Rihanna’s net worth has fallen by a staggering $400 million to an estimated $1 billion—a 29% decline—according to Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women. The drop marks one of the steepest year-over-year declines on the list and is attributed largely to a slowdown in her business empire, particularly Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Savage X Fenty’s CEO exited the company in August 2024 to lead rival Victoria’s Secret, and sales across the lingerie brand and Fenty Beauty—Rihanna’s cosmetics line co-owned with LVMH—have reportedly remained flat. Fenty’s highly anticipated launch in China also faced what LVMH described as a “challenging environment,” complicating growth in a key global market.
Despite these setbacks, Rihanna remains a billionaire and a fixture in global pop culture. Her pregnancy announcement at the 2025 Met Gala—her third child—only underscored her enduring relevance.
The Barbadian superstar’s decline comes amid a broader correction in celebrity-led ventures. Forbes notes that the once red-hot celebrity business boom, built on personal brands, cosmetics empires, and lucrative content deals, is cooling. “The market condition right now is exerting a sort of downward pressure on valuation,” Forbes wrote, pointing to shrinking investor enthusiasm in influencer-driven products.
The Billionaire Bracket
Oprah Winfrey continues to lead the pack with a $3.1 billion fortune, maintaining her top spot despite her talk show ending over a decade ago. Kim Kardashian holds steady at $1.7 billion, bolstered by a new 2025 partnership between Skims and Nike.
Taylor Swift, however, is this year’s standout. Her net worth surged by $300 million to $1.6 billion, thanks to her record-shattering Eras Tour, which grossed $2 billion and concluded in December 2024. She also fulfilled a long-standing goal by reacquiring the masters of her first six albums.
Celebrity Fortunes: Winners and Losers
Selena Gomez enters the list for the first time, with a net worth of $700 million. Her brand Rare Beauty earned $370 million in 2024, complemented by her acting and producing work on Only Murders in the Building.
Madonna’s net worth remains strong at $850 million, driven by her $230 million-grossing Celebration Tour and a hinted musical comeback.
Beyoncé saw a modest 4% increase to $780 million. However, her Cowboy Carter tour has underperformed compared to Renaissance, and a high-profile Las Vegas residency fell through following a dispute over The Sphere’s CGI visuals.
Kylie Jenner saw a slight dip to $670 million, though Kylie Cosmetics continues to expand globally, helped by a new fragrance line.
A Market in Reset
This year’s list reflects a broader reset in celebrity valuations. Deals that once reached sky-high figures—like Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine—are now worth far less. Still, the cultural capital of celebrities remains powerful. Despite financial headwinds, stars like Rihanna, Swift, and Kardashian continue to dominate the public imagination and wield immense brand influence.
At 37, Rihanna remains a self-made billionaire navigating a new business reality. While her empire has hit turbulence, her staying power—both as a cultural icon and a businesswoman—remains intact.
