Madonna was the biggest worldwide concert draw in 2008, selling $281.6 million worth of tickets in 17 countries for her Sticky and Sweet tour.

Industry magazine Pollstar, which compiled the list, reported $105.3 million of that total was grossed in North America alone.

Notching the No. 2 spot was Canadian songstress Celine Dion, who earned $236.6 million from 24 countries.

Dion launched her first world tour in more than eight years after wrapping her 700-plus show residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas last December.

Following Dion on Pollstar’s worldwide list were Bon Jovi ($176.3 million), Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band ($165.8 million), and last year’s biggest North American concert draw, the Police ($120.6 million).

This year was the first time Pollstar has compiled foreign data.

Pollstar reported that fewer people went to concerts in North America in 2008, but those who did were prepared to pay more for their tickets.






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