Britney Spears Tops Forbes’ List of Highest Earning Female Musicians
Don't call it a comeback. Except do -- because Britney Spears has once again reclaimed her throne as the Queen of Pop, raking in more money this year than her fellow female singers.
And you thought that downward spiral into head-shaving and shoelessness spelled her demise.
According to Forbes, Spears earned $58 million between May 2011 and May 2012 thanks in part to her platinum album 'Femme Fatale' and the accompanying tour, as well as her perfume line, 'X Factor' judging gig and various soul-selling endorsement deals.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift was a close second with the $57 million she earned by emasculating her ex-boyfriends in song, and Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry rounded out the top five.
Madonna came in at No. 9 -- but look for her at or near the top of the 2013 list since her massive (and often cringe-inducing) MDNA tour didn't start until the May cutoff date for this year's roundup.
Here's the complete list:
- Britney Spears: $58 million
- Taylor Swift: $57 million
- Rihanna: $53 million
- Lady Gaga: $52 million
- Katy Perry: $45 million
- Beyoncé: $40 million
- Adele: $35 million
- Sade: $33 million
- Madonna: $30 million
- Shakira: $20 million