue's new management deal, now comes groundbreaking news about her current record label.

Parlophone Label Group has been sold as a complete unit to Warner Music.

The record label - which is the home of Kylie Minogue, Coldplay and Pet Shop Boys - has been sold off by the Universal Music Group, after it acquired the label as part of the EMI buyout last year.

The Warner Music Group has confirmed that it has acquired the label as part of an all-cash transaction for £487 million ($765m).

The company beat a joint bid by Sony and BMG, and Simon Fuller/Chris Blackwell as the main contenders to acquire the company and parts of its back catalogue.

"This is a very important milestone for Warner Music, reflecting our commitment to artist development by strengthening our worldwide roster, global footprint and executive talent," said Len Blavatnik, Chairman and founder of Access Industries, which owns Warner Music.



Stephen Cooper, CEO of Warner Music Group, added: "Having the Parlophone Label Group become part of our family represents a unique opportunity for us to join with legendary record labels and artists that are highly complementary to our existing organisation from a creative, geographic and strategic standpoint.

"We are committed to making this a great outcome for Parlophone's artists and employees, who will find in WMG a similar spirit and culture that is dedicated to providing the most supportive and innovative home for recording artists.The continuation of the Parlophone legacy and brand are central to the future success of this combination, and we are proud to have them join us."

The Parlophone Label Group is comprised of the Parlophone label, Chrysalis and Ensign labels, as well as EMI's recorded music operations in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia and Sweden.

Radiohead's early catalogue, Queen, Tinie Tempah, Lily Allen, Gorillaz, Goldfrapp, David Guetta, Tina Turner, Pink Floyd and The Chemical Brothers are also part of Parlophone's collection.

However, it is understood that Universal Music has retained ownership of Virgin Records, the Beatles catalogue and other key assets.

A shame this couldn't happen earlier - Kylie and PSB could have been label mates with Madonna!

The Best...

Love this performance from Celine Dion.



The versions from Tina Turner and the original from Bonnie Tyler are excellent as well: