Taylor Swift has solidified her position as the world’s richest female musician, surpassing Rihanna with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, according to Forbes. Swift, who turned 34 this year, reached billionaire status in October 2023 largely due to her incredibly successful Eras Tour and the increasing value of her music catalog. Her wealth places her at #2,117 on Forbes’ list of global billionaires, ahead of other iconic female artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Celine Dion.
Taylor Swift’s financial success is notable for being driven primarily by her music and performances. Unlike other musicians who have built substantial wealth through business ventures outside of music, Swift’s fortune is largely tied to her songs and tours. According to Forbes, $600 million of her net worth comes from her touring and royalty income, with an additional $600 million attributed to the value of her music catalog. On top of that, she holds an estimated $125 million in real estate assets.
Her Eras Tour, which has sold out stadiums across the globe, has been a significant contributor to her growing wealth. The tour has garnered widespread attention for its elaborate production and marathon performances, driving ticket sales and merchandise revenue to unprecedented levels. The success of the tour has helped Swift climb the ranks of global wealth, making her the first musician to enter the billionaire category based primarily on income generated from music and live shows.
In comparison, Rihanna—who held the title of the world’s richest female musician as recently as last year—now ranks just behind Swift with a net worth of $1.4 billion. Rihanna’s fortune largely comes from her business ventures, particularly her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line and Savage x Fenty lingerie brand. Although Rihanna’s wealth peaked at $1.7 billion, her current ranking puts her at #2,336 on Forbes‘ billionaire list, just behind Swift.
Swift now ranks second among all musicians in terms of wealth, trailing only Jay-Z, whose estimated net worth stands at around $2.5 billion. Jay-Z’s fortune comes from a combination of music, business ventures, and investments, including his involvement in the streaming platform Tidal and his champagne brand, Armand de Brignac.
As Swift prepares to resume her Eras Tour on October 18 in Miami, her financial success highlights her ability to not only dominate the music charts but also the business world. Her rise to the top of the wealth rankings signals a new era for musicians, where live performances and control over one’s catalog can yield substantial financial rewards. With the tour continuing to attract sold-out crowds, Swift’s wealth is expected to grow even further in the coming months.