Recording legacy: Richest female musicians in the world

Musicians are some of the most-followed people globally and with the increase in music streaming worldwide, artists can now reach a wider audience than before. Across genres, multiple artists release music which contributes to an industry that is worth more than billions of dollars. When it comes to women in music, some artists have gained the eternal pop star status and their massive earnings through music and other ventures showcase that. Here’s a look at the richest female musicians in the world.

The music industry has been experiencing a shift, with the past year seeing some record-breaking numbers emerging from the activities of artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. As both musicians undertook massive tours and also released concert films that brought fans to theatres in large numbers, the revenues were flying high. Another massive trend that took over the music industry, the increasing demand and sale of exclusive vinyl records has helped artists to significantly grow their net worths.

Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Madonna are among the top richest female musicians in the world today.  Through their music, brand deals, and also their businesses, these female artists are pocketing big profits. Senior artists like Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, and Gloria Estefan, on the other hand, have built massive musical legacies amounting to millions of dollars through their music and tours, thus adding the to the list of richest female musicians in the world.

A look at richest female musicians in the world

Rihanna tops the list of richest female musicians

At 36, Rihanna has a net worth of USD 1.4 billion, which is more than any other female musician in the world. The singer’s massive fortune is a combination of her earnings through music as well as her beauty business. The multi-talented artist has also starred in Hollywood films and signed major endorsements deals, adding to her income. Among the tours undertaken by the singer, she grossed the most from her Diamonds World Tour in 2013, earning more than USD 140 million worldwide.

Despite not releasing a new album in seven years, the Barbadian singer’s lucrative beauty brand Fenty Beauty has been steadily adding to her fortune. The brand earned USD 100 million within a month of its launch in 2017 and is currently estimated to be worth USD 2.8 billion. The singer also co-owns lingerie line Savage x Fenty along with LVMH, debuting the Savage X Fenty Show in 2019.

On March 1 2024, Rihanna travelled to India to perform a private concert for multibillionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani for his pre-wedding celebration to Radhika Merchant. Reports suggest that the singer was paid between USD 5 to 9 million for her performance.

Taylor Swift is a billionaire pop star

Sweeping the world by storm in 2023, Taylor Swift made an incredible global impact when she kickstarted the Eras tour. Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, the 34-year-old singer achieved billionaire status last year and has been unstoppable since then. The singer’s Eras tour became the first tour to cross the billion-dollar mark. As reported by Pollstar, Swift brought in a whopping USD 1.04 billion with 4.35 million tickets sold across 60 tour dates. Swift found even bigger success with her concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour as it set the record of being highest-grossing concert film of all time. Currently, the singer’s net worth is estimated to be USD 1.1 billion.

Currently, the singer is on the Asia and European leg of her tour. In the meantime, she is also making the headlines for her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. After making Grammys history this year for winning the Best Album award for the fourth time, the singer also announced her new album — The Tortured Poets Department. As the 11th studio album in her discography, The Tortured Poets Department is set to release  on April 19. As she continues to take her successful Eras tour through Asia, UK and Europe and with her upcoming new album, the singer’s net worth is expected to see a surge. A good indicator of her upcoming success is her last album Midnights, which was released in October 2022 and generated USD 230 million in sales.

Madonna

Madonna is one of the most-recognised artists on the global stage, and hence it’s no surprise that she is among the richest female musicians in the world. The 80s pop icon has released a series of chart-topping numbers including Material Girl, Like a Virgin, and Vogue among others. In October 2023, the Guinness World Records re-certified her as the biggest-selling female recording artist of all time, after selling reportedly more than 400 million records over her career. The 65-year-old singer is currently on her Celebration Tour which kicked off in October last year at London’s O2 arena and will conclude in April at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico. The tour is an enthralling look back on her stellar discography with highlights her fourty-year musical career.

As of 2024, Madonna’s net worth is USD 850 million. The singer’s tours have always generated massive sales, and to date, her highest-grossing tour is the Sticky & Sweet Tour of 2008-09, which generated a staggering USD 407.7 million with over 3.5 million tickets sold. Apart from her album sales and tour earnings, Madonna also made a mark in Hollywood by taking up acting projects in the 90s. She has appeared in Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), A League of Their Own (1992), and the 1996 film Evita which won her a Golden Globe.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is the most awarded female artist in Grammys history and that itself proves the impact of her music. From being a member of Destiny’s Child to eventually launching her solo career, Queen Bey has had a long and colourful stint in the music industry, earning millions in album sales from both these stints. The musician makes much of her staggering net worth from her album sales as well as tours. Her Formation World Tour was the highest-grossing tour of 2016, earning USD 256 million.

