Oprah named Most Powerful Celebrity in the world

The American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist Oprah Gail Winfrey, simply called Oprah Winfrey has been named the most powerful celebrity in the world by Forbes Magazine. This is the fifth time the African American talk show host has topped the celebrity 100 list, which is based on earnings and exposure. Singer Lady Gaga came in second followed by film-maker Steven Spielberg and pop star Beyoncé and Madonna. Last year’s number one actress Jenifer Lopez dropped to 12th place According to a BBC report, Winfrey, whose confessional interview with disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong became a world news story, earned $77m in the 12 months to June 2013 - well below Madonna, who made $125m and Spielberg who earned $100m. But Forbes said Winfrey's status in Hollywood and her presence on TV and social media propelled her to the top of the list. Dorothy Pomerantz of Forbes.com say, "She (Winfrey) still wields an enormous amount of power, which is really what we look for in our fame matrix," "She is taking this cable network and turning it around just through the sheer force of her will, her connections and her ability." myjoyonline