Beyonce tops Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list for 2014
Looks as if Beyonce no longer has cause to sing “Why Don’t You Love Me?”: The pop star has topped Forbes’ annual Celebrity 100 list.
The “Drunk in Love” songstress bested her husband, Jay Z, who came in sixth on the fame-meter, thanks to her surprise visual album “Beyonce,” massive Mrs. Carter World tour, endorsement of brands including Pepsi and H&M, her fragrance and clothing lines and other entertainment-related business endeavors, the financial mag said.
The Grammy-winning Destiny’s Child alum is estimated to have earned $115 million between June 1, 2013, and June 1, 2014.
Forbes makes its selection based on earnings and fame and gives an at-length explanation of its algorithm and calculations, which use information provided by lawyers, producers and agents, music sales, upfront pay on movies and endorsement work, and social media presence, the mag said. Taxes, agent fees and other expenses associated with being a celebrity are not factored in.
The 32-year-old diva bested TV queen Oprah Winfrey — who topped the list in 2013 but dropped to No. 4 this year — and continues the tradition of pop divas reigning supreme: Jennifer Lopez was No. 1 in 2012, and Lady Gaga clinched the top spot in 2011.
Bey and Jay Z just kicked off their “On the Run” joint stadium tour, which will likely see the dollars rolling in steadily for both musicians.
In April, Blue Ivy’s mom was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people, locking down the main cover of the mag’s annual issue.
A month later, she made headlines when her sister Solange attacked Jay Z in an elevator, then quickly flipped the narrative to say that all “families have problems and we’re no different.”
Here are this year’s top 10. For the whole list, click here.
1. Beyonce
2. Miami Heat star LeBron James
3. Music mogul and Beats founder Dr. Dre
4. TV personality and lifestyle guru Oprah Winfrey
5. Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres
6. Rapper Jay Z
7. Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
8. Pop star Rihanna
9. “Roar” singer Katy Perry
10. “Iron Man 3” star Robert Downey Jr.
Perhaps it’s time for a celebrity-blogger 100. Follow me @NardineSaad.
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