Forbes reveals the world’s highest-paid entertainers of 2022 - who topped the list?

Virgin Radio

14 Feb 2023, 10:40

Forbes has unveiled their annual list of the highest-paid entertainers of the last year, but who made the top 10?

The business publication took a look at artists, musicians, TV and film stars who had major success over 2022, and found the likes of Taylor Swift, James Cameron and Brad Pitt were some of the most successful entertainers of the last 12 months. 

Prog-rock icons Genesis topped the list, making $230 million, all down to the sale of their music rights to Concord Music Group in September. 

Not only did the incredibly lucrative deal feature the publishing rights and recorded music income streams, it also included the solo income streams from Phil Collins’ back catalogue. 

Next up at number two is Sting, who followed in the same footsteps as Genesis and solid his entire musical catalogue - both his solo work and from The Police. 

US star Tyler Perry clocked in at number three following a stellar performance on his film and TV businesses, and is the Forbes list’s only billionaire this year. 

At number four, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone earned an impressive $935 million over six years with their 2021 deal with Paramount, and also bagged some serious dollar from their wildly successful musical Book of Mormon. 

Speaking of animators, The masterminds behind The Simpsons, James L. Brooks and Matt Groening, are at number five after making a massive deal with Disney+ to put all 30 series of the beloved cartoon on the streaming platform. Not only that, but they reportedly earn an estimated $105 million annually. 

Hollywood star Brad Pitt made number six on the list after selling his Plan B production company in December for an estimated $113 million. Not only that, but Brad’s starring roles in Bullet Train, Babylon and The Lost City reportedly earned him an additional $30 million. 

At number seven, The Rolling Stones made a cool $136 million on their tour and recording royalties, snagging $8.5 million per night on their 15-date European tour. 

The Avatar franchise is certainly a winner for director James Cameron, who landed in number eight. He bagged $95 million from the Avatar: The Way Of Water release, and will no double make more as Titanic is re-released in cinemas. 

At number nine is Taylor Swift, who made her millions ($92m to be exact) on record sales, streaming and digital downloads. 2023 will no doubt also be anoter high-ticket year as she embarks on her US Midnights tour. 

Finally at number 10, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny secured $88 million in 2022 from his insanely popular music, as well as a starring role in Bullet Train, and his two tours: El Último Tour Del Mundo, performed in arenas, and The World’s Hottest Tour.