Oprah Winfrey may indeed be the media queen, but it looks like the ladies of pop music are also staking their claim as money-making movers and shakers in 2010. Case in point: Forbes has unveiled its annual Celebrity 100 list, and Beyonce (#2), Lady Gaga (#4) and Britney Spears (#6) all landed in the Top 10. Even pop matron Madonna rounds out the tally’s upper tier at #10. Head below to see where other artists rank on the roundup of the rich and powerful.
First of all, don’t be too surprised to see Beyonce at #2. Between her music, touring, merchandising and endorsement deals, she earned a whopping $87 million over the past year—more than any other solo musician on the list. (U2, who are at #7, earned $130 million thanks to their top-selling 360° Tour, while AC/DC raked in $114 million and come in at #38.)
But Forbes‘ list isn’t just based on cash intake. It also considers radio and TV airtime, mentions in the press, social rank and, of course, popularity on the Internet. And sorry, Jay-Z—while your wife comes in at #2, you’re down at #15.
That brings us to Lady Gaga, a newcomer to the Forbes Celeb 100 list—albeit one who comes crashing in at #4. The publication notes, “She earned $31 million from a 106-date tour and her video for ‘Telephone’ (featuring Beyoncé) has been viewed 90 million times. Gaga’s Internet presence is so strong that she ranks first on our list for Web hits and social networking. With a new album in the works Gaga should have a long life on the Celebrity 100 list.”
On a final note, celebrities like Sandra Bullock and Tiger Woods, who both made it into the Top 10, appear to be scandal-proof when it comes to retaining their power—despite several less-than-favorable songs that take a jab at the latter doing the rounds.
THE TOP 10 OF FORBES CELEBRITY 100 LIST:
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Beyonce Knowles
3. James Cameron
4. Lady Gaga
5. Tiger Woods
6. Britney Spears
7. U2
8. Sandra Bullock
9. Johnny Depp
10. Madonna
WHERE OTHER MUSIC-RELATED PERSONALITIES PLACED:
11. Simon Cowell
12. Taylor Swift
13. Miley Cyrus
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15. Jay-Z
16. Black Eyed Peas
17. Bruce Springsteen
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27. Pink
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35. Coldplay
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38. AC/DC
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40. Jonas Brothers
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44. Ryan Seacrest
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54. Kenny Chesney
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62. Rascal Flatts
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67. Toby Keith
68. Sean “Diddy” Combs
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74. Lil Wayne
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80. Akon
Im abit surprised Black Eye Peas isn’t further on this list given the phenomenal year theyhad in 2009. Not too surprising seeing Beyonce so high up there she has like a billion endeavors it seems Only person I’m shocked that actually made the upper half would be Britney Spears but that must be solely from that tour alone….
Brandon, I’m going to guess that Britney’s perfume alone makes a mint. What young girl *doesn’t* want to smell like the “circus,” after all?
AC/DC’s Black Ice World tour has grossed well over $275 million +, not counting their merchandise sales. This also does not include the bands album sales for BLACK ICE & IRON MAN 2.
Angus Young transfers more play money into his bank account when on tour than all 4 members of U2 have made the entire year. ;)
Angus, oh, yeah—the band has no doubt earned stacks of cash. But keep in mind they have to pay their bills, bills, bills, so their take home pay is far less than what the band has collectively earned as a “business.”
Actually U2 split their money 5 ways, their manager Paul McGuinness gets an equal share with the 4 lads.
firstly,
James cameron should be number 2. Its a fact and this information is rubbish. There are no facts here!
I wish I could go to bed every night and say “good job, you made a million dollars today – and guess what, you’ll earn that much tomorrow.” Assuming Oprah’s new media projects are actually succussful, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her shoot up into a 10 billion + net worth within the next 5 years – and in 10-15 years, Bill Gates money.
MILEY CYRUS MADE 48 MILLION DOLLARS!!! WTF. Clearly, graduate school is a waste of time.
Looks like the ladies are the money making movers………
i disagree with forbes including tv and radio air time and press mentions in ranking celebrities. because britney is now more of a of media than favorite than a true superstar she will get undeserved high ranking. so many rules have been broken to keep britney relevant!! this should only be about the money!!!
I disagree!
1 britney spears
2 beyonce
and that gaga …. in 100
The video left a lot to alejandro decear is horrible and boring!