Pop icon Taylor Swift has officially become the world’s richest female musician, surpassing fellow superstar Rihanna, according to Forbes. With an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion as of October 2024, Swift has climbed to the top, fueled by her record-shattering Eras Tour and a highly lucrative music catalogue. She now ranks second only to Jay-Z on the list of the world’s richest musicians, with the hip-hop mogul holding a $2.5 billion fortune.
Swift’s rapid rise in wealth is driven almost entirely by her music, making her the first musician to achieve billionaire status primarily through songwriting and performances. Her earnings include nearly $600 million from royalties and touring, as well as an estimated $600 million from her extensive music catalogue. On top of that, she has invested around $125 million in real estate across the U.S.
The success of her Eras Tour has been nothing short of historic, with projected revenues reaching an astonishing $4.1 billion, making it the most profitable tour in American history. Swift’s global appeal continues to soar, as she wraps up the European leg of the tour and prepares to conclude by the end of 2024.
Rihanna, who previously held the title of the richest female musician with a $1.4 billion net worth, now ranks just behind Swift. Rihanna’s wealth has largely come from her ventures outside of music, particularly her highly successful Fenty Beauty cosmetics line, which doubled its revenue in 2022. She also owns a 28% stake in the Savage x Fenty lingerie brand, which raised $125 million in funding in early 2022.
While Rihanna’s business acumen has allowed her to dominate the beauty and fashion industries, Swift’s financial success underscores her unprecedented dominance in the music world. Her billionaire status is a testament to her lasting influence and ability to break barriers in the entertainment industry.
