1. Beyonce Knowles
The biggest
year of Queen B’s career comes courtesy of a massive tour. The superstar
singer played 95 shows, bringing in an average $2.4 million per city,
according to Pollstar. She also dropped her most innovative album.
Titled simply “Beyoncé,” the record hit iTunes in December with barely
any publicity; the single “Drunk in Love” has already sold more than 1
million copies.
2. Dr. Dre
It was a
year of superlatives for the legendary producer, thanks to Apple’s $3
billion purchase of Beats, announced in May. His spoils boosted his
annual income to an astronomical $620 million — not only the best year
of his career and tops among the names on this year’s Celeb 100, but the
highest yearly earnings total of any entertainer ever evaluated by
FORBES.
3. Jay Z
The mogul’s
$60 million total is his highest since 2010, bolstered by a diverse list
of sources. There’s his growing Roc Nation empire; 68 concerts in our
scoring period; business ventures ranging from his 40/40 clubs to his
D’Ussé cognac; and his latest album, which was certified platinum before
it was released due to an agreement with Samsung to buy 1 million
copies. For more on Jay Z’s rise, check out Empire State of Mind.
4. Rihanna
Rihanna may
be the perfect embodiment of the modern pop star. The 26-year-old
Barbados native churns out radio hits like “We Found Love” and
“Diamonds” and collaborates with some of the biggest names in the
business like Jay Z and Eminem. But she also uses social media better
than almost anyone. Her Twitter and Instagram feeds allow her to connect
with her fans in a way that feels honest and unfiltered and they love
her for it. Rihanna is the second most-powerful social media user on our
list after Justin Bieber.
5. Katy Perry
Even with a
fairly modest touring schedule this year (Perry only played 20 public
gigs during our time frame), the pop star is still one of the biggest
earners in her field. Perry is unafraid of the shill. She gets paid to
endorse brands like CoverGirl and Pop Chips and she has her own
fragrance with Coty brands called Killer Queen. Perry also earns big
playing private events. What rich kid wouldn’t love Perry to play her
Sweet 16?
6. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s
massive touring schedule lands the New Jersey band on our list for the
7th time. With “What About Now,” the band is still selling out arenas
all over the word en route to $82 million in earnings. But age may be
taking a toll. Drummer Tico Torres was sidelined for part of the tour
due to gallbladder surgery and Richie Sambora skipped the tour to take
care of personal issues. Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi shows no signs of
slowing down. His Soul Foundation branched out into housing this year
with a four-story mixed-use development in Philadelphia for formerly
homeless people.
7. Bruno Mars
Mars debuts
on our list thanks to a busy touring schedule: the 28-year-old crooner
played 118 dates during our time frame. He also managed to squeeze in a
performance at the Super Bowl halftime (along with the Red Hot Chili
Peppers) that earned him the title of the youngest halftime headliner
ever. The performance helped propel sales of his latest album,
“Unorthodox Jukebox” to double platinum. For more, check out “The
Evolution of Bruno Mars.”
8. Miley Cyrus
Cyrus
returns to the FORBES Celebrity 100 after a four-year absence. The last
time she made our list was when she was still rolling in Hannah Montana
money. Now the pop singer is all grown up and courting controversy at
every turn. Her twerking at the MTV Video Music Awards shocked many
people who still see Cyrus as a little girl but the attention helped
record sales. Her latest album “Bangerz” has been certified platinum.
9. Taylor Swift
Only 24
years old, Swift is making her fifth appearance on the FORBES Celebrity
100 with her highest earnings to date: $64 million. Swift’s latest,
“Red,” was shut out at the Grammy Awards but the cross-over star was
honored with the Pinnacle Award at the latest Country Music Association
Awards for her success. The award has only been given to one other
person, singer Garth Brooks. Swift also earns with endorsements for Diet
Coke, Keds and CoverGirl.
10. Lady Gaga
Gaga’s
earnings continue to fall from her 2011 peak of $90 million Her third
studio album, “Artpop,” has failed to produce the same success as her
prior efforts and a hip injury side lined part of her world tour.
Despite those setbacks, Gaga is still one of the most influential pop
stars out there and she ranks 19th on our list. Only 28, she has plenty
of time to return to the top 10
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