Beyoncé is the best-paid celebrity in the world under 30

The American singer, Beyoncé Knowles, is the best-paid celebrity in the world under 30. She was placed far ahead of her immediate rival, Finnish Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen, according to a report today by Forbes magazine in its online edition. 

The American publication estimated that the twelve highest paid celebrities in the world are an average age of 23; they are athletes, singers and actors. During the last year, they have earned together a total of $410 million (€293 million). 

The person who most certainly contributed to that spectacular figure was Beyoncé, who at 27, earned $87 million (€62.3 million) between June 1, 2008 and the same date in 2009, thanks to her productive professional activity. 

In those twelve months, she brought out an album, starred in two films, performed at the Oscar ceremony and the inauguration of U.S. president, Barack Obama. She embarked on an international tour, expanded her fashion collection and signed various lucrative sponsorship contracts.

The money earned by Beyoncé in one year was more than double the $45 million (€32.2 million) earned by the second in the Forbes list, the world's highest paid Formula 1 driver, Finnish Kimi Raikkonen , who in October will turn 30 and has a contract with Ferrari until the end of 2010. 

Another athlete completes the podium of the highest paid young people: LeBron James, the versatile 24 year old defender for the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA basketball team. In the past twelve months he has pocketed $40 million (€28.6 million), thanks to the advertising contracts he has with companies like Nike, Upper Deck, State Farm Insurance and Vitaminwater. 

Spears is third on the list 

The list continues with 27 year old American singer Britney Spears, won earned $35 million (€25 million) with her latest album and tour. 

She is followed by another two athletes, Swiss tennis player Roger Federer of the same age, whose impressive career has made $33 million (€23.6) in twelve months and Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho, who at 29 keeps his substantial  advertising contracts with Nike, Pepsi and EA Sports at a reported $30 million (€21.4). 

They are followed by the youngest members of the list, with $25 million (€17.9) earned: Miley Cyrus, 16, and her alter ego "Hanna Montana", brothers Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas (16 , 19 and 21), known as the Jonas Brothers, and Daniel Radcliffe, who at 19, continues to draw much from his role as "Harry Potter". 

Among the last on the list is famous model Gisele Bundchen, who at 28, has earned $25 million (€17.9) thanks to brands like Rampage, Max Factor, Ebel, True Religion and Versace. 

Also in these latter positions of millionaire salaries are Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who earned one million dollars in 12 months (€716,000) and 19 year old American singer Taylor Swift, who has earned $18 million (€12.8).