Forbes just confirmed that Beyoncé is now the world’s richest musician—in dollars and in influence. The 44-year-old artist has already distinguished herself from her contemporaries with her genre-defying contributions to both music and entertainment. She’s done that by building up her fortune via highly praised artistry, commercially successful endeavors and record-setting concert tours.
Her new album, Cowboy Carter, out this January, was hailed by all the major publications as one of the best of the year. This project further highlighted her musical progression and won her first Album of the Year Grammy. Beyoncé has been awarded some of the highest honors in the world and she still dazzles in her entrepreneurial endeavors. She has her own hair care line called Cécred, her own whiskey label, SirDavis, and she famously launched the activewear line Ivy Park.
Over half of Beyoncé’s wealth comes from her music life—including income produced from her longtime published catalog and worldwide tours. Forbes highlights that across any category of the entertainment industry, there is practically no enterprise more lucrative than a musician who can sell out stadiums. This has been typified by her recent Cowboy Carter tour, which went on to be the world’s highest-grossing music tour of 2025.
The tour went on to gross more than $400 million in ticket revenues and more than $50 million in merchandise revenue. The creativity and impact behind the production was huge! It put 350 crew members to work, utilized 100 semi-trucks worth of equipment and required eight 747 cargo planes to transport the show from city to city. The tour included surprise walk-on appearances from her husband and children. Former Destiny’s Child bandmates participated, dramatically increasing the appeal to diehard fans.
Beyoncé’s influence extends beyond music. Then in 2024, she grabbed headlines again after raking in upwards of $50 million for her NFL Christmas game halftime show. She tacked on another $10 million for her starring roles in Levi’s commercials. She established Parkwood Entertainment, LLC in 2010. This strategic shift granted her more agency over her creative pursuits, including music and live performance.
Beyoncé is now the most-awarded and most-nominated artist in Grammy history. She initially rose to prominence as a member of Destiny’s Child. Before long, in the early 2000s, she’d started a successful solo career.
“It should cost a billion to look this good / But she make it look easy ‘cause she got it.” – Beyoncé
As of 2025, the world has more than 3,000 billionaires. Beyoncé’s spot in this elite group serves as a testament to her remarkable trajectory and success within the music biz.