The music industry has long been a breeding ground not just for creative talent but also for serious wealth. In 2025, the richest musicians are not just selling records and touring—they’re building businesses, acquiring publishing rights, investing smartly, and diversifying their income streams. According to the August 2025 list compiled by Esquire Australia, here are ten singers and musician-artists whose careers and investments have vaulted them into billionaire or near-billionaire status. All net worths are estimates (in Australian dollars) as of August 27 2025.
1. Jay-Z – Net Worth: $4.00 Billion
Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) tops the 2025 list as the richest musician in the world, with an estimated net worth of $4 billion AUD. Beginning as a Brooklyn rapper in the 1990s, Jay-Z built his name through his label Roc-A-Fella Records and iconic albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album. However, his fortune goes far beyond music. He has become a world-class entrepreneur, founding Roc Nation (a talent and sports management agency), the D’Ussé cognac brand, and acquiring luxury champagne label Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades). Investments in Uber and SpaceX have also multiplied his wealth. Married to fellow billionaire Beyoncé, Jay-Z has turned hip-hop into a multi-industry empire. His 2024 Made in America festival and ongoing Roc Nation expansion continue to keep him at the top.
Jay-Z
2. Taylor Swift – Net Worth: $2.46 Billion
Taylor Swift’s net worth of $2.46 billion AUD stems largely from her record-breaking Eras Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour in history. Swift started in country music before conquering global pop with albums like 1989, Lover, and Midnights. What sets her apart financially is her ownership of her music—she re-recorded her early albums as Taylor’s Versions to regain control of her catalogue. The result? Billions in streaming revenue, merchandising, and touring profits. Swift’s artistry and business acumen have made her a cultural powerhouse. Her 2024 concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour also broke box-office records, adding to her fortune and solidifying her as the first artist in history to achieve billionaire status primarily through music alone.
Taylor Swift
3. Paul McCartney – Net Worth: $2.12 Billion
Paul McCartney, legendary member of The Beatles, maintains an estimated net worth of $2.12 billion AUD. Decades after Beatlemania, his earnings continue to soar through royalties, publishing rights, and global tours. McCartney owns significant stakes in The Beatles’ song catalogue and maintains control of his solo works, generating consistent income streams. His extensive touring career—including his Got Back Tour 2024—has earned hundreds of millions in ticket sales. In addition to music, McCartney has made strategic property and art investments. His enduring influence and cross-generational fanbase ensure that his income remains steady, while his environmental and vegan activism continue to define his modern public image. At over 80, McCartney remains a living icon and a model of how timeless music can generate endless revenue.
4. Selena Gomez – Net Worth: $2.00 Billion
Selena Gomez has transformed from a Disney Channel star into a global pop and business mogul with a net worth of $2 billion AUD. While her music career boasts hits like “Lose You to Love Me” and “Single Soon,” it’s her cosmetics brand Rare Beauty that elevated her to billionaire status. The company, launched in 2020, has been praised for its inclusivity and ethical approach, reaching a valuation of over A$2 billion by 2025. Gomez continues to act, produce (notably on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building), and release new music. Her upcoming 2025 album—rumored to be a return to her dance-pop roots—has built immense anticipation. Balancing entertainment and entrepreneurship, Gomez embodies the modern artist-entrepreneur model.
5. Bruce Springsteen – Net Worth: $1.64 Billion
“The Boss” has earned his fortune through decades of hard work, legendary performances, and smart financial decisions. With a net worth of $1.64 billion AUD, Bruce Springsteen remains one of rock’s most enduring figures. His Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A. albums defined generations, and his tours continue to be among the highest-grossing in history. In 2021, Springsteen sold his entire music catalogue to Sony for approximately A$750 million—a move that solidified his billionaire status. His 2024 E Street Band Tour grossed over A$400 million worldwide, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond music, he has authored a bestselling autobiography and Broadway show, proving that passion and authenticity can yield not just acclaim but long-term wealth.
6. Rihanna – Net Worth: $1.53 Billion
Rihanna, with a net worth of $1.53 billion AUD, epitomizes the merger of music and entrepreneurship. After dominating the charts with hits like “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “Work,” she pivoted toward fashion and beauty, launching Fenty Beauty in collaboration with LVMH. The brand’s inclusive shade range reshaped the cosmetics industry and achieved valuations exceeding A$1 billion. Her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, added another fortune. Although she hasn’t released a full studio album since 2016’s ANTI, her long-awaited new project—nicknamed R9—is reportedly set for 2025. Between her business empire, motherhood, and cultural impact, Rihanna’s status as a self-made billionaire remains unchallenged.
