American Idol judge, Cowell, 50, who also created success stories America's Got Talent and the X Factor is the top earning man on prime-time television in the states, with an estimated haul of $75 million.

So who else made the list - and who is the only other Brit with a place in the top ten?

The Forbes top 10 list is based on estimated pre-tax earnings from June 2008 to June 2009, and includes:

2. Donald Trump ($50 million)
The Apprentice host, Trump, 63, is is the chairman and CEO of the Trump Organisation – a US- based property developer, and founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. The business magnate also lends his name to products ranging from neckties to vodka and reaps fees from speeches and books.

3. Ryan Secreast ($38 million)
In addition to hosting American Idol, Seacrest, 34, has a Los Angeles morning radio show and developed the TV reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

4. Charlie Sheen ($21 million)
Actor, Sheen, 44, has a pretty checkered past but jumped up the high earners list by playing loveable rouge Charlie Harper in US sitcom Two and a Half Men.

5. Steve Carell $20 million)
Best known to Brits for his roles in Anchorman and 40-year-old Virgin, American Carell, 47, shot to TV fame playing Michael Scott in the US version of The Office.

6. Howie Mandel ($15 million)
Canadian, Mandel, 54, is a stand-up comedian, television presenter and actor, and well known as host for the NBC American show of Deal or No Deal.

7. Kiefer Sutherland ($13 million)
British-born Canadian, Sutherland, 43, is an Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor for his part of Jack Bauer in thriller series, 24.

8. Jeff Foxworthy ($11 million)
American stand-up comedian and actor, Foxworthy, 51, is known for his successful comedy albums and presenting Are you smarter than a 5th Grader? on US TV.

9. Hugh Laurie ($10 million)
Oxford-born Laurie, 50, is well known for his role in Blackadder and one half of Fry and Laurie, and shot to fame on US TV in 2004 playing Dr Gregory House in medical drama, House.

10. David Caruso ($9 million)
American film and television actor and producer, Caruso, 53, is currently best known in the US for his role of Lieutenant Horatio Caine on the TV series CSI Miami.