Taylor Swift named 2012’s Top Earner in Music
Taylor Swift has been named the top earning musician last year thanks to her global tour which helped her take home a huge sum of $39.7m (£23.8m).
The country singer reclaims the top spot on Billboard’s Money Makers list after also holding the title in 2012 for the previous year.
The 24-year-old’s huge album sales, royalties and digital downloads also helped her beat other stars such as Justin Timberlake and the Rolling Stones. But it was the Red tour, its sponsorship deals and merchandise sales which made her the most money, around $30m (£18m). Swift topped the rich list just two years ago, also on the strength of her touring prowess, raking in $35.7m (£21.4m).
Fellow country star Kenny Chesney took second place in the list with earnings of $32.9m following the success of his seventh number one album and tour.
Justin Timberlake’s comeback in 2013, led by The 20/20 Experience albums and two tours – first with Jay Z and later solo – earned him $31.4m (£18.8m). Touring legends Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones took the fourth and fifth places in the list, The Stones had marked their 50th anniversary last year with their sold out 50 & Counting tour.
Madonna was named the top earner in last year’s list – with her 2012 MDNA tour helping her take home $34.5m (£20.7m).
Here is the top 10 list:
1. Taylor Swift, $39.7m
2. Kenny Chesney, $32.9m
3. Justin Timberlake, $31.4m
4. Bon Jovi, $29.4m
5. The Rolling Stones, $26.2m
6. Beyonce, $24.4m
7. Maroon 5, $22.2m
8. Luke Bryan, $22.1m
9. Pink, $20m
10. Fleetwood Mac, $19.1m
