Quantcast

FORBES TALLIES THE PAYCHECKS OF ENTERTAINERS

Sean Combs is the highest paid entertainer in the world according to Forbes, having pulled in $130m between 6/1/16 and 6/1/17, largely due to his varied investments outside of music. Beyoncé was #2 on the list that included athletes, actors, writers and musicians. She pulled in $105m.

Drake (#4, $94m), The Weeknd (#6, $92m) and Coldplay (#8, $88m) made the Top 10 on a list that included 38 musicians.

Besides Drake and the Weeknd, the list of contemporary hitmakers included Justin Bieber (#13, $83.5m), Adele (#18, $69m), Taylor Swift (#49, $44m), The Chainsmokers (#65, $38m) Rihanna and Ed Sheeran ($37m), and Katy Perry and Chance the Rapper ($33m).

After Coldplay, bands on the list were Guns N’ Roses (#12, $84m), Metallica (#21, $66.5m), Red Hot Chili Peppers (#32, $54m), Bon Jovi (#80, $35.5m) and Florida Georgia Line (#83, $34.5m).

Country music had eight acts on the list: Garth Brooks (#26, $60m), Swift, Kenny Chesney (#53, $42.5m), Luke Bryan (#55, $42m), Dolly Parton (#71, $37m), Toby Keith (#83, $34.5), Florida Georgia Line and Jason Alden (#98, $32.5m).

Bruce Springsteen led the list of legendary acts who make the bulk of their income from touring, landing at #17 on $75m. Other legends: Elton John (#26, $60m), Paul McCartney (#32, $54m), Jimmy Buffett (#35, $50.5m) and Billy Joel (#82, $35m).

Besides Elton, a Las Vegas residency is also another good way to get on the list. This year, they have Celine Dion (#55, $42m), Tiesto ($39m) and Britney Spears (#89, $34m).

Outside the Top 10 and Chance, hip-hop’s representation was Jay Z (#55 $42m) and Dr. Dre (#83, $34.5m). Calvin Harris is the top earner among DJs (#40, $48.5m).

Simon Cowell is the only music exec on the list and he’s right in the middle—#50—on earnings of $43.5m.

Pardon us now while we stop at the ATM to see if we have enough for a Happy Meal.

UMG AND TIKTOK
WORK IT OUT
The kerfuffle is in the past. (5/2a)
LUCIAN SOUNDS OFF ON UMG/TIKTOK DEAL
A breakdown from the boss (5/2a)
HITS LIST: HANGIN' OUT
With extra relish (5/3a)
LIVE NATION POSTS (ANOTHER) RECORD QUARTER
More butts in seats than ever before. (5/3a)
A POST-WALLEN AFFAIR
A dynamic duo, y'all (5/3a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)