Forbes 10 Most Powerful Celebrities

Every year, Forbes likes to remind us how much money we aren’t making by telling us how much money the most powerful celebrities are earning. In the past, the list was formulated by measuring the amount of money each celebrity makes, but in light of changing times and the influence of social media, newer measurements have been inducted including their rankings in press, tv/radio appearances, and web traffic.

1. Jennifer Lopez


Earnings: $52 million. Just when you thought Jenny was out for the count, she made a huge career comeback in the last few years. A hit album that yielded hits and viral music videos, the hottest judging gig in Hollywood on American Idol, prolific split from Marc Anthony and subsequent fling with yet another backup dancer and the mention the Fiat commercials.

2. Oprah Winfrey


Earnings: $165 million. For the second year in a row, the big O failed to nab the top spot on the list. But don’t worry, with the launch of her new network, which is constantly being re-tooled to cater to the appropriate audience. 

3. Justin Beiber

Earnings: $55 million. The young crooner may have just turned 18 but he’s raking in more dough than his older cohorts. Expect him to continue with the revenue intake once his new album drops this year. If his new single Boyfriend is any indication, expect a more mature turn from Selena Gomez’ beau and the possibility of big sales. It is Beiber after all. He could burp for 12 tracks and still sell tons of records.

4. Rihanna

Earnings: $52 million. Not many people can release as many albums in as little time as RiRi has. With a slew of hit songs, sold out tours, and the beginnings of a film career, Rihanna owns the title of reigning queen of pop.

5. Lady Gaga

Earnings: $53 million. Last year, the shocking pop siren topped the list. This time, she fell just a tad while staying within the top five. Look for her to bounce back a couple spots thanks to the beginnings of her current world tour.

6. Britney Spears

Earnings: $58 million. Britney has been able to stay in the public eye (in a positive or negative light) and with another hit album out and a new spot on the judging panel of Simon Cowell’s X Factor, expect her to stay on top.

7. Kim Kardashian

Earnings: $18 million. Say what you want about the socialite lacking singing and acting talent, the inability to keep a man, and a frozen, botox face (we said say what you want), but thanks to her many, many reality shows on E!, Kim is laughing all the way to the bank.

8. Katy Perry

Earnings: $45 million. Some thought she was going to be a one hit wonder, but Katy proved everyone wrong after making history with six number one songs from her previous album.

9. Tom Cruise

Earnings: $75 million. Can you believe the same guy who danced around in his tighty-whities is still one of Hollywood’s biggest actors? Expect his name and reputation to grow further after the release of his next film, the big-screen adaptation of the musical Rock of Ages

10. Steven Spielberg

Earnings: $130 million. Very few directors’ style is recognized by mainstream audiences, but thanks to Spielberg’s extensive film involvement, he’s been one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

Source: Socialite Life

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