Name: Katy Perry, Age: 30. Appearance: Raven-haired, big-eyed pop siren. Occupation: World’s richest woman. Really? No, wait, I meant the world’s richest famous woman. Christy Walton is the world’s richest woman. Never heard of her. That’s why it’s better to be rich and famous. And Perry is the richest female celebrity of all, having earned $135 million (Dh495 million) last year, according to Forbes magazine. Where did she come in the overall celebrity earning stakes? Third. Taylor Swift, the only other woman in the top 10, tied at eighth with Robert Downey Jr. Who came first? Boxer Floyd Mayweather, by virtue of a record-shredding $300 million payday for his last fight. Who came second? The guy that he beat, Manny Pacquiao, with $160 million. All that for losing a fight? I could do that. It would probably be easier than earning your crust the way Perry does. Which is how? Mostly through relentless touring. In the last 12 months, she has played 124 shows in 28 countries. By comparison, pop juggernauts One Direction played just 74 dates to earn $130 million and take the number-four spot on the list. I always thought pop stars lost money through touring. They used to, but thanks to more professional management, bigger venues and emerging global markets, it’s now extremely profitable.
What does Perry think of her new status? She’s embracing it. “I’m an entrepreneur,” she told Forbes. “I don’t want to shy away from that.” What else is she doing to that end? Being the face of Moschino, endorsing brands such as Toyota and adidas, attempting to trademark Left Shark. What’s Left Shark? One of two dancers dressed as sharks — the leftmost — who flanked Perry during her Superbowl half-time show. His out-of-sync moves went viral, prompting a few entrepreneurial types to attempt to cash in. So she trademarked it? Not yet. Her first application was rejected, but you can still buy an £80 (Dh448) Left Shark “belovesie” from her online shop.
What’s a belovesie? If you have to ask, it’s probably not your sort of thing. Do say: “Whatever you think of the music, you’ve got to admire her determination, hard work and undiluted avarice.” Don’t say: “How much for her to go ten rounds with Taylor Swift?”
