Madonna Tops Forbes' Highest Earning Musicians List - Hollywood Reporter

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Madonna

Madonna was this year's top earning musician, according to Forbes' annual report ^[1] that was released Wednesday.

The Queen of Pop rakes in $125 million before taxes, agents and managers fees, the financial magazine estimated. The majority of her income came from her MDNA Tour, which grossed $305 million, as well as merchandise sales, her Material Girl clothing line and Truth or Dare fragrance.

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Following with $80 million was Lady Gaga, who grossed $160 million on her latest tour before a hip injury forced her to cancel dates. Forbes estimates had she been able to finish that tour, she would have raked in more than $200 million. Her recent album ARTPOP, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 100 this week is expected to push Gaga to the top seat next year with a successful set of concerts in support.

Madonna and Gaga have recently been at the center of a feud after last year Madge accused Gaga of ripping off one of her songs. Recently, Gaga told Howard Stern ^[3] she did not want Madonna's throne and the regular comparisons had been the root of many of her public problems.

Bon Jovi placed third on the list with $79 million, mostly from their Because We Can tour. At fourth place, Toby Keith pulled in $65 million thanks to his touring and many business ventures, including a record label, mescal line and restaurant chain. Coldplay closed the top five with $64 million in the year, thanks to seven-figure nightly grosses.

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Sean "Diddy" Combs was hip-hop's highest-paid act with $50 million that placed him at 12th place on the list. And Calvin Harris topped the EDM scene, landing at No. 14 with $46 million.