According to Forbes, Beyoncé earned an estimated USD 100 (post tax) for her recent Renaissance World Tour. It was the ninth concert tour undertaken by the singer, once again showcasing her flawless stage presence and music. The concert tour ended in October last year and was the highest grossing tour for the superstar, making it a smashing success. According to Live Nation, the global tour earned more than USD 579 million worldwide. This provided a massive boost to Beyoncé’s net worth, which as of 2024 stands at USD 800 million. The Renaissance tour saw Queen Bey delivering electrifying performances co-ordinated alongside nearly 300 crew members. She also delighted her fans by bringing on guests including Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, and Diana Ross.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion is known as the “Queen of Ballads”, and for good reason. Her powerhouse vocals combined with a stellar screen presence made her an icon of the 90s. While she has released numerous bestselling albums such as Falling into You (1996) and Let’s Talk About Love (1997), the peak of the Canadian singer’s success came when she sang My Heart Will Go On for Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s iconic romance drama, Titanic. From enjoying record-breaking album sales across US and Europe to her sold-out live shows, majority of the singer’s earnings have been through her music. She also diversified her resume by starting other ventures including her own line of fragrances.

In 2023, Celine Dion made her acting debut with Love Again. While it is unknown how much the singer raked in with this project, it definitely provided a boost to her net worth. Currently, the singer’s earnings are estimated to be around USD 800 million. While she was set to embark on the Courage world tour scheduled for Europe in 2023, the singer announced  its cancellation after revealing that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. After staying out of limelight due to her medical condition, Celine Dion recently made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, leaving her fans emotional. She also presented the evening’s most prestigious award, the Album of the Year, which went to Taylor Swift.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a country music legend who has built a million-dollar empire from her chart-topping hits and other ventures. The 78-year-old’s musical legacy is unmatched, and she is best-known for her timeless hits such as Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Islands in the Stream. Parton has her name sealed in music history when it comes to having Billboard records. With nearly 25 No.1 hits on Billboard’s country chart and a staggering number of No.1 ranking albums across her career, Dolly Parton is an absolute legend in country music.

One of the biggest game changing moves that the singer made early on as an artist was ensuring ownership of her entire musical catalogue. In 1966, Parton started her own music publishing company, thus claiming ownership of the rights to her records, which are worth an estimated USD 150 million. We certainly know how important music rights are, especially given Taylor Swift’s move of re-recording her albums to have complete ownership over her masters that were previously sold by her former label owner, Scooter Braun.

Dolly Parton’s massive USD 650 million net worth also includes earnings from her acting projects and Dollywood Parks and Resorts — a 160-acre amusement park in Tennessee. The theme park is partly owned by Parton and is estimated to generate USD 252 million yearly. Apart from investing in this family-friendly amusement park, the singer also owns several culinary establishments. She reportedly also has ownership of a string of restaurants near Dollywood.

Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan is a music legend who pioneered the integration of Latin sounds into American mainstream pop music. The Cuban-American singer topped international charts in the 80s and 90s by delivering smashing hits such as Mi Tierra. Her Spanish-language album by the same name celebrated her Cuban roots, and her success during the time became an inspiration for many Latin singers who followed in her footsteps. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, it’s no surprise that the singer has built a staggering net worth over the years. In 2024, Estefan’s net worth is estimated to stand at USD 500 million.

The Rhythm Gonna Get You singer has an impressive music catalogue which consists of evergreen tracks such as Don’t Wanna Lose You and Words Get in the Way which have defined her career. Apart from music, the singer has also appeared in films, and has also authored two New York Times best-selling children’s books.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a multitalented superstar who has done it all. Be it her soul-stirring music or her acting performances in films and on Broadway, Streisand is a legend in all forms of entertainment. Her first hit song was People in 1964 from the Funny Girl original cast recording. Over a career spanning six decades, Streisand has released fifty studio albums and delivered beautiful renditions such as Woman In Love (1980) and The Way We Were (1973). With a whopping net worth of USD 400 million, the singer has earned huge sums from her music as well as her acting projects. She is a two-time Academy Award winner and has also undertaken massive tours including her 2017 Magic Tour that earned USD 50 million, thus sealing her place among the richest female musicians in the world.

After excelling in nearly all forms of entertainment and becoming an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award), Streisand decided to step away from the limelight. The 81-year-old singer, who is married to actor James Brolin spoke about quitting showbusiness and told BBC last year, “I want to live life. I want to get in my husband’s truck and just wander, hopefully with the children somewhere near us.”

Jennifer Lopez

Talk about a singing, dancing and acting genius and Jennifer Lopez is a name that will instantly cross your mind. From starting out as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson to becoming a music icon herself, Lopez’s success story is one for the ages. In a career-defining move, J. Lo stunned the entertainment industry with 1997’s Selena, where she played the late singer Selena Quintanilla. While continually showcasing her acting prowess and fighting for roles to increase the representation of Latin women on screen, Lopez also delivered massively successful albums. With smashing hits such as Waiting for Tonight and If You Had My Love receiving global appeal, Lopez’s musical career earned her huge numbers in album sales. In 2016, she also earned over USD 101.9 million for her Las Vegas residency.

