Forbes List of 2012’s Top-Earning Women in Music

People may question Rihanna’s choices in love, but there’s no disputing that the singer’s business moves have paid off.  She ranks #3 on Forbes’ annual list of music’s top-earning women, beating out other top-earners including Beyonce and Sade.

Rih raked in $53 million over the past year thanks to her non-stop touring schedule promoting her Talk That Talk and Unapologetic albums.  She also has some smart deals outside of music, including partnerships with Vita Coco and Nivea, and released her latest fragrance, Reb’l Fleur.

As for Bey, she was busy in her new role as mom to Blue Ivy, and still managed to haul in $40 million.  That puts her at #6 on Forbes’ list, thanks to sales of her old albums, as well as her House of Dereon clothing collection.  Forbes also notes Beyonce’s $50 million deal with Pepsi and her upcoming album, which will only do more for her bank account in 2013.

Music veteran Sade comes in at #8 in the Forbes ranking, pulling in $33 million thanks to a massive tour she wrapped up earlier this year.

Here’s who else made the top 10 on Forbes’ list:

1. Britney Spears, $58 million
2. Taylor Swift, $57 million
3. Rihanna, $54 million
4. Lady Gaga, $52 million
5. Katy Perry, $45 million
6. Beyonce, $40 million
7. Adele, $35 million
8. Sade, $33 million
9. Madonna, $30 million
10. Shakira, $20 million

         Source:China Daily

         M.W