He's a media mogul, and quite possibly more powerful than any politician on the planet, so it should be no surprise that X Factor boss Simon Cowell has tied with fellow talent show judge Howard Stern for the title of America's highest paid TV personality.

Forbes.com dropped its American TV personality Rich List this week, revealing that Simon and Howard both scooped an estimated $95 million in the past 12 months. That's about €71 million to you and I. Seriously, does anyone on the planet actually need that much money?

Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck nabbed third place with earnings of around $90 million, while former Rich List queen Oprah Winfrey (she topped the bill last year) had to settle for fourth place with $77 million. Dr Phil wasn't far behind her, rounding out the top five with earnings of around $72 million.

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, Apprentice boss Donald Trump. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, Ellen Degeneres and Judge Judy Sheindlin completed the Top Ten, all earning in the region of $40 million to $60 million for their respective endeavours. Imagine seeing those sort of figures on your bank balance. We think we'd pass out with the shock.

Oh well, at least we know who to ask if we're ever in need of spare change for the bus...