6 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2009
Here’s showcasing the musical legends who topped the Forbes list in 2009, transforming notes into fortunes!
1. Madonna
Age: 51
Earnings: $110 million
Hits of ’09: “4 Minutes,” “Give It 2 Me,” “Miles Away”
2009 saw Madonna solidifying her stature in the music realm with a winning combination of chart-toppers and magnetic stage presence. The “Sticky & Sweet Tour” broke records, marking her supremacy with the highest-grossing international and domestic tour of 2008, according to Pollstar. “Hard Candy,” her 11th album, was a global sensation, spearheading charts in over 30 countries. Not just music, her association with luxury brand Louis Vuitton added a glamorous feather to her already illustrious cap.
2. Celine Dion
Age: 41
Earnings: $100 million
Hits of ’09: “Taking Chances,” “My Love”
The Canadian songbird, Celine Dion, returned to the stage with a bang after a three-year stint in Las Vegas. Promoting her 2007 album, “Taking Chances,” Celine enchanted audiences, selling out tours in the U.S. and Canada and netting $237 million, making her tour the second-highest grossing of 2008. Her melodious aura was complemented with the release of an English greatest-hits collection, “My Love: Essential Collection,” and the launch of her sixth perfume.
3. Beyoncé Knowles
Age: 28
Earnings: $87 million
Hits of ’09: “Single Ladies,” “Halo,” “Sweet Dreams”
The versatile Queen B, Beyoncé Knowles, had a whirlwind of a year, releasing a double album, captivating the silver screen in two films, and performing at distinguished events like the Oscars and a presidential Inaugural Ball. Her enthralling 110-date international tour and expanding fashion collection further showcased her multifaceted talents. Endorsement deals with brands like Nintendo, Crystal Geyser, General Mills, L’Oréal, Giorgio Armani, and Samantha Thavasa handbags decorated her year with diverse ventures.
4. Bruce Springsteen
Age: 60
Earnings: $70 million
Hits of ’09: “Working on a Dream,” “My Lucky Day”
Bruce Springsteen, along with the E Street Band, orchestrated a symphony of success with a tour grossing $166 million in 2008, ranking fourth among the top-grossing international tours. Bruce became the face of timeless rock, his support for President Barack Obama, his Golden Globe win for his song on The Wrestler soundtrack, and his NFL Super Bowl halftime performance keeping him constantly in the limelight.
5. Kenny Chesney
Age: 41
Earnings: $65 million
Hits of ’09: “Out Last Night,” “I’m Alive”
Kenny Chesney continued to be the golden boy of country music in 2009. He emerged as the top-grossing country act on tour and the only star in his genre to make it to the top-10 international concert roster in 2008, grossing $72 million and selling over 1 million tickets. His album, “Lucky Old Sun,” received rave reviews and massive love from fans. Chesney’s presence was magnified with his appearances alongside Jon Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton in Mastercard’s Roots of Rock sweepstakes and his endorsement deals with Cruzan Rum and Corona, taking his popularity to soaring heights.
6. Toby Keith
Age: 48
Earnings: $52 million
Hits of ’09: “American Ride,” “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight”
A consistent feature among the top earners, Toby Keith continued to rule the charts and the hearts of country music lovers. He grossed $31 million on tour and released “That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy,” selling over 500,000 copies. His signature combination of music and business, with an endorsement deal with Ford and a chain of restaurants named after him, showcased the diversified talent of this prolific songwriter and performer.
