Taylor Swift tops Forbes’ highest-paid women in music list

Taylor Swift is the highest-paid woman in music.

The ‘Shake It Off’ hitmaker topped the Forbes magazine list by raking in an impressive $170 million, more than double of her closest rival Adele, who earned $80.5 million.

Most of the 26-year-old singer’s earnings came from her 1989 world tour, which grossed a total of $250 million. $200 million came from her North American leg alone.

Alongside her various brand endorsements for the likes of Keds, Diet Coke and Apple, Taylor also shifted over three million album-worths of music.

Entertainment attorney Lori Landew told the publication: "She has been building her fan base for years, and that fan base crosses multiple market segments. It’s this ability to appeal to younger and older audiences, and those in between, that makes Taylor such a sure bet with both concert promoters and brands who want to affiliate with her and with the community she has cultivated."

Whilst the majority of Taylor’s money came from touring, it was Adele’s album sales that sealed her second place on the list. Her LP ’25’ was the best-selling album of 2015.

Madonna placed third with $76.5 million, with most of the earnings coming from her Rebel Heart tour, which saw the singer travel through North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.

Rihanna came a close fourth with $75 million, mainly thanks to her deals with Dior, Puma, Samsung and Stance as well as her tour and her hit album ‘ANTI’.

Beyoncé completed the top five with $54 million, with the sales of her studio album ‘Lemonade’, although it is expected she will place much higher next year because of her ‘Formation’ world tour.

Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion had big years thanks to their Las Vegas residencies, raking in an impressive $30.5 million, $39.5 million and $27 million respectively.



Forbes’ 10 Highest-Paid Women in Music of 2016 list is as follows:



1. Taylor Swift ($170 million)

2. Adele ($80.5 million)

3. Madonna ($76.5 million)

4. Rihanna ($75 million)

5. Beyoncé ($54 million)

6. Katy Perry ($41 million)

7. Jennifer Lopez ($39.5 million)

8. Britney Spears ($30.5 million)

9. Shania Twain ($27.5 million)

10. Celine Dion ($27 million)