As per Forbes tradition, the list of highest paid celebrities in 2016 had just been revealed, with data collated from June 1, 2015 to June 1, 2016. Pop singer Taylor Swift landed the top spot with a whopping $170 million, which is a glaring $60 million lead over the boyband One Direction in second place. Author James Patterson, TV personality Dr. Phil, and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo then made up the top five.
Forbes revealed that a huge chunk of Swift's income came from her "1989 World Tour," grossing around $200 million in North America alone, coupled with her Diet Coke, Keds, and Apple deals. With this trend, Swift's income is only bound to grow in the next cycle, with the addition of an AT&T deal. Swift is also the youngest woman in the list, at 26 years old. Justin Bieber, ranked number 26, is the youngest overall at 22.
British boyband One Direction had been on hiatus since January 2016, but still made a podium finish with $110 million, thanks to "The Road Again Tour" revenues. "Alex Cross" novelist James Patterson then came in at third, with $95 million. Aside from his publications, adaptations also reeked in dollars, with "Zoo" for television and "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life" for the big screen.
Tied for fourth and fifth place are Dr. Phil McGraw and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, with $88 million each. Aside from his eponymous daytime show, McGraw also executively produces "The Doctors," as well as launched an app named "Doctor on Demand." Meanwhile, Ronaldo had an unsurprising turnout with his numerous sponsorships which include Nike, Tag Heuer, Monster headphones, and Sacoor Brothers suits. These deals are on top of Ronaldo's $50 million annual contract with Real Madrid until 2018.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart then claimed the sixth spot, earning $87.5 million. Radio host Howard Stern then came in next at $85 million. Claiming the eighth place is another FIFA star, Lionel Messi, with an $81.5 million 2016 revenue. Completing the top ten are British singer Adele with $80.5 million and talk show host Rush Limbaugh with $79 million.
