Est. 1998
Michael Becomes Top Celebrity Earner Of 2024
More than 15 years after his passing, Michael Jackson has once again proven his staying power, not just as a cultural icon but as a financial force. According to Forbes, he was the highest-paid celebrity of 2024, dead or alive, bringing in $600 million and beating megastars like Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise.
His earnings came largely from the sale of a stake in his music catalog, part of a broader deal with Sony valued between $1.2 and $1.5 billion. That alone put him far ahead of Swift, who earned $400 million during her blockbuster Eras Tour. Dwayne Johnson and Tom Cruise followed with much less.
Among late celebrities, Michael led by a wide margin. Freddie Mercury earned $250 million, while Dr. Seuss and Elvis Presley brought in $75 million and $50 million.
Since his death in 2009, Michael’s estate has generated about $3.2 billion through streaming, licensing, and global demand for his music. His “Thriller” album, which celebrated it’s 40th anniversary in 2022, remains the best-selling albums of all time. The upcoming biopic, plus strong merch and music deals, helped make 2024 another massive year.
Sixteen years later, Michael Jackson’s influence and earnings remain unmatched. His name still drives billion-dollar deals, and his legacy is only getting stronger.
Source: MJWN & Forbes
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