This month, Forbes released its list of Highest-Paid Country Acts 2019, which includes breakout sensation Lil Nas X.
With this, Lil Nas X makes history as both the first openly gay act and the first person of color to make the list. His No. 1 hit song “Old Town Road” earned him $14 million in 2019, ranking him at 18 on the Forbes list.
The publication admits its rankings “typically reflect country’s woeful lack of diversity at the top.” However, this year’s list “offers at least a glimmer of hope that things are changing.”
Lil Nas X feels it, too — “I feel like [I’m] opening doors for more people,” he revealed to BBC earlier this year.
In addition six, women make the top 20 for 2019, including Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood.
See the top 20 below.
Country’s Top Earners 2019 (Forbes)
1. Luke Bryan, $42.5 million
2. Zac Brown Band, $38.5 million
3. Keith Urban, $35 million
4. Blake Shelton, $32 million
5. Kenny Chesney, $31 million
6. Eric Church, $30 million
7. Shania Twain, $29 million
8. Florida Georgia Line, $26 million
9. Garth Brooks, $24 million
10. Jason Aldean, $23.5 million
11. Toby Keith, $21 million
12. Dierks Bentley, $20 million
13. Tim McGraw, $18 million
14. George Strait, $17.5 million
15. Dolly Parton, $17 million
16. Carrie Underwood, $16 million
17. Faith Hill, $15 million
18. Lil Nas X, $14 million
19. Rascal Flatts, $13.5 million
20. Lady Antebellum, $13 million (tie)
20. Miranda Lambert, $13 million (tie)
H/T: Hot New Hip Hop | Source: Forbes