As a producer and an actress, Lopez’s most-successful projects was 2019’s Hustlers which grossed USD 100 million worldwide, adding to her already growing income. As of 2024, Lopez’s net worth is reported to be USD 400 million. In the past few years, the singer has also added to her income through her beauty venture. Jennifer Lopez also recently released her documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told. In the documentary, she revealed how she self-financed the entire project by shelling out USD 20 million.

Shania Twain

Among the richest female musicians in the world, Shania Twain’s presence is no surprise given her title as “Queen of country pop.” She holds the record of best-selling country album of all time and it’s no small feat. Her 1997 album Come On has sold over 40 million copies, comprising popular tracks such as Man! I Feel Like a Woman and You’re Still the One which still rank high on country music playlists today.

The demand for Shania Twain’s live shows has been at such a high that the singer has had not one but two Las Vegas residencies. During her 2019 residency, she reportedly earned USD 1 million per show. Her net worth of USD 400 million is not only the result of her amazing musical achievements, but also her acting career which includes appearances on television shows including Broad City, Fairfax, and Monarch.

Twain also created major pop culture moments by performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2003 and more recently when she joined Harry Styles for a surprise performance during his Coachella set.

Cher

Cher has been a pop icon since the 60s, and every venture she has tried her hand at, be it music, fashion or acting, has been met with success. One of the biggest artists of her generation, Cher has amassed an estimated net worth of USD 360 million. The singer’s musical career spans over six decades, and to her credit, she has managed to get a No.1 Billboard hit in every one. Cher became a popular face in the film and TV business after co-starring on the popular Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. She later earned millions through her widely successful films, including Moonstruck (1987) which won her an Academy Award.

The Goddess of pop became a cultural icon thanks to her era-defining songs such as Believe and I Got You Babe. In a historic feat, the singer also scored another No.1 Song on the Billboard Chart in the seventh decade of her career after she released a holiday single, DJ Play a Christmas Song last year.

Lady Gaga

When Lady Gaga broke onto the music scene, a star was definitely born! The singer’s massive album and digital sales numbers showcase the mammoth of an artist she had became in no time. Through a Las Vegas residency and also her Monster Ball Tour, the singer added millions to her net worth. As of 2024, it stands at massive USD 320 million. With chart-topping numbers that launched her into stardom as a musician, Gaga then turned her attention to other ventures which include acting.

In 2015 she starred in American Horror Story: Hotel, for which she won a Golden Globe Award. Three years later, she took up the lead role in Bradley Cooper’s Oscar-nominated film, A Star is Born and also took home an Academy Award for Best Original Song. In 2021, she starred in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci and played the role of Patrizia Reggiani.

Besides acting and music, Gaga also made heads turn with her dramatic fashion choices on the red carpet. Her collaborations with top fashion and beauty brands have also earned her massive endorsement deals. Apart from this, Gaga has also added to her earnings by releasing her own merch, including a line of fragrances which has reportedly earned more than USD 1 billion worldwide.

Shakira

‘Whenever wherever‘ someone mentions Colombian artist Shakira, her foot-tapping numbers are certain to begin to play in your heads; such has been her impact. After becoming one of the most popular female musicians in the Latin music industry, Shakira made her crossover to English-language songs, releasting Laundry Service in 2001. The album consisted of bops like Whenever Wherever, and also power ballads like Underneath Your Clothes. Despite her early successes, the one song that turned Shakira into a worldwide phenomenon was her career’s biggest hit, the Waka Waka song. Written and recorded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the track reached No.1 in 17 countries, and has more than 3.8 billion views on YouTube.

While the majority of her wealth is earned through her music and tours, the singer recently also added more to her net worth after taking on TV projects such as The Voice and NBC’s Dancing With Myself. As of 2024, the singer’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 300 million.

(Main and Featured images: Rihanna/Instagram, Taylor Swift/Instagram, Beyonce/Instagram)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is the richest female musician in the world?

Rihanna is the richest female musician in the world with an estimated net worth of USD 1.7 billion.

– Who are the highest paid female musicians?

Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Madonna are among the highest-paid female musicians in the world.

– Who is the wealthiest female celebrity?

Oprah Winfrey is reported to be the wealthiest female celebrity with a staggering net worth of approximately USD 2.5 billion.

– Who is the first female singer billionaire? 

The first singer to become a billionaire is Rihanna. According to Forbes, the singer became the youngest female musician billionaire at the age of 34.