Rihanna is at number three among the top earning women in music behind Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, according to Forbes.com.
Spears holds the number one spot this year as the 31-year-old pop star pulled in $58 million over the past year, more than any other woman in the music industry.
Her latest album, Femme Fatale, was certified platinum in the United States and the ensuing tour accounted for the bulk of her bucks. Endorsements and a fragrance line with Elizabeth Arden added millions more to her coffers.
Spears barely edged No. 2 Taylor Swift, who earned $57 million. Like this year’s cash queen, the country-crossover star boosted her take heavily on the road, grossing over $1 million per night. She also earns big from endorsements with the likes of CoverGirl and Sony, and there’s more cash on the way: her latest album, Red, moved 1.2 million units its opening week this fall, the best debut by any artist since 2002.
Rihanna ranks third with $53 million. In addition to a heavy touring schedule and an impressive string of hits, including Diamonds and We Found Love, she cashes in on endorsements with Vita Coco and Nivea, as well as fragrance Reb’l Fleur.
Last year Rihanna was ranked number 25 in the World’s Highest Paid Musicians list with $29 million. At No. 4 Lady Gaga follows closely with $52 million, also boosted by touring, record sales and her new perfume, Fame.
Katy Perry rounds out the top five with $45 million. The California Gurl continues to garner considerable airplay – she’s the only musician besides Michael Jackson to have five No. 1 singles from the same album – and her California Dreams Tour grossed nearly $60 million. (Forbes.com)