U2, whose ambitious U2 360 tour is now into its second year, earned $195 million in 2010, some $70 million more than the second highest earning act, Bon Jovi. Elton John also cracked the 11 figure mark, bringing in an even $100 million, while Lady Gaga, who was named the most “powerful” celebrity on the entire list, took home $95 million. Rounding out the top 10 were Sir Paul McCartney ($67M), Black Eyed Peas ($61M), the loveable Biebs ($53M), Toby Keith ($50M), Usher ($46M), and Taylor Swift ($45M).
Placed in a list of their own, “hip-hop impresarios” Eminem, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Diddy, and Lil Wayne were also ranked, with HOV nabbing the top spot of the sub-list with $37 million. (Fun fact: This was the first year that Jay-Z outgrossed his wife, who essentially took the year off, but still raked in $35 million). Yeezy took home $16 million, Eminem netted a whopping $14 million, and Weezy, who spent much of the year at Rikers, earned $14 million. And they say crime doesn’t pay.
Top Earning Musicians:
U2 – $195M
Bon Jovi – $125M
Elton John – $100M
Lady Gaga – $90M
Paul McCartney – $67M
Black Eyed Peas – $61M
Justin Bieber – $53M
Toby Keith – $50M
Usher – $46M
Taylor Swift – $45M
Katy Perry – $44M
Brad Paisley – $40M
Beyoncé – $35M
Tim Mcgraw – $35M
Muse – $35M
Beyonce, Elton John, Eminem, Forbes, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Muse, Paul McCartney, U2