The Weeknd topped Forbes' list of the highest-paid musicians in 2025, earning an estimated $298 million pre-tax from a blockbuster tour, his album Hurry Up Tomorrow, and a landmark catalog partnership with Lyric Capital reportedly valued in the $1 billion range.
Six artists earned nine figures this year, with the top 25 collectively hauling in $1.9 billion (median: $52 million). Four of the other top earners—Beyoncé ($148 million), Coldplay, Shakira, and Kendrick Lamar—were driven largely by massive tours, while Taylor Swift ($202 million) dominated through record-breaking sales of her album The Life of a Showgirl and related ventures.
The Weeknd's innovative catalog deal—covering his masters and publishing through 2025—allows him to retain ownership, a stake, and creative control, excluding future recordings. The artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has also signaled that Hurry Up Tomorrow (released January 2025) and its companion film mark the end of his stage persona, paving the way for a potential shift to releasing music under his own name.
Swift, meanwhile, reclaimed full ownership of her first six albums' masters in a May deal with Shamrock Capital (estimated around $360 million originally paid by Shamrock), ending a long-running saga—while her 2025 music consumption hit 14.7 million equivalent units, dwarfing the field.
Beyoncé joined the billionaire club in 2025, fueled by her critically acclaimed Cowboy Carter era and the year's highest-grossing tour.
- The Weeknd - $298 million...Fueled by his record-breaking After Hours Til Dawn Tour (surpassing $1 billion in gross), the album Hurry Up Tomorrow, and a landmark $1 billion catalog partnership with Lyric Capital.
- Taylor Swift - $202 million...Driven by massive sales and streaming of her album The Life of a Showgirl (the best-selling album of 2025), ongoing Eras Tour revenue, and a Disney+ documentary deal.
- Beyoncé - $148 million...Powered by the highest-grossing tour of the year (Cowboy Carter Tour), merchandise, sponsorships, and her music catalog—helping her reach billionaire status overall.
- Kendrick Lamar - $109 million...Primarily from high-grossing touring.
- Coldplay - $105 million...From extensive global touring.
- Shakira - $105 million...Boosted by major tour earnings.
- Drake - $78 million
- Chris Brown - $74 million
- Zach Bryan - $70 million
- Bad Bunny - $66 million
The top 25 musicians collectively earned $1.9 billion in 2025, with touring remaining the dominant revenue source for most, alongside streaming, album sales, and strategic deals. Six artists crossed the $100 million mark this year.