Richest Female Singers
Female singers have amassed enormous wealth over the past few decades. While male artists still dominate the uppermost echelons of wealth, women have made significant inroads. From pop princesses to iconic divas, the richest female singers have earned their fortunes through lucrative record deals, chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and outside business ventures.
1. Rihanna
With an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, Rihanna is the richest female singer in the world. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados in 1988, she's racked up 14 number-one Billboard hits over her career. But the bulk of her wealth actually comes from outside of music. She owns 50% of the popular cosmetics line Fenty Beauty, which generates over $550 million in revenue per year. She also owns 30% of the lingerie company Savage X Fenty.
2. Oprah Winfrey
While known primarily as a media mogul and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey started out her career as an actress and singer. Her estimated net worth is $2.7 billion. She parlayed her success as a talk show host into a media empire. Now she owns the Oprah Winfrey Network, has a lucrative book club, and has produced several films. While not currently making music, her vocal chops helped launch her into superstardom.
3. Madonna
The "Material Girl" lands at number three on our list. Madonna is the best-selling female recording artist of all time, selling over 300 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Papa Don’t Preach,” she pioneered the visual music video format. Her Rebel Heart Tour in 2015-2016 grossed over $170 million. She has an estimated net worth of $580 million.
4. Céline Dion
Celine Dion first gained international acclaim by winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest representing Switzerland at just 20 years old. She went on to release several best-selling albums in the 90s and record one of the best selling singles ever, “My Heart Will Go On.” Known for her powerhouse vocals, Dion has a current net worth of $500 million. She finished a world tour in 2019 that grossed $56 million in ticket sales.
5. Beyoncé Knowles
R&B icon Beyoncé Knowles got her start performing with the group Destiny's Child. She then launched one of the most successful solo careers ever. She's earned 28 Grammys for songs like “Single Ladies," "Crazy in Love,” and “Drunk in Love.” Married to rapper Jay-Z, her net worth is estimated at $500 million. She brought in $250 million with her Formation World Tour in 2016 and has several lucrative endorsement deals.
More of the Richest Female Singers
Mariah Carey - With a net worth estimated at $320 million, Mariah Careyis one of the best-selling music artists ever. She holds the record for most #1 debuts for a female artist on the Billboard Hot 100. She has earned 5 Grammy Awards.
Taylor Swift - This multi-talented singer-songwriter has an estimated net worth of $400 million. She holds several Billboard chart records and has won 11 Grammy Awards for hits like “Shake it Off” and “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
Dolly Parton - A legend of country music, Dolly Parton is worth $350 million. She's had 25 #1 country albums and has composed over 3,000 songs. Parton is also an actress, author, and philanthropist.
Lady Gaga - Known for flamboyant costumes and visuals, Lady Gaga has sold 124 million albums globally. Her net worth is $320 million. She's won 12 Grammys and an Oscar for “Shallow” from A Star is Born.
Jennifer Lopez - "Jenny from the block" is worth $400 million from her singing, acting, and business endeavors. She's sold over 80 million records and starred in hit films like Selena, The Wedding Planner, and Hustlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest female singer?
Rihanna has the highest estimated net worth of any female singer at $1.7 billion. She made the bulk of her fortune in the cosmetics industry with her brand Fenty Beauty.
Who is the richest singer of all time?
Andrew Lloyd Webber is the richest singer and composer of all time with an estimated net worth of $1.28 billion. He composed many famous Broadway musicals like Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Phantom of the Opera.
How do female artists get so wealthy?
Many benefit from record and ticket sales but earn most of their income from endorsements, merchandise, and business ventures outside of music. Rihanna from Fenty Beauty and Lady Gaga from her cosmetics line are prime examples.
Who is the poorest female singer?
Courtney Love is often cited as the poorest, with negative net worth. More recent singers with financial troubles include Aubrey O'Day and Cyndi Lauper. Many artists file for bankruptcy due to poor money management.
Who is the richest female rapper?
Nicki Minaj has the highest net worth for a female rapper at $100 million. Cardi B comes in second at $40 million, followed by Queen Latifah at $60 million.
