The Year's Top-Earning Musicians
Finally the results!
http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/22/top...musicians.html
Thanks to her tour and endorsements,
Madonna made more than anyone else in music over the last 12 months.
It's time to stop lamenting the dearth of digital and physical album sales. Even in today's economy, musicians--at least top acts--are making more money than ever.
According to Forbes earnings estimates, the incomparable Material Girl, tops our list again. In the last year, a sold-out worldwide tour, impressive international sales of her latest album, Hard Candy, and lucrative endorsement deals put her earnings at $110 million. Her sticky and sweet tour will gross more than $400 million this year. The most successful tour by any solo artist, female or male, ever.
Another standout is Celine Dion, who comes in second. Ten years ago, she landed on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $55.5 million. This year, the first year of her return to the road after a three-year stint in Las Vegas, she earned an estimated $100 million, landing at the second spot on our list. Last year, she grossed $237 million on tour, released her first English greatest-hits collection, My Love: Essential Collection, and added a sixth perfume to her fragrance collection.
The list has a preponderance of established acts. Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC have been recording and touring for over three decades. The Eagles returned after a 20-year recording hiatus. These expansive careers produce fans of all ages that can fill thousands of seats per gig and a large catalog of hits that keep shows eventful.
Beyonce Knowles came in third, earning $87 million. In the last year, Queen B dropped a double album, starred in two films, performed at both the Oscars and a Presidential Inaugural Ball and embarked on what is expected to be, at minimum, a 110-date international tour. She also expanded a fashion collection that includes casual and formal lines as well as jewelry and eyeglasses, and added sponsors Nintendo ( NTDOY.PK - news - people ), Crystal Geyser and General Mills ( GIS - news - people ) to a roster of endorsers already including L'Oréal, Giorgio Armani and Samantha Thavasa handbags.
The act with the least experience on the list is Rascal Flatts, whose first album was released in 2000. But, like other relatively new acts on the list, they've mastered the art and science of the modern superstar that is more brand than band. With a JCPenney clothing line in the works, significant crossover appeal and endorsement deals, they recognize how to capitalize on their popularity, unfettered by the economic threats to their industry and the economy.
anyway, imagine Celine and Granny without the tour, they will be nothing. congrats to Celine tho. and especially congrats to my Queen of this world, i am nothing without her! btw she always in Top 5 in every magazine when it comes to her money, fame and everything I juz love it! she dominates everything it sure makes those haters mad. <333333
