Madonna is the World’s Top-Earning Celebrity

Even though Madonna’s 12th studio album was a commercial disappointment, its accompanying tour was astonishingly successful. The MDNA Tour grossed more than $305 million. According to Forbes, between June 2012 and June 2013, Madonna is estimated to have earned $125 million, making her the world’s top-earning celebrity.

With earnings of $100 million, director Steven Spielberg is the second highest earning celebrity in 2013. Alongside the tremendous success of Lincoln, Spielberg’s hit movies are constantly playing on TV channels around the world, contributing to his impressive earnings.

Third place is shared between three people – TV personality Simon Cowell, radio presenter Howard Stern and 50 Shades of Grey author EL James. All three recorded earnings of $95 million from June 2012 to June 2013.