Consider it a HUGE comeback.
Britney Spears tops Forbes’ list of richest females in music raking in an estimated earnings of $58 million for 2012 despite never having toured or released an album during the year.
Much of the pop star’s earnings came from her album Femme Fatale, endorsements, and her fragrance line created in collaboration with luxury beauty brand Elizabeth Arden.
The original pop princess toppled last year’s top earner, Lady Gaga, who dropped to no.4 with $52 million. She edged past country music superstar Taylor Swift, who earned an estimated $57 million.
Despite suffering a career slump during her “bad years,” looks like Britney still has that―in the words of music attorney Lori Landew―“electricity that connects with audiences on screen and off, and it is that intangible quality that always seems to leave her fans, old and new, breathless.”
Top 5 Highest-Earning Women in Music:
- Britney Spears – $58 million
- Taylor Swift – $57 million
- Rihanna – $53 million
- Lady Gaga – $52 million
- Katy Perry – $45 million
Madonna and Beyoncé also made it to the Top 10 with $30 million and $40 million, respectively.
To determine the highest earners, Forbes magazine looks at record and merchandise sales, endorsement deals and other ventures.
Image: ImageCollect