Madonna holds the record for the most successful tour by a solo artist in history

Madonna isn’t called a “Material Girl” for anything. In 2012, she is expected to pocket over $500 million in one year alone, according to estimates.

Throughout her career, Madonna has sold over 300m albums. She has been awarded seven Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most successful tour by a solo artist in history.

The current tour, her ninth to date, promotes the 53 year old American singer’s 12th studio album ‘MDNA’.

Madonna played to over 22,000 people on her concert’s opening night in Abu Dhabi’s Yas arena on June 3rd. Although, it is not yet confirmed how many people attended the both shows, it is expected that over 50,000 fans purchased tickets. Roughly estimated, her appearance in U.A.E netted somewhere in the range of $6 to $7 million.

By the time Madonna is finished her MDNA world tour, she will have performed in front of more than two million fans worldwide. The Queen of Pop is planning a total of 86 shows – 32 on the current leg, followed by 43 on her North America starting in August, and 11 in South America from November. Madonna will perform in the UK in July.

Media observers estimate that she will pocket nearly US $300 million from her MDNA World Tour. Live Nation announced $240 Million in ticket sales before a South American leg was added, which could earn an additional over $40 million. An Australian leg of the tour is being announced shortly.

Industry insiders say $75 million in tour merchandise sales is not unlikely, although there was no large variety of it on offer in Abu Dhabi. This has always been a huge moneymaker for Madonna.

An addition of $60 million is expected in sales from her new perfume, Truth or Dare, according to Women’s Wear Daily. It was heavily promoted after the shows in Abu Dhabi and everyone was given a sample of it.

The Queen of Pop may also add  some $10 million in TV and DVD worldwide rights for the broadcast of her current MDNA tour.

Retail experts project Madonna will earn approximately $5 million in 2012 from her “Material Girl” clothing line and upcoming Macy’s lingerie line. This may be the reason why fans in Abu Dhabi were showed laced bras on stage.

One can only envy Madonna!