Beyoncé Named Highest Paid Woman In Music

Beyoncé is the highest paid woman in music in 2014, with estimated earnings of $115 million, more than double what she pulled in last year, Forbes magazine said on Tuesday.

The huge sum, most of which was from her world tour, propelled Beyoncé, 33, from fourth place last year and put her firmly ahead of pop star Taylor Swift, 24, with $64 million, who jumped up one spot from last year to No. 2.

Pop singer Pink, 35, climbed up from No. 8 in 2013 to third with $52 million.

Although Pink has been quiet on the pop charts lately, the singer played a massive 85 concerts during the time frame that Forbes compiled the list, grossing over $1 million per city.

She also enjoys endorsement deals with companies such as CoverGirl. 

'Beyonce played 95 shows during our scoring period, bringing in an average of $2.4 million per city,' said Forbes, citing data from the Pollstar trade magazine.

The R&B singer's self-titled album released last December and endorsement deals pushed her earnings up further assuring her the top spot.

Barbados-born Rihanna, 26, with $48 million and Katy Perry, 30, who earned an estimated $40 million, rounded out the top five on the annual list.

Madonna, 56, ranked No. 1 last year, failed to make the top 10 in 2014.

Lady Gaga, 28, slumped from No. 2 in 2013 to ninth place this year with estimated earnings of $33 million.

Gaga enjoyed a peak of $90 million in 2011, but her earnings have been in decline ever since.

Her recent album ArtPop failed to match the success of previous records The Fame and Born This Way.

Meanwhile, Madonna may find herself back in the top ten next year, as she is due to release her next studio album and the follow it up with a tour.

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.

It also looked at data from the Pollstar, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan.

In 2009, Beyonce told Forbes of her work ethic: 'Like everyone else, you work really hard and you want it to be great; you want your friends to like it,'

Adding: 'What makes me feel comfortable is practice and knowing I’m prepared.'

10 HIGHEST-PAID WOMEN IN MUSIC

1. Beyoncé - $115 million

2. Taylor Swift - $64 million

3. Pink - $52 million

4. Rihanna with - $48 million

5. Katy Perry - $40 million

6. Jennifer Lopez - $37 million

7. Miley Cyrus - $36 million, tie

7. Celine Dion - $36 million, tie

9. Lady Gaga - $33 million

10. Britney Spears - $20 million