Jennifer Lopez is the World’s Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes has just released their annual list of the 100 most influential people in entertainment, and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez has been named the “World’s Most Powerful Celebrity.” The 2012 list is based on “earnings, press coverage and Internet impact,” with Lopez toppling 2011’s most powerful celebrity, Lady Gaga, from the #1 spot. Lopez moved from #50 last year to #1, achieving her first #1 finish on Forbes’ list.

Among the newbies on this year’s list are Rihanna (No. 4), Adele (No. 24), Dwayne Johnson (No. 70), Sofia Vergara (No. 76), Zooey Deschanel (No. 96), and Melissa McCarthy (No. 99).

Forbes’ Top 10 Most Powerful Celebrities:

NAME – 2012 Rank – 2012 Earnings – 2011 Rank – 2011 Earnings
Jennifer Lopez #1 $52 million #50 $25 million
Oprah Winfrey #2 $165 million #2 $290 million
Justin Bieber #3 $55 million #3 $53 million
Rihanna #4 $53 million New N/A
Lady Gaga #5 $52 million #1 $90 million
Britney Spears #6 $58 million Returnee N/A
Kim Kardashian #7 $18 million New N/A
Katy Perry #8 $45 million #12 $44 million
Tom Cruise #9 $75 million Returnee N/A
Steven Spielberg #10 $ 130 million #22 $107 million

Visit www.forbes.com/celebs for the complete coverage.