Who’s Raking in the Dough?

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Whos Raking in the Dough? random news music

She is. Here’s Billboard’s “Moneymakers” list of the musicians who took the biggest paycheck (more accurately, who made the highest revenue) in 2008. Thanks to Brooklyn Vegan.

1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
11. The Eagles: $61,132,213
12. Lil Wayne: $57,441,334
13. AC/DC: $56,505,296
14. Michael Buble: $50,257,364
15. Miley Cyrus: $48,920,806
16. Taylor Swift: $45,588,730
17. Journey: $44,787,328
18. Billy Joel: $44,581,010
19. Mary J. Blige: $43,472,850
20. Kanye West: $42,552,402

What do you think? Madonna made more than Bruce? The JoBros more than Weezy? Kenny Chensey more than DOUBLE Kanye? Comment away!

UPDATE: I think this list incorporates both album sales and ticket sales for tours. Read up at the original Billboard article.

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Franky February 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm

Wait.. Madonna made 1/4 of a BILLION dollars in 2008?!?!

How?!

Reply

Aly February 12, 2009 at 5:19 pm

No way.. the JoBros made $62,638,814? Are you sure this is the money they PERSONALLY bank? Or is it how much their tours made?

Reply

Sean February 12, 2009 at 5:21 pm

How did Mary J Blige make 42 million in 2008? Did she even release an album? and LOL @ JoBros making more than Coldplay.

I can’t believe how much money Madonna made.

Reply

Katy February 12, 2009 at 5:22 pm

How exactly are these numbers figured? I find it hard to believe the JoBros made 60 mill in 2008. Their album sales werent that high.. I’m almost positive this is how much their tours made.. or how much money was made through them, this can’t be personal bank statements.

Reply

Ben February 12, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Billboard says… ” Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet tour took in $229,886,340 at the box office, although the extravagant production might have cost up to 40% of that gross, according to industry estimates. ”

How did she, the performer, make MORE money than her whole tour combined?

Reply

Jared February 12, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Where the f is Kid Rock?

Reply

Luis Tovar February 12, 2009 at 6:03 pm

I don’t think he toured… touring is the mega-moneymaker her, apparently.

Reply

Half Note February 12, 2009 at 7:22 pm

I think I just threw up a little.

Reply

fff February 12, 2009 at 8:32 pm

this information is all incorrect. this is how much they grossed in revenue, not their cut at the end of the day

Reply

Carrie February 16, 2009 at 6:35 am

I’m not too surprised that Kenny bested Kanye two times over. Country is still the biggest selling genre.

The bigger question is who the hell is seeing Neil Diamond? I’d have better times going to a nursing home.

Reply

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