The 10 richest British celebrities under 30, revealed – Zayn, Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, Dua Lipa and Harry Styles dominate a music-loving nation’s rich list
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1. Ed Sheeran, 30 (US$323 million)
Was there ever any doubt? For the third year in a row, the singer-songwriter has topped the rich list – and no one else even got close. Aside from breaking records left and right (most streamed song on Spotify with Shape of You, highest-grossing tour of all time with the ÷ Tour). Now, he has a new album (cough, “=”), a deal with social media juggernaut TikTok and a new tour on the way.
2. Harry Styles, 27 (US$107 million)
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3. Little Mix (US$89.9 million)
Girl group Little Mix has proved that winning talent shows can indeed be life changing. A decade after winning The X Factor, the girl group has had incredible success, selling over 60 million records. But they’ve expanded way beyond music, lending their name to all kinds of merch items and becoming social media juggernauts.
4. Niall Horan, 28 (US$77 million)
Though a little less popular than Harry, Niall has also been doing good after his One Direction stint. Just like his bandmate, most of his earnings have come from his ex-band’s global exploits, but he’s also produced two solo albums and tours since. He’s taking the business route though, investing in athleisure brand Gym+Coffee and Modest! Golf venture.
5. Cara Delevingne, 29 (US$70 million)
From being a top-level model and endorser, Cara has been slowly turning into a business mogul. After modelling for a variety of A-list brands, Delevingne has now been busy with her own business ventures, most notably being an investor in sex-tech start-up Lora DiCarlo. Oh, and she’s a Hollywood actress as well.
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6. Louis Tomlinson, 29 (US$63 million)
One Direction members really made bank, didn’t they? Louis is following in the footsteps of other Directioners with a solo career and an album, which he released in 2020.
7. Liam Payne, 28 (US$63 million)
Liam is tied with Louis third on the list of the wealthiest One Directioners, though US$63 million is nothing to scoff about. And Liam likes to let people know about it too, with a collection of Lamborghinis in the garage, for one.
8. Dua Lipa, 26 (US$58 million)
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9. Zayn Malik (US$51 million)
The last of the fantastic five and the first to break off from One Direction, Zayn is also the least wealthiest among them. But the R&B star has already released three solo albums, and when you’re sitting with a pretty US$50 million wealth … there’s a good chance you’re not too bothered by what some celeb mags write about your bank balance.
10. Sam Smith, 29 (US$49.5 million)
Balladeer Sam Smith rounds up this year’s top 10 richest under-30 in the UK, amassing just short of US$50 million. As you may have guessed, most of it comes from chart-topping hits like Stay With Me and his world tour which grossed over US$84 million.
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Goes to show that if you want to be rich, taking up music or acting might be a good idea. At least in the United Kingdom.
- Directioners rejoice, all five of the 1D boys made the list: Harry Styles bagged second place with US$107 million, with Niall Horan a close fourth with US$77 million
- Fellow X-factor alumni Little Mix came third with an impressive US$89.9 million, but first place went to the almighty Ed Sheeran for the third year in a row