Forbes has been publishing the list annually since 1999 and recently announced its choices for the 2012 Celebrity 100 list. Feedback is pouring in with questions, comments, and opinions on the ranking, but for better or worse, Forbes is unwavering in its choices.
Forbes staffer Dorothy Pomerantz spend most of the year compiling data for Forbes lists. She quickly points out the variety of professions included in the Celebrity 100 and the key factors used to make the selections:
This list-which includes film and television actors, TV personalities, models, athletes, authors, musicians and comedians–is based on money and fame. We (Forbes) define fame as media visibility in print, television, radio and online, plus social media power, which we measure by looking at each celebrity’s presence on Facebook and Twitter. The earnings consist of pretax income between May 1, 2011, and May 1, 2012. Management, agent and attorney fees are not deducted.
The list held a number of interesting surprises, so let's take a quick look at the top five:
With $52 million in earnings over the last 12 months and a massive amount of fame, Jennifer Lopez lands at No. 1 on our Celebrity 100 list for the first time. You might have counted Jennifer out after a few declining years, but her spot as a judge on American Idol gave her career the boost it needed and Ms. Jennifer got her groove back. After a much publicized divorce from husband Marc Anthony, single mom Jen captured several major endorsements, i.e. L'Oreal and Gillette, and launched a clothing line at Kohl's. In season two of "Idol", she significantly pumped up her salary to $20 million. With 6.6 million followers on Twitter and 12 million fans on Facebook, she’s also proved a master of social media. She's definnitely come a long way from her time as a "Fly Girl" on the television show In Living Color.
This is only the second year on the list for the number three ranking celeb, Justin Bieber, with earning of $55 million and "media visibility" galore, touring and recording mega hits. Not bad for the 18 year old Canadian singer-songwriter, musican, and actor I'd say. This young man is more than a super star. A venture capitalist, he uses his fame and money to invest in start up companies.
Rihanna won the number four spot of the Celebrity 100 list. Her earnings were $53 million and she ranked 32 in social media and #5 in web rank. The Barbados-born singer's relationship with singer Chris Brown continues in the headlines, including their appearance at the MTV Music Awards, albeit not together. Her appearance in the movie Battleship, based on the box game, scored mixed to low reviews, but won't damage her brand. Rihanna uses her beauty and business sense to stay at the top of the game.
To round out the top ten Celebs, add
Britney Spears at #6 with $58 million in earnings
Kim Kardashian at #7 with only $18 million in earnings thanks to her wedding and quick divorce
Katy Perry at #8 with $45 million in earnings
Tom Cruise comes in at #9 with $75 million in earnings
Stephen Spielberg rounds out the top ten with $130 million in earning (third highest)
Check out the entire Celebrity 100 list and be amazed at the cast it assembles, the earnings most people only dream of accruing and the power of social media in enhancing one's brand. i can only wonder if any of the people in the Forbes top ten list matched your choice. Holler back if you selected any of the same choices.
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