Oprah Winfrey earned an amazing $325 million dollars herself to top the list again. Miss Winfrey’s income came from her media empire and will be boosted in the New Year by the launch of her own TV network.
Youth did really well as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé were named amongst the highest-grossing stars of last year. Together they earned almost $330 million to secure their place on the annual Forbes list of Hollywood’s top female stars. Beyoncé, 29, was second on the list with £56million, while 28-year-old Britney Spears was third with £41million.
Endorsement deals with companies ranging from Nintendo to L’Oréal and Beyoncé’s growing House of Deréon fashion line bring in millions a year on top of the £50million she grossed from a 90-plus date world tour. Taylor Swift and Beyonce both occupy the top ten. 17-year-old Miley Cirus has already earned £30m this year. Lady Gaga, 24, was fourth on the list with an income of £40million, pushing Madonna, 52, into fifth. Madonna made £37.5million in 2009, thanks to the highest-grossing tour of the year.
She also benefits from royalties from her string of 1980s hits that were featured on the television series, Glee. Sandra Bullock is the only actress on the list, coming in at sixth with £37million.
Miss Cyrus, 17, is the youngest star in the top ten, earning £30million, followed by Miss Swift, 20, with £29million. Talk show host Ellen De Generes (£35million, seventh) and reality TV star Judge Judy (£29million, tenth) complete the top ten.