The Forbes List of World’s Top-Earning Musicians of 2019

Taylor Swift takes first place and Kanye West lands second on the list

Forbes has released its list of the world’s top-earning musicians for 2019 and this year’s slate includes music artists from all contemporary music genres from hip-hop to pop and rock music. The 10 highest-paid musicians earned over $1 billion USD proper, which is greater than last year’s total of $886 million USD.

 

Taking the throne this year of top-earning musicians is Taylor Swift who earned $185 million USD which came from a new record deal, endorsements and her most recent tour. From last year’s No. 6 spot, jumps to No. 1 and is on top of the list twice in five years. The YEEZY founder, Kanye West is sitting just below Swift at No. 2, with a $150 million USD which was boosted by the surge in sales of his YEEZY brand. Ed Sheeran and The Eagles are perched at No. 3 and 4 respectively, earning $110 million USD and $100 million USD due to a massive amount of performances. At the No. 5 spot of the top-earning musicians list is Sir Elton John, earning $84 million USD following the success of his farewell tour.

 

JAY-Z and Beyonce are tied at No. 6 this year, with the music couple earning $81 million USD each. Entering the top 10 is the rap star from Canada, Drake, doing a mssive jump from the No. 22 spot last year to No. 8 this year having $75 million USD. 2017’s No. 1 Diddy places at No. 9 with $70 million USD, followed by the band, Metallica with $68.5 million USD which was mostly earned from their tours.

 

Other notable entries in the top-earning musicians list include Rihanna at No. 11 with $62 million USD (without any music output this year),Cactus Jack,Travis Scott at No. 12 with $58 million USD,”DJ Khaled!”and The Weekend at No. 29 with $40 million USD, the poet laureate of hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar at No. 34 with $38.5 million USD and Migos, Bad and Boujee at No. 40 with $36 million USD.

Check out the full list of top-earning musicians on Forbes.