Female singers who just sing? Nope, billionaires who have empires

Writeup

30 Apr, 2025, 10:00 am
Last Modified 30 Apr, 2025, 03:18 pm
Female singers

In a society where everyday individuals juggle demanding 9-to-5 jobs, manage bills and struggle to stay hydrated, a handful of savvy artists have discovered the ultimate key to wealth: just dabble in cosmetics, market some lip gloss, and voilà—instant billionaire!

Madonna: Original business innovator

Before these younger artists transformed the music business into their own profit machine, there was Madonna. She practically pioneered the idea of converting fame into a billion-dollar venture. 

Madonna in the 80s. Photo: Courtesy

From starting a fitness chain (because who wouldn’t want to work out like Madonna?) to launching her fashion line, she demonstrated that pop stars don’t retire—they just get more adept at accumulating wealth while the rest of us just age gracefully.

Rihanna: Music career was just a side gig

Take Rihanna, for instance. While you might believe her wealth stems from hits like “Umbrella” and “Diamonds,” but those were merely the opening acts. 

Rihanna, one of the biggest pop icons of our time. Photo: Courtesy

Real fortune emerged when she glanced at her makeup collection and thought, “I could sell this for millions!” Thus, Fenty Beauty was created. Who needs another album when you can introduce 40 shades of foundation and earn $550 million in a single year? 

Now, each time you apply concealer, you’re essentially aiding her journey to another billion. Thanks, Rihanna, for showing us that wealth can come from eyeshadow palettes.

Beyoncé: From ‘Single Ladies’ to financial expert

Beyoncé is more than just a pop icon; she’s an astute entrepreneur. Her secret? Not only does she know how to make us groove to “Single Ladies,” but she also knows how to get us to buy workout clothes we often end up wearing while lounging at home. Her Ivy Park collaboration with Adidas fits that bill. It’s called athleisure for a reason—highlighting the leisure part. 

Beyoncé during a stage performance. Photo: Courtesy

Her other ventures, like owning her music rights and producing visual albums, have established her as an inspiration—if only we could casually discuss a $500 million empire over brunch.

Taylor Swift: Taking back control through re-recording

Then there’s Taylor Swift, who has done what many of us wish we could: reclaim our past. Messed up during a work meeting? Re-record it. Made a fool of yourself at a gathering? Re-release it with new vocals.

Taylor Swift. Photo: Courtesy

Taylor’s brilliant strategy of re-recording her albums as “Taylor’s Versions” makes us all think, “Why didn’t I come up with that?” Now, each time you listen to her old tracks, you might wonder, “Am I supporting Taylor’s billionaire journey or someone else’s yacht?” Spoiler: it’s always about Taylor.

Selena Gomez: From Disney to beauty billionaire 

Selena Gomez also made her mark in the beauty industry with Rare Beauty, essentially declaring, “If perfect skin is unattainable, at least buy mine.” 

Her brand, like other celebrity lines, promises confidence in a bottle. Thanks to its focus on inclusivity and mental health awareness, we buy it en masse—even if the only time we wear it is for Zoom calls. Selena shows that you don’t need a chart-topping hit to amass wealth; just the perfect lipstick shade will do.

Selena Gomez. Photo: Courtesy

Then what are we waiting for?

The path to billionaire status is clear. The steps are

i) Perform catchy songs

ii) Sell anything—cosmetics, overpriced athleisure, makeup whatever you like

iii) Watch the fortune flow in

Forget the grind of a desk job; the real success lies in associating your name with something people admire like a foundation or a pricey shirt. Simple, right?

Now, please excuse us while we attempt to start our own fragrance line. It can’t be that hard!!!