Britney Spears has topped the Forbes list of highest paid female singers in 2012. With this, Spears has managed to leave behind current singing sensations Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Adele.

The singer was absent from the list last year but has stormed her way back to the top of the list in 2012. Spears has done about 75 shows in the past year and has also endorsed products. She even has her own line of fragrance with Elizabeth Arden.

As of May 2012, the "Gimme More" hit maker has earned a whopping $58 million, most of which came from her album "Femme Fatale," and her "X-Factor" deal. The album even took home a platinum certificate in the U.S. and her stint with the X-Factor added about $15 million to her earnings.

Spears is followed by Taylor Swift on the list. She earned $57 million and Rihanna, $53 million. Lady Gaga took home $52 million and Katy Perry $45 million. Beyonce came sixth with $40 million and Adele followed with $35 million.

"Twilight" Kristen Stewart seems to be way ahead of both Pattinson and Lautner as the actress has topped the list of highest paid actresses in 2012 with earnings of $34.5 million followed by Cameron Diaz at $34 million. Third place is taken by Sandra Bullock who earned $25 million and Angelina Jolie stands at the fourth spot with $20 million. Sarah Jessica Parker who topped the list last year slips down to the seventh spot with $15 million. Meryl Streep graces the eighth spot with $12 million and Jennifer Aniston takes the 10th place with $11 million.