Beyonce ranked top earning woman in music

American singer Beyonce has been adjudged by Forbes as the highest paid woman in music, after earning USD 115 million in 2014.

The ‘Single Ladies’ singer rose from fourth place in 2013 and was firmly ahead of Taylor Swift who came second in Forbes magazine’s list with earnings of USD 64 million.

Beyonce also earned millions from her ‘On The Run’ tour with her husband Jay Z.

Taylor Swift’s new album ‘1989’ has sold nearly 1.3 million copies in the US in its first week, making it the biggest album release in 12 years.

Pop singer Pink, 35, climbed up from number eight in 2013 to third with USD 52 million.

“Beyonce played 95 shows during our scoring period, bringing in an average of USD 2.4 million per city,” Forbes said, citing data from the Pollstar trade magazine.

Madonna, 56, who ranked number one last year, failed to make the top 10 in 2014.

Lady Gaga, 28, slumped from number two in 2013 to ninth place this year with estimated earnings of USD 33 million.

Forbes compiled the list after estimating pre-tax income calculated for the 12 months from June 2013 to 2014 based on record sales, concert tickets, touring information merchandise sales and interviews with concert promoters, lawyers and managers.

Below is a list of the 10 highest paid women in the industry:

1. Beyonce

2. Taylor Swift

3. Pink

4. Rihanna

5. Katy Perry

6. Jennifer Lopez

7. Miley Cyrus (tie)

8. Celine Dion (tie)

9. Lady Gaga

10. Britney Spears