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Taylor Swift Is the 2016’s Highest-Paid Musician–And She Didn’t Release an Album or Play Any Shows

Tay-tay didn’t release any new music in 2016 nor did she tour but still managed to make $170 million. How?

Royalties from past releases, for one. She wrote songs for Little Big Town and Rihanna, which also brought in big cash. Then there were all the endorsements: Apple, Keds, Diet Coke and so on. It was a very good year.

Forbes has this list of the highest-paid musicians of the year.

1. Taylor Swift ($170 million)
2. One Direction ($110 million)
3. Adele ($80.5 million)
4. Madonna ($76.5 million)
5. Rihanna ($75 million)
6. Garth Brooks ($70 million)
7. AC/DC ($67.5 million)
8. Rolling Stones ($66.5 million)
9. Calvin Harris ($63 million)
10. Diddy ($62 million)
11. Bruce Springsteen ($60.5 million)
12. Paul McCartney ($56.5 million)
13. Justin Bieber ($56 million, tie)
14. Kenny Chesney ($56 million, tie)
15. U2 ($55 million, tie)
16. The Weeknd ($55 million, tie)
17. Beyoncé ($54 million)
18. Jay Z ($53.5 million)
19. Luke Bryan ($53 million)
20. Muse ($49 million)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 40208 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “Taylor Swift Is the 2016’s Highest-Paid Musician–And She Didn’t Release an Album or Play Any Shows

  • Correction: Swiftie played exactly one show in 2016…the US Grand Prix

    Reply

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