World’s richest musician has been revealed and they earn twice as much as Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour made history by becoming the highest-grossing tour of all time, but when it comes to overall wealth, another musician far surpasses her earnings.

Swift’s tour, which concluded in December after an impressive 149 shows across five continents, captivated fans worldwide and cemented her status as one of the most successful artists in history. Dubbed “the adventure of a lifetime”, the tour brought in staggering revenue, with reports estimating it earned over $2 billion, according to Forbes.

The U.S. leg alone grossed approximately $1.04 billion in 2023, while international performances added another $1.15 billion, bringing the total to $2.07 billion. This figure surpassed Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which had previously held the record for the highest-grossing tour.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour broke records for revenue made by a single tour (Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Contributor/Getty)

The Wealthiest Musician Isn’t Taylor Swift

Despite these groundbreaking earnings, Taylor Swift isn’t the richest musician in the world. That title belongs to Jay-Z, whose $2 billion empire nearly doubles Swift’s reported $1.3 billion net worth.

Unlike Swift, whose fortune primarily comes from music and touring, Jay-Z’s vast wealth is largely driven by business investments and strategic partnerships. The rapper and entrepreneur, who hasn’t released a studio album since 2017, has built a financial empire through a mix of music, sports, tech, and luxury brands.

How Jay-Z Built His Billion-Dollar Fortune

Jay-Z’s success goes far beyond music. His early investments in companies like Uber and SpaceX helped build his fortune, while his sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, has signed top athletes, including Kevin Durant and Jeremy Lin. The agency is now valued at around $200 million.

In 2021, Jay-Z sold his music streaming platform, Tidal, for $297 million, and he previously secured a $200 million deal with Live Nation to promote entertainment ventures.

Despite not releasing any new albums since 2017, Jay-Z has a net worth of $2 billion (VALERIE MACON/Contributor/Getty)

The Power of Luxury and Spirits

One of Jay-Z’s most lucrative ventures lies in the luxury beverage industry.

• In 2006, he acquired a 50% stake in Armand de Brignac champagne, later purchasing the remaining shares in 2014.
• In 2021, luxury goods giant LVMH bought a 50% stake in the brand for $630 million.
• In 2023, he sold his shares in Du’ssé Cognac to Bacardi for an estimated $750 million.

A Legacy Beyond Music

While Taylor Swift has redefined the music industry with record-breaking tours and a loyal fanbase, Jay-Z’s business acumen has positioned him as one of the wealthiest figures in entertainment. His ability to expand beyond music into tech, sports, and luxury markets has solidified his status as a billionaire entrepreneur.

With both icons continuing to dominate in their respective fields, their influence on music and business is set to endure for years to come.

Featured Image Credit: Kevin Winter/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management