Beyonce seems to have effortlessly risen to the top as the world's highest paid woman in music this year after earning a massive $105 million pre-tax. Adele and Taylor Swift follow close behind, but apparently it's 'Lemonade' that has brought in the big bucks.

Beyonce at the 2016 MTV VMAsBeyonce at the 2016 MTV VMAs

After dropping her number one sixth studio album, Beyonce reignited her legendary status with 'Lemonade' becoming an international meme and nearly everyone's favourite album. Then she embarked on her huge Formation World Tour which raked in $256 million with 49 shows - so her top spot on Forbes' Highest Paid Women in Music list shouldn't really be a surprise.

However, it really seemed like Adele would take the top spot after beating Beyonce in all the Grammy categories they were nominated in together (to the former's utter shock) this year. But, lo and behold, she came in second place with a comparatively meagre $69 million.

Taylor Swift is at number three with $44 million, though this time next year than number can be expected to triple after the release of her eagerly anticipated latest album 'Reputation'. It's the biggest selling album of 2017 in the US, and also the fastest selling album in two years - that fact, coupled with upcoming Reputation Stadium Tour next year, will no doubt land her in the top spot this time next year.

Rounding off the top five are Celine Dion with $42 million thanks to her epic Las Vegas residency, and Jennifer Lopez with $38 million following her own Vegas show and her new TV series 'World of Dance'.

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The top ten are completed with Dolly Parton ($37 million) and her constant touring, Rihanna ($36 million) who launched her cosmetics line Fenty Beauty this year, Britney Spears ($34 million) again with a Vegas residency, Katy Perry ($33 million) who has a number of endorsement deals and Barbra Streisand ($30 million) who earned millions from a 14-date tour last year.