Kim Kardashian and Kanye West - Selfie via @kanyewest on Instagram
Forbes released its annual Celebrity 100 list, ranking the highest-paid entertainment, sports, literary and media celebrities based on pretax earnings from June 2019-May 2020. The list includes a variety of high-profile music names.
Kanye West, who earned $170 million in that period, claimed #1 among musicians — and #2 overall (below Kylie Jenner). The artist garnered a significant percentage of income from his deal with Adidas for the Yeezy brand. He also released new music and a “Sunday Service” series.
Elton John took second place among musicians (and #14 overall) with $81 million. He enjoyed a highly successful “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.”
Ariana Grande grabbed #3 among musicians (and #17 overall), courtesy of $72 million in earnings. Along with releasing more hits, she ran the successful “Sweetener Tour.”
The reunited Jonas Brothers have fared quite well in the past twelve months, earning #4 among musicians and #20 overall with $68.5 million. Like John and Grande, they scored big from their tour (“Happiness Begins”).
The Chainsmokers also benefited from a strong tour (“World War Joy”), taking #5 on among musicians and #21 overall with $68 million.
Other high-ranking musicians (or at least names with a big music component to their careers) were as follows:
6) Ed Sheeran – $64 million (#23 overall)
7) Taylor Swift – $63.5 million (#25 overall)
8) Post Malone – $60 million (#28 overall)
9) Rolling Stones – $59 million (#32 overall)
10) Marshmello – $56 million (#35 overall)
11) Shawn Mendes – $54.5 million (#39 overall)
12) Billie Eilish – $53 million (#43 overall)
13) BTS – $50 million (#47 overall)
14) Drake – $49 million (#49 overall, tie)
15) Jennifer Lopez – $47.5 million (#56 overall)