American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift named fifth most powerful, first entertainer

American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift, has been named the fifth most powerful woman and the first entertainer to break into the top five since the list’s inception.

Forbes in a post on Tuesday, attributes her rise to her unparalleled economic, cultural, and political influence, emphasising the success of her Eras tour, which propelled her into billionaire status in October.

The Eras tour, grossing nearly $850 million over 66 U.S. shows, contributes to Swift’s net worth of $1.1 billion.

“17 years into her remarkable career, Swift has never had more economic, cultural and political clout,” the publication stated.

“All of which has caused her to soar up the ranks of Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women, from No. 79 in 2022 to No. 5 this year.

“Thanks to the record-breaking success of the Eras tour, Swift became a billionaire in October — making her the rare recording artist to achieve ten-figure status, joining the likes of Jay-Z (net worth: $2.5 billion) and Rihanna ($1.4 billion),” Forbes added.

The most powerful woman in the world 2023 title goes to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, whose policy and budgetary decisions affect Europe’s 450 million people.

No. 2 this year is Christine Lagarde, the European Central Bank president who is shaping Europe’s monetary policy at a moment of high inflation.

Also coming in ahead of Swift is U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who came in third, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at number 4.