Beyoncé’s dazzling achievements in music and business have catapulted her into the spotlight, sharing headlines with fellow superstar Taylor Swift as they both climb Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
This past year has been phenomenal for both artists, with record-breaking tours, successful movies, and new albums boosting their fortunes and solidifying their influence in the industry.
Beyoncé, affectionately known as Queen B, wrapped up her five-month, 17-country Renaissance World Tour last October, earning an estimated $100 million. Her documentary film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” chronicling the tour’s creation and execution, grossed nearly $44 million at the box office in December.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Beyoncé released her first country album, “Cowboy Carter,” in March, featuring samples from musical legends like Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson.
The album amassed over 300 million streams in its first week, breaking Spotify’s record, a feat that Taylor Swift would surpass the following month.
These accomplishments have significantly bolstered Beyoncé’s fortune by $220 million since last year, bringing her estimated net worth to $760 million.
She now ranks No. 45 on the Forbes’ Self-Made Women list, climbing three spots from the previous year.
Beyoncé also launched her high-end hair care line, Cécred, in February. Though it’s too early to gauge its financial impact, it’s expected to contribute to her growing empire.
In addition to her business ventures, Beyoncé will star alongside her daughter Blue Ivy in the highly anticipated film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” set for release in late December.
Taylor Swift, meanwhile, continues to make waves with her Eras Tour and new music. Swift’s net worth has surged to an estimated $1.3 billion, up from $1.1 billion in October and $740 million on the 2023 Self-Made Women list.
The first leg of her Eras Tour alone added an estimated $300 million to her fortune. Swift’s latest double album, “The Tortured Poet’s Department,” released in April, broke multiple records, including surpassing 1 billion streams within five days of its release and claiming the top 14 spots on the Billboard Hot 100.
Swift’s earnings were further bolstered by the film version of her Eras Tour, which contributed an estimated $55 million.
Her catalog’s increased value, now worth an estimated $600 million, also played a significant role in her financial growth. Swift has moved up to No. 24 on the Self-Made Women list, rising from No. 34 last year.
The friendship between these two icons continues to thrive, with both supporting each other’s successes over the years.
In 2021, Beyoncé celebrated Swift’s Grammy win for “Folklore” by sending her a bouquet. Recently, both attended each other’s film premieres, further showcasing their mutual admiration.
In terms of social media influence, Beyoncé leads with a significant following on Instagram, although both stars saw impressive growth in their follower counts.
Beyoncé’s monthly listeners on Spotify have nearly doubled, while Swift has claimed the title of the number one streamed artist on the platform.
As Beyoncé and Swift continue to break records and set new standards in the music industry, their journeys inspire millions worldwide, proving that their reigns are far from over.
