Forbes just revealed the highest-paid woman in music—and it’s probably not who you think
Forbes unveiled its Highest-Paid Women in Music list for 2018, and the results may surprise you. Maybe you’re thinking it’s Taylor Swift (she released Reputation in fall of 2017 and has spent the year on tour—not to mention she’s one of the most influential celebrities in the world). Or maybe you’re thinking Ariana Grande, since she’s released a flood of new music this year? Or perhaps Beyoncé, because she’s, well, Beyoncé. Turns out the highest-paid female musician of 2018 is none other than Roar singer Katy Perry, who reportedly earned an impressive $83 million.
Get it, girl.
According to the report, which calculates the pre-tax earnings of performers from June 2017 through to June 2018, Perry’s income has a lot to do with the success of her Witness tour and her time spent as a judge on ABC’s American Idol. The 13-time Grammy nominee, who also claimed the top spot on Forbes‘ list in 2015, grossed over $1 million per night for each of her 80 concerts, and made a whopping $20 million on the rebooted reality show.
Coming in a close second on the list is Swift, who banked $80 million. Beyoncé followed with $60 million this year, though it should be noted that both Swift’s Reputation tour sales and Beyoncé’s On the Run II tour and were not included in this year’s calculations. Swift would have likely landed the top spot if her tour dates fell in line with Forbes’ cut-off date.
Rounding off the top five is Pink with $52 million and Lady Gaga with $50 million—thanks to her new movie star status with A Star Is Born.
Here’s the full list below:
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)
Congratulations to Perry and to all the badass ladies who made the list. They’re all clearly crushing it.