Madonna Named Biggest Worldwide Concert Draw In 2008

Madonna was the biggest worldwide concert draw of the year, new figures show.

The pop star’s Sticky & Sweet world tour, which included concerts in 17 countries, earned $282million in five months.

The tour saw the singer collaborate onstage with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at one Los Angeles date.

Meanwhile, Celine Dion’s career re-launch earned the singer $237million from tour stops in 24 countries.

Together Madonna and Dion sold more than $500million worth of tickets.

Bon Jovi claimed the third biggest tour, grossing $176million, while Bruce Springsteen and the Police’s reunion tour were fourth and fifth respectively.

Gary Bongiovanni, editor of the Trade publication Pollstar, said: "We've had a better year than we really should have expected given the economic environment.”

Next year’s big tours are expected to come from Spears and U2.

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet highlights