Rihanna, the multiple Grammy-winning singer, initially became a billionaire with the success of her non-music ventures. In 2017, she co-founded Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand known for its inclusive range of products.
This brand played a significant role in her financial growth, allowing her to accumulate vast wealth. Additionally, Savage x Fenty, her lingerie line, contributed significantly to her net worth by establishing her as a major figure in the fashion industry.
As per Forbes, in 2021 Rihanna's net worth reached $1.7 billion, making her the richest female musician in the world. However, with Taylor Swift's recent financial surge, this title has now moved to the Fearless hitmaker.
Business Insider reported in March 2024 that Rihanna's wealth has slightly decreased and stands at $1.4 billion.
Meanwhile Taylor Swift became a billionaire in October 2023, thanks to the popularity of the Eras Tour and the high sales of the star's vast music library.
On Sunday, Forbes revealed that Swift became the world's richest female musician, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. The breakdown of her $1.6 billion assets is roughly estimated to be about $125 million from real estate, $600 million from the value of her catalog, and $600 million from royalties.
With her current financial status, Taylor Swift is ranked at number 2117 on the Forbes list of the world's billionaires. She is ahead of other famous female singers such as Dolly Parton ($450 million), Barbra Streisand ($460 million), Celine Dion ($550 million), Beyonce ($760 million), Madonna ($850 million), and Rihanna ($1.4 billion).
Taylor Swift's wealth surpasses Rihanna's
Taylor Swift's wealth accumulation is remarkable due to its direct connection with her music and touring activities. The Eras Tour, which saw sold-out shows globally, played a large role in boosting Swift's financial portfolio.
The calculation of Taylor Swift's wealth not only places her above Rihanna but also ranks her as the second-richest musician overall, just behind Jay-Z, who holds an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.
Other notable female musicians have also amassed significant wealth but remain considerably behind Swift and Rihanna. Beyonce, for instance, has a net worth of $760 million, positioning her below the Diamonds singer in the rankings.
Taylor Swift's ability to surpass the Umbrella singer and take the lead among musicians is significant, given the diverse sources of income that other artists rely on. Unlike Rihanna, who expanded into cosmetics and fashion, Swift's primary financial success comes from her music, underscoring her enduring popularity and the immense value of her catalog and performances.
Taylor Swift is showing no signs of slowing down. She is currently gearing up for the final leg of the Eras Tour, which resumes on October 18 in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Although the Eras Tour will conclude in December, Swift's fans, known as "Swifties," are already predicting that she may release more albums in the near future. Should she continue her streak of successful ventures, Swift's net worth will likely increase again in the coming year.
With her current momentum, Taylor Swift has positioned herself not just as a top musician but also as one of the most financially successful figures in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Riri remains a powerful force, thanks to her successful beauty and fashion brands, keeping her among the wealthiest musicians worldwide.