Taylor Swift may have dominated the buzz, but Katy Perry reigned as the music industry’s top-earning female singer in 2015, thanks in part to a booming world tour that more than tripled her pay from the previous year.
According to Forbes, Perry, 31, raked in $135 million in the 12 months through June 1, catapulting her to the top of the magazine’s annual list of highest paid female musicians.Perry made most of her earnings from the Prismatic World Tour, which was averaging $2 million per city over 126 shows during the period, Forbes reports.
The singer also benefited from chart-topping singles “Roar” and “Dark Horse” and endorsement deals with Covergirl, Claire’s and Coty.
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| Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour has pulled in an average $2 million a day. |
Forbes notes that Perry will have some competition next year as Swift’s tour ramps up, pulling in more than $4 million per city. Perry’s tour is winding down.
Perry’s overall success is often attributed to her ability to connect with fans on a personal level and tap into what they might be feeling.
“They have hopes. They have frustrations. Perry turns those feelings into anthems,” writes Chris Matyszczyk, a marketing expert and owner of Howard Raucous, for Inc. The singer “might surround herself with clever songwriters and marketers, but at the core is her ability to identify a personal feeling that can be shared. And from that she makes money.”
Fleetwood Mac, led by Stevie Nicks, ranks No. 3, grossing $59.5 million last year; Lady Gaga is in fourth place with $59 million; and Beyoncé drops to fifth place with $54.5 million.
Last year, Beyoncé soared to the top of Forbes’ list, earning $115 million, and Swift ranked No. 2. Perry was in fifth place with $40 million.
Source: Market Watch
