NEWSTaylor Swift Is 2012's Top Music Money Maker
March 12 2012, Published 5:25 a.m. ET
Don't tell Kanye West, but Taylor Swift has been named music's top money maker of 2012 by Billboard. Taylor's Speak Now album and tour helped her rake in the big bucks.
OK! GALLERY: TAYLOR SWIFT BRINGS HER SPEAK NOW TOUR DOWN UNDER
Billboard compiled the 2012 list of the top 40 money makers, and the 22-year-old country cutie came in at No. 1, earning $35,719,902.
The success of Taylor's album and tour, plus royalties for the 14 songs she wrote herself on the album, put her in the lead. In the U.S. alone, Taylor's tour made $88.5 million, earning Taylor herself $29.8 million.
U2 came in at No. 2 with $32,116,315, and Kenny Chesney checked third with $29,837,103.
OK! GALLERY: TAYLOR SWIFT LINKS ARMS WITH FRIENDS & SHOPS IN RAINY LONDON
Lady Gaga was fourth earning $25,353,039, and Adele proved to have a successful year coming in 10th with $13,081,909.
So where is teen dream Justin Bieber on the list?
All the way down at No. 35 with $5,523,459. Because he didn't tour the U.S. this year, Justin's spot on the chart is impressive.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Are you surprised Taylor is No. 1?
