Taylor Swift tops list of musical earners in U.S.; where’s Bieber?

What do Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan have in common? Well, they’re all country artists. And they all made more money in the U.S. than Justin Bieber did in 2013, according to Billboard magazine.

We point that out because, well, in the wake of Bieber’s spoiled-brat deposition behavior revealed Monday, it’s fun to see some grown-ups taking him to school professionally. Even if one of those grown-ups is only 24.

And yes, that was just some gratuitous Bieber-bashing there. You’re welcome.

Swift, who has struck a popular balance between the worlds of pop and country, took the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s list of the top-earning musical performers of 2013, with an annual take of nearly $40 million. Chesney followed at $33 million, with Bryan taking eighth place at just over $22 million.

Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac represented classic rock in the top 10, ranking fourth, fifth and 10th respectively.

Pop superstars Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Maroon 5 and Pink filled in the rest of the top 10, logging in at third, sixth, seventh and ninth. Timberlake’s comeback album “20/20” and touring put more than $31 million in his wallet.

The numbers represent U.S. earnings calculated from touring, recorded-music sales, publishing royalties and revenue from digital music and video streaming, Billboard said. Sponsorships and merchandising weren’t figured in.

Alas, Bieber just missed the top 10, sliding into 11th place with nearly $19 million. Maybe if she’s feeling like a sport, Taylor can spring for his next rented Ferrari.

To see who else is on the list and how much they made, check out the full Billboard story linked above.

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