Every year, Forbes Magazine releases its list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities in the world. Country stars frequently appear on the list, and fans can’t wait to see where their favorite artists rank.
On Monday (July 11), Forbes finally released their 100-highest paid celebrities list for 2016. In addition to ranking the celebrities, the list also details how they earned such hefty paychecks, whether it be through movies, music sales, or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Sports stars, actors, and talk show hosts all made the list, along with singers from multiple genres. Country music was well-represented on the list, with a total of six artists earning a big enough paycheck to secure a spot.
Coming in at #75 is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean, who earned a total of $36.5 million this year. Margaritaville restaurant chain owner and Alan Jackson’s “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” duet partner Jimmy Buffet came in at #66 with a total salary of $40.5 million.
In almost the dead middle of the list at #47 is Toby Keith, who earned $47.5 this year off of his music and various business endeavors. Next was Luke Bryan at #37, after he earned $53 million this year. $34 million of Bryan’s profits came from his Kill the Lights Tour, while the remaining amount was earned through his various endorsements with companies such as Cabelas’s.
The second highest-paid country star of 2016 is none other than Kenny Chesney. Chesney came in at #26 on the list, and earned a total of $56 million, most of which came through his tour. With his tour still in full swing and a new album in the works, Chesney seems destined to make the list yet again next year.
So who was 2016’s highest-earning country star?
It really should come as no surprise that the breadwinner of country music this year is Garth Brooks, who came in at #15 on the list. Brooks earned an impressive $70 million this year, most of which came from his highly successful World Tour. With his tour continuing through 2017, we feel like Brooks is in the running to be the highest-paid country star of 2017.
The celebrity who came in at the #1 spot on the list actually has country roots as well. 2016’s highest-earning celebrity was Taylor Swift, who raked in a salary of $170 million. Swift got her start in country music before making the switch to pop, and has experienced overwhelming success in both genres.
Did your favorite artist make the list? Was there anyone you were expecting to see on the list that didn’t make the cut? Let us know what you think!