19 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2012
2012, the year the world was supposedly going to end. Well, it didn’t, but it sure did bring a meteoric rise for many artists. With major hits, tours, and new albums, our favorite musicians made sure the year was unforgettable.
Let’s dive into the deep pockets and melodious minds of the year’s top musical earners!
1. Dr. Dre
Age: 47
Earnings: $110 million
Dr. Dre, the legendary producer and rapper, soared to the top with his groundbreaking music and savvy business ventures, most notably his Beats by Dre headphones, which brought in the majority of his earnings.
2. Roger Waters
Age: 69
Earnings: $88 million
Roger Waters continued to resonate with fans around the world, amassing substantial wealth predominantly through touring.
3. Elton John
Age: 65
Earnings: $80 million
Hits of ’12: “Sad,” “Gotta Get a Meal Ticket”
Sir Elton John, with his exceptional music and distinctive style, continued his reign in the world of pop, amassing substantial earnings and reinforcing his status as one of the everlasting icons of the music industry.
4. Britney Spears
Age: 30
Earnings: $58 million
Hits of ’12: “Scream & Shout”
Britney Spears, the pop sensation, continued to rule the charts and the hearts of her fans, accumulating impressive wealth through her music, tours, and endorsements.
5. Paul McCartney
Age: 70
Earnings: $57 million
Sir Paul McCartney sustained his musical and financial success with his timeless creations, iconic performances, and diverse ventures.
6. Taylor Swift
Age: 23
Earnings: $57 million
Hits of ’12: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “I Knew You Were Trouble”
Taylor Swift, with her relatable lyrics and catchy melodies, continued to be a force in the music industry, earning massively from her album sales, tours, and endorsements.
7. Justin Bieber
Age: 18
Earnings: $55 million
Hits of ’12: “Boyfriend,” “As Long As You Love Me”
Justin Bieber, the young heartthrob, maintained his phenomenal success with chart-topping music and sold-out tours.
8. Toby Keith
Age: 51
Earnings: $55 million
Hits of ’12: “I Like Girls That Drink Beer,” “Hope on the Rocks”
Toby Keith, with his rich, compelling tunes and diverse business ventures, continued to dominate the country music scene.
9. Rihanna
Age: 24
Earnings: $53 million
Hits of ’12: “Diamonds,” “Where Have You Been”
Rihanna, with her eclectic style and powerful vocals, kept enthralling the global audience, bringing in millions through album sales, tours, and numerous endorsements.
10. Lady Gaga
Age: 26
Earnings: $52 million
Hits of ’12: “Born This Way,” “Marry the Night”
Lady Gaga continued to push the boundaries of music and fashion, earning substantial income through her innovative music, extravagant tours, and unique brand collaborations.
11. Diddy
Age: 43
Earnings: $45 million
Hits of ’12: “Coming Home”
Sean “Diddy” Combs maintained his significant presence in the music and business worlds, diversifying his income with ventures in fashion, beverages, and media.
12. Katy Perry
Age: 28
Earnings: $45 million
Hits of ’12: “Part of Me,” “Wide Awake”
Katy Perry, with her catchy tunes and vibrant visuals, continued her reign on the charts, amassing wealth through music sales, successful tours, and various endorsements.
13. Kenny Chesney
Age: 44
Earnings: $44 million
Hits of ’12: “Come Over,” “El Cerrito Place”
Kenny Chesney, with his soulful melodies and charismatic performances, remained a top earner in the country music scene, drawing in millions through album sales and sold-out tours.
14. Beyonce
Age: 31
Earnings: $40 million
Hits of ’12: “Love on Top,” “Countdown”
Beyonce, the music and fashion icon, continued to mesmerize the world with her powerful vocals and dynamic performances, earning millions through music, acting, and various business ventures.
15. Jay-Z
Age: 42
Earnings: $38 million
Hits of ’12: “No Church in the Wild,” “Clique”
Jay-Z sustained his influential status in the music industry, combining his lyrical genius with savvy business ventures.
16. Adele
Age: 24
Earnings: $35 million
Hits of ’12: “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You”
Adele, with her soul-stirring voice and emotive lyrics, captivated millions around the globe, earning significant income through record-breaking album sales and numerous awards.
17. Kanye West
Age: 35
Earnings: $35 million
Hits of ’12: “Mercy,” “No Church in the Wild”
Kanye West, with his innovative music and bold style, continued to shape the hip-hop landscape, amassing wealth through music sales, tours, and fashion endeavors.
18. Michael Bublé
Age: 37
Earnings: $34 million
Hits of ’12: “It’s a Beautiful Day,” “Close Your Eyes”
Michael Bublé, with his smooth vocals and classic tunes, remained a favorite among music lovers, earning millions through album sales and international tours.
19. Sade
Age: 53
Earnings: $33 million
Hits of ’12: Not Applicable (Mainly known for her timeless classics)
Sade, with her sultry voice and timeless hits, continued to allure fans, earning substantial income mainly through touring and her classic catalog.
