Who Was the Top-Earning Woman in Music This Year?

Britney Spears

Who is the top-earning woman in the music industry this year?

No, it's not Taylor Swift. It's Britney, b----.

Britney Spears took in an estimated $58 million in 2012, Forbes reports. Spears' latest album, Femme Fatale, was certified platinum this last year and she also took in millions from her subsequent tour and her fragrance deal with Elizabeth Arden. And who can forget the $15 million Spears, 31, reportedly made for joining The X Factor judges table?

Who earns what: TV's highest-paid stars

Swift, 22, came in a close second with a haul of $57 million. In addition to grossing more than $1 million per night on the road, Swift earned a pretty penny from her Sony and CoverGirl endorsements. The country-pop rocker had the highest album debut of the year when Red sold 1.2 million copies in its first week.

Rihanna ranked third with $53 million, followed by Lady Gaga at No. 4 with $52 million. Katy Perry rounded out the top 5 with $45 million.

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