The Wiggles and Kylie Minogue top list of top entertainment earners

Children’s entertainment act The Wiggles had topped BRW magazine’s list of the 50 highest paid entertainers for the fourth consecutive year with gross earnings of $45 million in 2007-08.

Children’s entertainment act The Wiggles had topped BRW magazine’s list of the 50 highest paid entertainers for the fourth consecutive year with gross earnings of $45 million in 2007-08.

The skivvy-wearing quartet edged out pop princess Kylie Minogue, who pulled in $40 million thanks to a sold-out tour of Europe and Britain, up from $27 million last year.

Actor Russell Crowe also enjoyed a big jump in earnings thanks a string of new roles; his pay jumped to $36 million.

But the top 50 didn’t have it all their own way. The Australian dollar, which hovered above US90c for much of the year, took a slice out the bank balances of US-based actors, musicians and performers. The top 50’s total income was $358.6 million, down 9.9% on the previous year.

The Wiggles were among the hardest hit, with their earnings dropping from $50 million to $45 million. Manager Mike Conway told The Australian that the exchange rate and the slowdown in the US economy had presented challenges for the group.

Not that the boys will be too worried. During the 12 years of the top entertainers list, BRW estimates The Wiggles have earned a staggering $240 million.

The most impressive debut on the list was The Australian Pink Floyd Show, which earned $6.5 million during the past year thanks to strong ticket sales on its British tours.

The top 10 (gross income for 2007-08)

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