Despite a run in with business magazine, Forbes in April, when they named him a billionaire, Kanye West has reached the Forbes Magazine top spot as th
Despite a run in with business magazine, Forbes in April, when they named him a billionaire, Kanye West has reached the Forbes Magazine top spot as the highest-paid musician of 2020, as well as the second-highest paid celebrity overall.
The article noted that West was left unhappy with their research and findings – stating that he believes his net worth to be around $3.3 billion, rather than the $1.26 billion.
“It’s not a billion, it’s $3.3 billion since no one at Forbes knows how to count,” West allegedly texted the publication.
Meanwhile, following on the heels of West and Elton John, Ariana Grande notched the third highest-paid musician spot with $72 million, largely behind her massive Sweetener Tour in support of her two studio albums Sweetener and Thank U, Next.
Riding on their hugely successful Happiness Begins reunion tour and album, the Jonas Brothers came in fourth with $68.5 million. The American electronic DJ and production duo, The Chainsmokers, took the fifth spot earning $68 million. Rounding out the top 10 highest-paid musicians: Ed Sheeran $64 million, Taylor Swift $63.5 million, Post Malone $60 million, Rolling Stones $59 million and Marshmello $56 million.
Much of West’s $170 million came from his Yeezy sneakers deal with Adidas. Overall, Forbes now has his officially worth at $1.3 billion, which came after the rapper and entrepreneur waged a years-long public campaign. His money-making year also included the much-anticipated release of his Christian hip-hop album, Jesus Is King, in October 2019 and his Sunday Service album Jesus Is Born in December 2019.
‘Jesus Is King’ went on to become the first album to ever top the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums at the same time. The Georgia native, 42, also collaborated with Vanessa Beecroft on two operas — Nebuchadnezzar and Mary.
Here below is the full list of Forbes world’s highest paid musicians, 2020
1. Kanye West $170 million
2. Elton John $81 million
3. Ariana Grande $72 million
4. Jonas Brothers $68.5 million
5. Chainsmokers $68 million
6. Ed Sheeran $64 million
7. Taylor Swift $63.5 million
8. Post Malone $60 million
9. Rolling Stones $59 million
10. Marshmello $56 million
11. Shawn Mendes $54.5 million
12. Jay-Z $53.5 million
13. Billie Eilish $53 million
14. BTS $50 million
15. Drake $49 million
16. Jennifer Lopez $47.5 million
17. Pink $47 million
18. Rihanna $46 million
19. Luke Bryan $45.5 million
20. Backstreet Boys $45 million
21. Phil Collins $45 million
22. Blake Shelton $43.5 million
23. Celine Dion $42 million
24. The Eagles $41 million
25. Metallica $40.5 million
