Forbes analysts have long proved to the world that they know everything about the income of show business stars. Today we publish Top-paid musicians ranking 2012 according to Forbes.
All participants in the ranking are ranked by the level of annual income from album sales, advertising contracts, and entrepreneurial activities before deducting commissions, costs and taxes. To collect information, data from the Pollstar, RIAA agencies, as well as insider information were used.
25.Shade ($ 33 million)
During the last tour, the singer and songwriter gave over 100 concerts, which secured her a place in the ranking of highly paid musicians.
24. Michael Bubble ($ 34 million)
The lengthy tour and sales of the multi-platinum album Christmas have brought Bubble a solid income over the past 12 months.
23. Kaney West ($ 35 million)
The album Watch the Throne, released in collaboration with Jay-Z, and the tour in support of it brought a good income to the rap artist. In addition, Kaney has partnered with Nike to sell his own clothing line.
22. Adele ($ 35 million)
The megapopular album 21 has sold over 23 million copies. The disc tops our list of best-selling albums of 2012.
21. Coldplay ($ 37 million)
The revenue came from sales of last year's Mylo Xyloto album, as well as a world tour.
20. Jay-Z ($ 38 million)
The rapper is generating income from the tour in support of the new album, as well as royalties from advertising for 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 to affect the income.
18. Beyoncé ($ 40 million)
The singer's income soared up simultaneously with the return to the big stage after the birth of a child. Additional profits come from royalties from past albums, own clothing line and advertising fees.
17. Kenny Chesney ($ 44 million)
The popular country performer has performed 48 concerts over the past year, which have brought a good income.
16. Katy Perry ($ 45 million)
Albums, singles and the singer's tour are a resounding success. Katy is also featured in rating of the most expensive Hollywood stars and in a hundred sexiest girls of 2012.
15. Diddy ($ 45 million)
The producer and hip-hop artist makes a decent income from projects that are not related to music. These include Diageo's Ciroc vodka, Sean John clothing line and marketing company Bleu Flame.
14. Foo Fighters ($ 47 million)
The tour in support of the new album of the rock band Wasting Light brings the musicians millions of dollars in income.
13. Lady Gaga ($ 52 million)
The eccentric singer earns income from her world tour, her own album sales, and the Fame fragrance.
12. Rihanna ($ 53 million)
The singer's income is brought by an active concert program, sales of the Reb's Fleur fragrance, as well as royalties for participation in advertising. It is not surprising that Rihanna was also noted in the ranking of the most expensive Hollywood stars.
11. Toby Keith ($ 55 million)
The country music performer earns income from the new album Clancy's Tavern, a contract with Ford, and his own restaurant chain.
10. Justin Bieber ($ 55 million)
The youngest participant in the rating is only 18 years old.And yet the Canadian pop R&B artist has already sold 15 million copies of his albums.
9. Taylor Swift ($ 57 million)
The country musician makes $ 1 million per concert. The sales of the album Red brought considerable income, which sold 1.2 million copies in its first week.
8. Paul McCartney ($ 57 million)
Sir Paul's income comes from active concert activities and royalties for the songs of the legendary Beatles.
7. Britney Spears ($ 58 million)
The singer's return to the stage was successful: the album Femme Fatale received platinum status in the United States. In addition, they generate income from advertising and selling their own perfume line.
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 band is currently on a major tour. There are still dozens of concerts in Europe ahead, and the profit from the already held performances has pleasantly replenished the musicians' wallets.
4.U2 ($ 78 million)
The musicians' multimillion-dollar income was brought by a world tour, which lasted for the last 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 due to his vigorous concert activity. More than a hundred performances in a year brought a good income. Elton John also received decent royalties for using his songs on the soundtrack to the cartoon "Gnomeo and Juliet".
2. Roger Waters ($ 88 million)
Back in 1979, Waters wrote most of the compositions for Pink Floyd's cult album "The Wall". And since 2010, Roger and a team of musicians have been performing around the world on the Wall Live tour, performing their own hit songs. Most of the musician's income came from the sale of tickets for 63 concerts "The Wall Live".
1. Dr. Dre ($ 110 million)
Highest paid musician of 2012. The rapper received about $ 100 million from the sale of 51% of the shares of the company that produces the popular Beats by Dr. Dre. Plus income from the sale of albums and from concerts. Next year, Dr. Dre will be replenished with sales of the album Detox, the release of which is eagerly awaited by fans of the highest paid musician of 2012.