Forbes has named The Weeknd the highest paid musician of 2025, adding another milestone to a career marked by immense commercial success. The Canadian artist, born Abel Tesfaye, earned an estimated $298 million during the year, surpassing music heavyweights Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Record-Breaking Tour and Revenue Streams
The ranking was featured in Forbes’ Iconoclast 50 list, reflecting a year where The Weeknd dominated both touring and recording. Much of his income came from the AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN TOUR, one of the most lucrative concert tours ever by a solo artist. Live Nation confirmed the tour grossed over $1 billion, selling more than 7.5 million tickets across 153 shows in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia. This made it the highest-grossing tour by a solo male artist.
In addition to live performances, The Weeknd benefited from a major catalog deal involving his music rights. The combination of touring, streaming, and business agreements propelled him to the top spot among musicians worldwide.
Enduring Popularity of His Catalog
The Weeknd’s commercial success is supported by the continued popularity of his songs. Tracks like "Blinding Lights," "Starboy," and "Save Your Tears" remain among the most streamed of the streaming era. His 2025 album Hurry Up Tomorrow debuted strongly, further solidifying his position as a global star.
Forbes Ranking: Top Earners
Taylor Swift ranked second with estimated earnings of $202 million, followed by Beyoncé with $148 million. Other top-tier artists included Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, and Shakira, highlighting the financial power of large-scale global touring.
The recognition underscores The Weeknd’s evolution from a breakout artist in the early 2010s to one of music’s most commercially successful figures. Over a decade after his debut with House of Balloons, he now leads Forbes’ earnings rankings, supported by a record-breaking tour, a powerful catalog, and a global audience that continues to fill stadiums.
