Since October 2010 the King of Pop has earned a whopping $170 million from his posthumous entertainment empire. Not only does this make Michael the top-earning dead celebrity, but it makes him the second highest paid star — dead or alive– overall this year.
PHOTOS: The Life and Times of Michael Jackson
MJ’s steady influx of income this year can be attributed largely to aggressive deal-making by his estate’s executors and publishing company Mijac Music. His Cirque du Soleil show, “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour,” has been a bankable hit since it premiered on October 2, grossing on average $2.5 million per night.
PHOTOS: Michael and Janet Jackson’s Most Memorable Moments
Jackson’s estate also earns the big bucks from his 50% stake in the Sony/ATV music catalog which includes hits from the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Eminem and others that generates approximately $50 million to $75 million a year.
The next big money-maker for Michael will undoubtedly be his new CD, “Immortal,” his second posthumous release, which hits stores November 21st.
