How can one woman have so much power? Despite going on a brief hiatus this year, Beyoncé still landed in the top 10 on Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women list among first ladies, politicians, cultural icons, and CEOs.
The 29-year-old superstar, who wears many hats including singer, actress, and clothing designer, secured the No. 9 spot on the magazine’s annual list, earning a reported $87 million last year, with a career that includes 118 million records, seven films, 16 Grammy awards, and numerous MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, B scored contracts with Coty and L’Oréal, partnering with her mother Tina Knowles for the successful Deréon fashion line.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Lady Gaga placed at No. 7 on the list, scoring No. 1 in the lifestyle category. The singer-songwriter, who the publication dubbed “the new queen of pop,” made the top 10 due to the success of her debut The Fame and follow-up The Fame Monster. The eccentric entertainer will also earn more than $200 million from her “Monster Ball” world tour by the end of its run in April 2011.
The magazine’s most powerful woman was none other than First Lady Michelle Obama, while Oprah Winfrey, Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, and Ellen DeGeneres rounded out the top 10.