Who Are The World’s Richest Pop Stars?

As if fame and popularity weren’t enough, being a pop star at the top of your game also comes with the promise of an immense fortune. These are people who have so much in their bank accounts that even buying private islands marks little more than a drop in the bucket of their total wealth. So, how much do our choices for three of the richest and best pop stars have, and what do they like to spend it on? We take a look.

Madonna: Net worth nearly $600 million

As the bestselling female recording artist of all time, Madonna has enjoyed an enormously long stay in the spotlight. Her self-titled first album released in 1983 and, over the next 37 years, she proved a veritable force in the world of pop music, while also making strides into some major acting success.

With so much cash filling her pockets, Madonna has taken to an extravagant approach to many different goods. Some of the standouts here include Picasso’s Buste de Femme à la frange, a New York Mansion, and an in-home hair salon. She’s even a fan of gambling, perhaps in an attempt to accumulate even more (or perhaps for sheer enjoyment), as was seen when she purchased 100 SuperEnaLotto tickets in 2012. While she didn’t win the jackpot, she did end up bringing home a pretty significant second-division prize of €120,000.

Madonna by rwoan, on Flickr
Madonna” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by rwoan

Katy Perry: Net worth $330 million

A more contemporary entry into the musical scene, KP’s very different first album, sold under her real name of Katy Hudson, arrived in 2001. Inspired heavily by Christian themes, the album received mixed reviews, while her eventual rebranding would go on to be a dominant force in the pop world.

Playing her cards close to her chest, Katy Perry isn’t known for being the most openly extravagant star in the world. This might end at her house, though – a $19 million mansion located within Hollywood’s Hidden Hills. KP is also actively engaged in many charitable causes, include AIDS LIFE, Children’s Defence Fund, and the Gibson Foundation.

Katy Perry live in Berlin by jacno, on Flickr
Katy Perry live in Berlin” (CC BY 2.0) by jacno

Rihanna: Net worth $550 million

Next up is Rihanna, the Barbados-born beauty, singer, songwriter, and actress. Releasing her debut album, Music of the Sun, in 2005, Rihanna quickly became a brand in her own right. Also seeing success in her fragrance, Reb’l Fleur, and business ventures including a stake in the music streaming service Tidal, RiRi has proven she’s more than just an amazing voice.

One of the more outgoing modern stars when it comes to shopping, Rihanna spares no expense in maintaining her lifestyle. She is well-known for her love of vacations, travelling extensively each year. There are also reports that her weekly beauty regimen can cost up to $38,000, which is spent on manicure and pedicures, lash appointments, and specialised dermatological treatments.

Rihanna Haistyles and Haircuts by celebrityabc, on Flickr
Rihanna Haistyles and Haircuts” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by celebrityabc

Of course, these three choices aren’t the only popstars worth well over a hundred million dollars, but this selection does indicate the type of life that this level of wealth can make possible. From enormous homes to helping the poor, the richest in the world of pop are still on upward trends. So what would you spend if you had this type of money, and who would you love to claim among famous friends?

About the author

There’s a lot of music out there - good music. At Essentially Pop our remit is that we cover music that deserves to be heard, with a particular focus on independent artists. That doesn't mean we won't cover your old favourites - rather we hope to give you some new favourites as well.

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