Words By: Leslie Monet
Superstars Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have proven themselves the hardest-working-women of the year, according to Forbes’ Highest Paid Women In Music 2018 list revealed on this week. Katy secured the number one ranking grossing $83 million between June 1, 2017, to June 1, 2018. Nearly all of her annual earnings came from the pop star’s Witness: The Tour, pulling in $1 million a night during the 80-dates.
Trailing at the heels of Katy Perry is Taylor Swift with $80 million flat and Beyoncé, who after giving birth to twins in the early part of this year, safely secured $60 million. All three have acquired their ‘M’s’ by way of mostly touring and record sales, however, the remaining members included in the top 10 list show how broadening your horizons cashes out beautifully as well. Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez joined the club raking in big currency acting in blockbuster films Ocean’s 8 and A Star Is Born, cosmetic lines, fragrances, and other high-dollar endorsements and musical performances; specifically J-Lo’s uber lucrative Las Vegas residency.
According to Forbes, the 10 highest-paid women in music earned more than $500 million combined in 12 months, before taxes and fees. Here’s how they all ranked against one another:
1. Katy Perry ($83 million)
2. Taylor Swift ($80 million)
3. Beyoncé ($60 million)
4. Pink ($52 million)
5. Lady Gaga ($50 million)
6. Jennifer Lopez ($47 million)
7. Rihanna ($37.5 million)
8. Helene Fischer ($32 million)
9. Celine Dion ($31 million)
10. Britney Spears ($30 million)
Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez and Madonna received honorable mention as they barely missed the top ten list, but can still laugh all the way to the bank tallying double-digit millions. Kudos to all the hard working women in the music business continuing to break glass ceilings for the next generation of female entertainers.
