The president came in at No. 49 on the annual list released on Wednesday - which ranks celebrities based on their earnings and mentions in the media - after he made US$2.5 million (S$3.6 million) last year from his two best-selling books.

'Obama is hands-down the most famous person in the world,' said Lacey Rose of Forbes magazine. 'His historic presidential run helped him sell more than a million copies of his books; he landed on many magazine covers.' 'There is a real interest in him as a president, a family man, a celebrity,' she said.

Mr Obama is the first African American to be elected US president. Former President Bill Clinton, who left office in 2001, appeared on the Forbes list in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

Topping the list is actress Angelina Jolie, followed by talk show host Oprah Winfrey, then singers Madonna and Beyonce Knowles, making this the first year all top four spots were taken by women, Forbes said.

During the past year, Jolie made US$27 million, Winfrey US$275 million, Madonna US$110 million and Knowles US$87 million. While Jolie's earnings pale in comparison to the other women's, her constant presence in magazines propelled her to the top spot.

'She is in the dialogue of pop culture nearly every day,' Ms Rose said. 'There is such an appetite for her relationship with Brad Pitt, her children, her philanthropic activity.' Madonna rose from No. 21 last year, after her 'Hard Candy' tour was the top-grossing international tour of 2008. She also remained in the media spotlight due to her divorce from director Guy Ritchie and her bid to adopt a second child from Malawi.

Golfer Tiger Woods came in at No. 5 with estimated earnings of US$110 million, singer Bruce Springsteen nabbed No. 6 with an income of US$70 million and director Steven Spielberg took seventh place after bringing in US$150 million, Forbes said. -- REUTERS