The Weeknd is the highest-paid musician of 2025
The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Coldplay all earned over $100 million this year.
Canadian singer The Weeknd has been named the highest-paid musician of 2025.
According to Forbes, the 'After Hours' singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, earned a staggering $298 million over the past 12 months.
The 35-year-old kicked off the year with the release of his sixth studio album, 'Hurry Up Tomorrow'. The album debuted at #1 in America.
In November, it was revealed that his 'After Hours Til Dawn Tour' officially grossed $1 billion, making him the first solo male artist to achieve the feat.
The Weeknd also broke several streaming records in 2025. His 2019 smash hit, 'Blinding Lights', surpassed five billion streams on Spotify.
It is currently the most-streamed song on the music platform. He also became the first musician to have 30 songs reach one billion streams on Spotify.
Earlier this month, The Weeknd secured a partnershi deal with investment firm Lyric Capital Group. He reportedly sold his music catalogue for $1 billion.
Coming in a close second is Taylor Swift. Forbes reports that 'The Life of a Showgirl' singer earned $202 million. She was followed by Beyoncé, who earned $148 million.
Beyoncé also joined the billionaire club in 2025. She is one of only five artists who are currently worth ten figures.
Her 'Cowboy Carter Tour' is credited with helping her achieve billionaire status. It is the highest-grossing country tour in history.
Here's a look at the top 10 highest-paid musicians of the year:
1. The Weeknd ($298 million)
2. Taylor Swift ($202 million)
3. Beyoncé ($148 million)
4. Kendrick Lamar ($109 million)
5. Coldplay ($105 million)
6. Shakira ($105 million)
7. Drake ($78 million)
8. Chris Brown ($74 million)
9. Zach Bryan ($70 million)
10. Bad Bunny ($66 million)
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image credit: YouTube/The Weeknd