The past year has been a record-breaking one for self-made celebrities, with 15 stars on Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women worth a combined $13.3 billion, up 23% from the previous year. Iconic names like Beyoncé, Madonna, Ellen DeGeneres, Judge Judy, and Reese Witherspoon all made the list, alongside newcomers like Katy Perry, who joined the ranks after selling her master recordings royalties and publishing rights for a reported $225 million.
The music industry saw some of the biggest earnings, with Taylor Swift’s ongoing Eras tour bringing in over $1 billion in ticket sales and making her the first artist to accomplish such a feat. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour and Madonna’s Celebration Tour also generated massive earnings, pushing their fortunes to new heights. Rihanna, known for her cosmetics line Fenty Beauty, also saw significant wealth growth thanks to the success of her business ventures.
The threshold for making the list is high, with contenders needing to be worth at least $300 million to secure a spot among the top 100. Most of the celebrities on the list saw an increase in their net worth, with only a few exceptions like Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna. The youngest celebrity on the list is Kylie Jenner at 26, while the oldest are Barbra Streisand and Judy Sheindlin, both in their 80s.
Other notable names on the list include Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Ellen DeGeneres, and Serena Williams. These women have built empires through various ventures, from media and entertainment to beauty and fashion. Each of them has succeeded in creating and maintaining their wealth through hard work and strategic investments.
The success of these self-made stars serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives, showcasing what can be achieved with talent, perseverance, and determination. As they continue to break records, sell out stadiums, and see their fortunes grow, they set an example for future generations of women looking to make their mark in their respective industries.
Overall, the 2024 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women highlights the incredible achievements of these celebrities and the impact they have had on their industries. With their continued success, they are shaping the landscape of entertainment, beauty, and entrepreneurship, proving that with dedication and vision, anything is possible.
