NEW YORK (Reuters) - Singer
Taylor Swift edged out teen
heart-throb Justin Bieber as the
highest-earning celebrity under
30, taking in $57 million, as
women dominated the top
spots on a list released by
Forbes.com on Thursday.
Bieber, who brought in an
estimated $55 million, was the
only male among the top five
earners, who included Rihanna
at No. 3 with $53 million,
followed by Lady Gaga and Katy
Perry.
"We are seeing a convergence
of these talented women who
know how to work the system,"
said Dorothy Pomerantz, the Los
Angeles bureau chief for Forbes.
"The things they have in
common, obviously they write
great hits, are strong
personalities. That really helps
them from a publicity point of
view. They connect with their
fans," she added.
Kristen Stewart, who was the
highest paid actress last year
with an estimated $34.5 million
in earnings, captured the No. 7
spot and was the only actress in
the top 10.
Stewart, a lead player in the "The
Twilight Saga" films, also had a
hit with "Snow White and the
Huntsman" and is considered
one of Hollywood's up-and-
coming stars.
Her co-star in the "Twilight"
films and real-life boyfriend,
Robert Pattinson, came in at No.
10 with earnings of $26.5
million.
"'Twilight' has done wonderful
things for these kids' bank
accounts," said Pomerantz,
adding that they are now
making $12 million per film in
the franchise. "What will be
telling is how they do
post-'Twilight.'"
To compile the list Forbes
analyzed album and concert
sales, movies earnings, profit
participation, advertising work
and endorsements between May
2011 and May 2012. Managers,
lawyers, agents and other
insiders were also consulted.
The full list can be found at
http:///6sdbeoy .