U2, AC/DC, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen and Britney Spears are among the musicians who earned the most money in the past year, according to a new Forbes list.
The magazine released its ranking of the top-earning musicians from June 2009 to June 2010 and determined that U2 reigned supreme with $130 million, thanks to its massive 360 tour. AC/DC came in second and also earned a significant portion of its $114 million through touring, while New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen netted $70 million to land at No. 4.
The list’s highest-earning female was Beyoncé at No. 3. Forbes said the star banked $87 million through major endorsement deals with Nintendo and L’Oreal, as well as her House of Dereon fashion line and world tour. At No. 5, Britney Spears can also attribute much of her $64 million earned to endorsements, particularly her Elizabeth Arden fragrance and spokesperson deal with Candies.
Beyoncé’s husband Jay-Z came in at No. 6, earning $63 million from a variety of sources, including his stake in NBA team the New Jersey Nets, his 40/40 nightclub chain, “The Blueprint 3” album sales, and his investment in the Broadway musical, “Fela!”
As the newest artist to make the list, Lady Gaga landed at No. 7 with $62 million in strong album and single sales, Monster Ball tour revenue, and endorsement deals with brands like Polaroid and MAC Viva Glam. Madonna came in just under Gaga at No. 8, earning $58 million from the remainder of her Sticky & Sweet tour and her “Glee” tribute episode. Country star Kenny Chesney(No. 8) banked $50 million through his tour and sponsorships with Corona and MasterCard.
A three-way tie between Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, and Toby Keith rounds out the top 10. Each earned an estimated $48 million thanks to various tours, endorsement deals, merchandise sales, and publishing royalties.
Here are the 10 top-earning musicians of June 2009-2010, according to Forbes:
- U2 ($130 million)
- AC/DC ($114 million)
- Beyoncé ($87 million)
- Bruce Springsteen ($70 million)
- Britney Spears ($64 million)
- Jay-Z ($63 million)
- Lady Gaga ($62 million)
- Madonna ($58 million)
- Kenny Chesney ($50 million)
- Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith ($48 million)
