News Digest

Who runs the world? Beyoncé richest female musician with $115M fortune

Beyoncé has become the highest paid woman in music this year after earning US$115 million (£71.8 million). The “Drunk In Love” singer took home double what she pulled in last year after performing to millions on a world tour. The 33-year-old rose from fourth place in 2013 and was firmly ahead of Taylor Swift , who came second in Forbes magazine’s list with earnings of US$64 million (£40 million). Beyoncé also earned millions from her On The Run tour with her husband Jay Z.

Beyoncé played 95 shows during our scoring period, bringing in an average of $2.4 million per city.

Forbes, citing data from the Pollstar trade magazine

Lady Gaga, 28, slumped from No. 2 in 2013 to ninth place this year with estimated earnings of US$33 million (£20 million). Forbes compiled the list after estimating pre-tax income calculated for the 12 months from June 2013 to 2014 based on record sales, concert tickets, touring information merchandise sales and interviews with concert promoters, lawyers and managers. Pop singer Pink, 35, climbed from No. 8 in 2013 to third with US$52 million (£33 million). Barbados-born Rihanna, 26, with US$48 million (£30 million) and Katy Perry, 30, who earned an estimated US$40 million (£25 million), complete the top five on the annual list.