Rihanna is now the newest addition to The Sunday Times Rich List, as she came in third place behind Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Paul McCartney.
While the 32-year-old Bajan pop star hasn’t released an album since Antii in 2016, she continued earning through her other brands, namely the Fenty Beauty cosmetics brand and her lingerie line Savage X Fenty.
The singer made the list as she now resides in London since 2019, and experts believe that Rihanna may be on track to become the first female billionaire musician in the UK.
This year’s compiler, Robert Watts, said, “Very few people knew she was living in the UK until last summer. Still only 32, if Rihanna remains based in the UK she could well pip Sir Paul McCartney and Lord Lloyd-Webber to be The Sunday Times Rich List’s first billionaire musician.”
With her estimated fortune of £468 million, she overtook Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger, whom are worth £360 million and £285 million respectively.
Rihanna is also one of the youngest among the top 40 earners, and only two younger musicians joined the list – Ed Sheeran and Adele – who are estimatedly worth £200 million and £150 million respectively.
Watts explained how Rihanna’s debut indicates a massive change in the coveted Rich List.
“The days when it was dominated by inherited wealth, the landed gentry and mass of largely white, middle-aged and elderly men, are changing,” he said, “Rihanna is, I think, a very good example of someone who’s come from a pretty tough upbringing in Barbados and who has a hunger and a determination to work, work work… which, I think, is one of her songs, isn’t it?”
HE also pointed out that while artists who made it to the list can celebrate their wealth for now, cancelled gigs and tours may significantly impact their fortunes in the coming months.