Dr. Dre is #1 on Forbes’ highest-paid musicians list for 2012

Veteran hip-hop artist Dr. Dre, 47,  topped Forbes’ list of the 25 highest-paid musicians in 2012, released on Thursday.

It might be a shock to see Dre as number one but apart his extensive back catalogue, Dre’s lucrative headphones business, Beats by Dre, helped him gross $100 million (62.3 million pounds) in pre-tax earnings according to Forbes.

A few months ago, Forbes named ranked him number one on the Hip-Hop top earner’s list and now he retains the position as highest paid musician.

In the top ten lists, there were some regulars like Elton John at number three; Britney Spears was number seven with earnings of $58 million, from her multi-million dollar “X Factor” deal, music sales and endorsements.

Justin Bieber, 18 and Taylor Swift, 22, were the only two artists under 30 to break the top 10 spot with Swift at number eight with earnings of $57 million, and Beiber at number 10 with earnings of $55 million.

R&B star Rihanna at No. 12 with $53 million, coming ahead of Lady Gaga at No. 13 with $52 million. Grammy-winning British singer Adele notched No. 22 on the list, tied with Kanye West, with earnings of $35 million following an impressive year for her album “21.”

Singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z, came in at number 18 and 20, respectively, with earnings of $40 million and $38 million.

Earlier this year, Dutch DJ Tiesto was named the highest-paid DJ in the fast-growing electronic dance music industry.

Last year’s highest-paid musicians U2 landed at No. 4 this year with combined earnings of $78 million from their three-year 360 tour. 1990s British boy band Take That, who reformed in 2005, rounded out the top five with $69 million, earned from an eight-date tour at London’s Wembley Stadium, which became the highest-grossing single stadium tour to date.

Forbes compiles its annual highest-paid musicians list by estimating artists’ earnings from music sales, live shows, endorsements, and merchandising.