Michael McDonald Highest-Paid Singer in the World

By Carol Kearney
Washington
Last updated on July 27, 2025

Michael McDonald led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid singers” released on Saturday.

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It's been a rough year for the singer, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 73-year-old Michael McDonald has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid singers for 2025 with an estimated $82 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 27/07/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Michael McDonald tops annual list of highest-paid singers

In 2023 it looked like the singer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Saturday (July 26) that McDonald is the highest-paid singer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $82 million between June 2024 and June 2025, a nearly $50 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American singer-songwriter has an estimated net worth of $245 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat McDonald Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “St. Louis Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure WondermcDonald - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Michael) and a fashion line called “Michael McDonald Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Michael fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.