Photo: @metgalaofficial_
Rhianna at the Met Gala 2025
7. Madonna – Net Worth: $1.30 Billion
The “Queen of Pop” continues her reign in 2025 with an estimated net worth of $1.30 billion AUD. Since her debut in the early 1980s, Madonna has reinvented herself countless times, setting the standard for female pop stardom. Her 12 world tours have grossed over A$2 billion, making her one of the highest-earning live performers ever. She also co-founded Maverick Records in 1992 and has lucrative publishing and licensing deals. Her Celebration Tour 2024, marking 40 years in music, drew massive global audiences. Beyond music, Madonna invests in art, real estate, and film. Her business savvy and fearless reinvention ensure she remains not only an icon but a long-term financial success story.
Madonna
8. Herb Alpert – Net Worth: $1.30 Billion
Herb Alpert, valued at $1.30 billion AUD, is proof that musicianship and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand. A trumpeter, vocalist, and co-founder of A&M Records, Alpert became a major industry figure after selling the label to PolyGram for about A$750 million in 1989. Known for classics like “Rise” and “This Guy’s in Love with You,” Alpert also won nine Grammys and continues to perform and record. His philanthropy, through the Herb Alpert Foundation, supports music education and the arts. While his recording career brought fame, it was his business insight—founding one of America’s biggest independent record labels—that secured his place among music’s billionaires.
Herb Alpert
9. Beyoncé – Net Worth: $1.27 Billion
With $1.27 billion AUD, Beyoncé is not only one of music’s greatest performers but also a powerhouse entrepreneur. Since her Destiny’s Child beginnings, she’s built an empire through solo albums like Lemonade, Renaissance, and the Renaissance World Tour 2023, which grossed over A$750 million. She co-owns Parkwood Entertainment, producing films, tours, and brand projects. Her ventures include Ivy Park (activewear) and Cécred (a hair-care brand), both adding significantly to her fortune. Known for her perfectionism and control over her image and output, Beyoncé exemplifies the modern artist as CEO—one whose creativity and strategy make her one of the world’s most admired and wealthiest entertainers.
10. Bono – Net Worth: $1.07 Billion
Bono, U2’s charismatic lead singer, rounds out the list with an estimated $1.07 billion AUD. Rising to fame in the 1980s with hits like “With or Without You” and “Beautiful Day,” he helped make U2 one of the world’s highest-grossing touring acts. Beyond music, Bono is a shrewd investor: he co-owns Dublin’s Clarence Hotel and holds stakes in Facebook and Forbes Media through his private-equity firm Elevation Partners. He’s also a board member of Zipline, a drone-delivery start-up revolutionizing medical logistics. Known equally for his activism and philanthropy, Bono blends artistry, investment, and humanitarian work—demonstrating that purpose and profit can coexist.
Bono
Conclusion
This list of the top 10 richest singers and musicians in 2025 clearly demonstrates that while musical talent and touring remain foundational, great wealth in the music industry increasingly relies on savvy business moves, ownership of publishing rights, brand creation, and investment portfolios. Artists who treat their careers as integrated enterprises—rather than just performance vehicles—tend to climb highest on the wealth rankings. From Jay-Z’s multi-billion-dollar empire to Taylor Swift’s catalogue-driven fortune, the message is clear: in the modern music era it’s not just about the song, it’s about the business behind the song.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music’s Wealthiest Stars
Q1. How accurate are these net worth estimates?
These figures are estimates only and should be treated as approximations. The article notes that all figures have been converted to AUD and are accurate as of August 27 , 2025. Financial disclosures by private individuals are rarely fully transparent, so actual numbers may vary.
Q2. Why do some musicians appear richer than their pure “music” career would suggest?
Many on this list have major income streams beyond just selling records or touring. They may own record labels, hold publishing rights, invest in other businesses, launch major consumer brands, or sell catalogues. For example, Rihanna’s fortune heavily derives from Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty.
Q3. Does touring still matter for becoming a top-earner in music?
Yes—touring remains a major revenue source for top artists, helping build their income and brand value. For example, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is cited as a major contributor to her wealth. However, it is no longer the only path: catalogue sales, brand partnerships, and investments are increasingly important.
