Taylor Swift leaves Beyoncé and Rihanna trailing on Forbes rich list

Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Rihanna have secured places among the wealthiest self-made women in the United States, according to Forbes’ latest ranking of female entrepreneurs, executives and entertainers.

The 2026 list celebrates women who have amassed significant fortunes through their own business ventures, careers and investments. Forbes reported that this year’s ranking includes 43 self-made female billionaires drawn from industries ranging from technology and finance to retail and entertainment.

Taylor Swift emerged as the highest-ranked musician on the list, taking the No. 23 position with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. Her wealth has been fuelled by the extraordinary success of her global tours, ownership of her music catalogue and continued earnings from recordings and songwriting. Swift has previously been recognised as the first musician to reach billionaire status primarily through music-related income streams.

Beyoncé and Rihanna shared the No. 39 spot, each with an estimated fortune of $1 billion. While both remain among the world’s most successful recording artists, Forbes noted that their business interests have played a major role in expanding their wealth. Their investments and brands in sectors such as beauty, fashion and consumer products have helped transform them into global business figures.

Elsewhere on the list, media icon Oprah Winfrey ranked No. 16 with an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion, while reality television star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian was placed at No. 25 with a reported fortune of $1.9 billion.

Forbes executive editor Luisa Kroll said the ranking reflects how women are increasingly generating wealth by building companies, investing in high-growth industries and leveraging personal brands into international business empires.

The presence of Swift, Beyoncé and Rihanna on the list highlights how major music stars continue to expand their influence beyond entertainment, turning global fame into thriving business enterprises while remaining dominant cultural figures.