Forbes analysts have long proved to the world that they know everything about the income of show business stars. Today we publish Rating of the highest paid musicians in 2012 according to Forbes.
All rating participants are ranked by the level of annual income from the sale of albums, advertising contracts, as well as business activities before deduction of commission, costs and taxes. To collect information, data from Pollstar, RIAA agencies, as well as insider information were used.
25. Shade ($ 33 million)
During the last tour, the performer and songwriter gave more than 100 concerts, which ensured her a place in the ranking of highly paid musicians.
24. Michael Bubble ($ 34 million)
A long tour and sales of the Christmas multi-platinum album have earned Bubble a solid profit over the past 12 months.
23. Caney West ($ 35 million)
The album Watch the Throne, released in collaboration with Jay-Z, as well as the tour in his support, brought a good income to the rap artist. In addition, Kanye collaborates with Nike and sells her own clothing line.
22. Adele ($ 35 million)
Sales of the mega-popular album "21" exceeded 23 million copies. The disc is the leader in our ranking of the best-selling albums of 2012.
21. Coldplay ($ 37 million)
Revenue came from sales of last year's Mylo Xyloto album, as well as a world tour.
20. Jay-Z ($ 38 million)
The rapper brings a tour in support of the new album, as well as deductions from advertising Duracell and Budweiser.
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers ($ 39 million)
The group released a new album, I’am with You, and began a world tour, which was not slow in affecting revenue.
18. Beyoncé ($ 40 million)
The income of the singer shot up simultaneously with the return to the big stage after the birth of a child. Extra income comes from deductions from past albums, our own clothing line and advertising fees.
17. Kenny Chesney ($ 44 million)
A popular country performer conducted 48 concerts over the past year, which brought a good income.
16. Katy Perry ($ 45 million)
Albums, singles and a tour of the singer are a resounding success. Katie is also featured in the ranking of the most expensive Hollywood stars and in the hundred of the sexiest girls in 2012.
15. Diddy ($ 45 million)
The producer and hip-hop artist receives a decent income from projects that are not related to music. These include Diageo’s Ciroc vodka, Sean John clothing line and Bleu Flame marketing company.
14. Foo Fighters ($ 47 million)
The tour in support of the new album of the rock band Wasting Light brings musicians millions of dollars in revenue.
13. Lady Gaga ($ 52 million)
The eccentric singer receives income from a world tour, sales of her own albums, as well as the fragrance Fame.
12. Rihanna ($ 53 million)
The income of the singer comes from an active concert program, sales of the Reb’s Fleur fragrance, as well as fees for participating in advertising. It is not surprising that Rihanna was also noted in the ranking of the most expensive Hollywood stars.
11. Toby Kate ($ 55 million)
The income to the country artist comes from the new Clancy’s Tavern album, and the contract with Ford, and its own restaurant chain.
10. Justin Bieber ($ 55 million)
The youngest participant in the rating is only 18 years old. Nevertheless, the Canadian pop R&B artist has already sold 15 million copies of his albums.
9. Taylor Swift ($ 57 million)
Country performer earns $ 1 million for one concert. Sales of the album Red, which sold over 1.2 million copies in the first week, brought considerable income.
8. Paul McCartney ($ 57 million)
Sir Paul’s revenues consist of active concert activity and royalties for the songs of the legendary Beatles.
7. Britney Spears ($ 58 million)
The return of the singer to the stage was successful: the album Femme Fatale received platinum status in the USA. In addition, revenue from participation in advertising and sales of their own line of perfumes.
6. Bon Jovi ($ 60 million)
The group has not released new independent hits since 2009, but makes good money on joint performances with celebrities.
5. Take That ($ 69 million)
The group is currently giving a big tour. There are still dozens of concerts in Europe ahead, and the profits from the already held performances pleasantly replenished the purses of musicians.
4. U2 ($ 78 million)
The multimillion-dollar income of the musicians brought a world tour, which lasted for the past 3 years. The tour broke the world record for profitability, previously set by the Rolling Stones.
3. Elton John ($ 80 million)
The singer does not lose popularity, thanks to an active concert activity. More than a hundred performances per year brought good income. Elton John received decent royalties for using his songs in the soundtrack to the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet.
2. Roger Waters ($ 88 million)
Back in 1979, Waters wrote most of the tracks for Pink Floyd's cult album The Wall. And since 2010, Roger with a team of musicians has been performing around the world as part of the The Wall Live tour, performing his own hit songs. Most of the musician’s income came from the sale of tickets to 63 The Wall Live concerts.
1. Dr. Dre ($ 110 million)
The highest paid musician of 2012. About $ 100 million. The rapper received from the sale of 51% of the shares of the company that produces the popular Beats by Dr. headphones. Dre. Plus income from album sales and concert activity. Next year, Dr. Dre will be supplemented by the sale of the Detox album, the release of which fans of the highest-paid musician of 2012 are looking forward to.
