Last week, Forbes shared its ranking of the 100 highest-earning celebrities over the past twelve months. Kylie Jenner topped the list, followed by her brother-in-law, Kanye West.
The ranking is based mostly on 2019 earnings. If you just look at those who primarily make their money in the music business, Kanye is followed by Elton John, who recently laid off his backing band and part of his staff until his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” can resume. With most 2020 touring cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what will Forbes’ celebrity money list look like next year?
Performers of all sorts are finding different ways to connect with their fans and reach new audiences. Those who master the virtual platforms are poised to come out on top in 2021.
Highest-Earning Music Stars of 2020 (Source: Forbes)
- Kanye West ($170M)
- Elton John ($81M)
- Ariana Grande ($72M)
- Jonas Brothers ($68.5M)
- The Chainsmokers ($68M)
- Ed Sheeran ($64M)
- Taylor Swift ($63.5M)
- Post Malone ($60M)
- Rolling Stones ($59M)
- Marshmello ($56M)
- Sean Combs ($55M)
- Shawn Mendes ($54.5M)
- Jay-Z ($53.5M)
- Billie Eilish ($53M)
- BTS ($50M)
- Drake ($49M)
- Jennifer Lopez ($47.5M)
- Pink ($47M)
- Rihanna ($46M)
- Luke Bryan ($45.5M)
- Backstreet Boys ($45M)
- Phil Collins ($45M)
- Blake Shelton ($43.5M)
- Celine Dion ($42M)
- The Eagles ($41M)
- Metallica ($40.5M)
- Travis Scott ($39.5M)
- Katy Perry ($38.5M)
- Lady Gaga ($38M)
- Bon Jovi ($38M)
- U2 ($38M)
- Paul McCartney ($37M)
- DJ Khaled ($36.5M)
- KISS ($36.5M)