Katy Perry has beaten pop rival Taylor Swift to become the highest-earning woman in the music industry this year, according to Forbes.

The business publication has estimated that the 31 year old Perry, earned 135 million US dollars in the past 12 months, compared with an estimated 80 million for Swift, who's 25.

British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac came in a surprise third with 59.5 million US dollars, even though only two of its five current members are women - and Christine McVie only rejoined the band last year after a 15-year absence.

Perry's earnings were boosted by a worldwide tour, Prismatic, as well as endorsement deals with beauty firms such as CoverGirl.

The Roar singer's latest album Prism has sold four million copies worldwide since its release in 2013.

Shake It Off singer Taylor Swift ranked a distant second despite some 8.6 million in global sales for her hit album, 1989, and the start of a world tour.

Lady Gaga ranked fourth while last year's top earner Beyonce slipped to fifth place.

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