Taylor Swift, One Direction, James Patterson top Forbes list of highest paid celebs

There is more reason for Taylor Swift to land today’s headlines apart from dating actor Tom Hiddleston. This time around, it is undeniably of global interest since Swift just bagged the No. 1 spot on the 2016 Forbes Celebrity 100 list.

The 26-year-old singer-songwriter has reportedly earned US$170 million (AU$224 million), ascending to the top of Forbes list of highest paid celebrities from her No. 8 spot in 2015 for grossing US$80 million (AU$105 million). The pop diva even out-earned ex-boyfriend musician Calvin Harries, who landed No. 21 on the list with US$63 million (AU$83 million). With her current record, Swift outdid pop superstar Katy Perry, who was the highest paid musician in 2015 with US$135 million (AU$178 million) earnings in 2015. Perry slid to the No. 66 spot on this year’s list with only US$41 million (AU$54 million).

Swift recently visited Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Australia while spending time with Hiddleston, who resumed shooting for the role of Loki in “Thor: Ragnarok,” third in “The Avengers” franchise. Production of the movie reportedly commenced in Queensland.

Swift has been named the most charitable celebrity in December 2015. In 2015, Swift donated US$50,000 (AU$66,000) each to a leukemia patient, a baby diagnosed with cancer, and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, aside from the US$25,000 (AU$33,000) she donated to buy more books for New York City classrooms.

1D, James Patterson make it to Top 3

Back on the Forbes list, One Direction landed a bridesmaid finish with US$110 million (AU$145 million) earnings, making them the top-earning boyband of all time. Despite the departure of Zayn Malik from the group in March 2015, the group maintained their earnings with last year’s On The Road Again tour.

James Patterson, author of the “Alex Cross” series, claimed the No. 3 spot on the Forbes list with US$95 million (AU$125 million). Considered as the publishing industry’s richest and busiest, Patterson produces over a dozen books per year, and the onscreen adaptation of his sci-fi thriller “Zoo” will soon air on CBS.

On the No. 4 spot is “The Doctors” executive producer Dr. Phil McGraw, who earned US$88 million (AU$116 million), while three-time FIFA best player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal landed the No. 5 spot with $88 million (AU$116 million).

At No. 6, comedian Kevin Hart grossed US$87.5 million (AU$115 million) for the past 12 months. Meanwhile, radio host and former "America’s Got Talent" judge Howard Stern claimed the No. 7 spot with US$85 million (AU$112 million).

Argentinian athlete Lionel Messi reportedly earned US$81.5 million (AU$107 million), while British musician Adele grossed US$80.5 million (AU$106 million), respectively landing the No. 8 and 9 spots. Finally, radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh made it to the Top 10 with US$79 million earnings (AU$104 million).

According to Forbes, the world’s 100 highest paid celebrities pull a total of US$5.1 billion (AU$6.7 billion) pretax, which is more that the gross domestic product of Belize, Gambia and Bhutan combined. The ranking of the world's highest paid celebrities was based on a June-to-June scoring period.