What does Taylor Swift have that, say, peers such as Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Adele don't? The official title of 'Highest Paid Celebrity Under 30,' that's what. Swift was crowned with this accolade by Forbes, which annually estimates and tallies the earnings of celebrities. The singer topped the overall list, edging out many of her contemporary, popular music peers by collecting approximately $57 million in income between May 2011 and May 2012.

Swift knocked Lady Gaga out of the top spot, as that pop diva saw her income shrink during this time frame since she wasn't touring. So just how did Swift manage to usurp the Forbes throne from the rest of her talented peers?

Well, for one thing, it's her music. Each of Swift's three albums have gone quadruple platinum, which is saying something, given the steep decline in record sales in this decade. She was also on tour forever last year, as her 'Speak Now' trek drew a record number of fans, while Forbes claims she is paid a healthy $1 million per show.

The singer is also a spokesperson for drugstore cosmetics giant CoverGirl, and that endorsement certainly generates a nice stream of revenue and income for her, not to mention plenty of free products.

On the mag's Celebrity 100 list, Swift landed just outside the Top 10, cruising into the No. 11 slot. But when it comes to under 30, she rules the roost.

With a new album on the horizon, it doesn't seem likely for Swift to drop off the upper echelon of this earnings list.

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