Gaga could earn more than $100 million in 2011

Lady Gaga might show up wearing filet mignon at this year's MTV Video Music Awards — the 24-year-old singer is expected to make more than $100 million this year.

Forbes magazine reports that Gaga is poised to be the top-earning music act of 2011, thanks to her new CD, touring, merchandising and endorsements.

The New York native will play 41 shows over the next six months, taking in an estimated $33 million, or approximately $800,000 per show.


Her new record, "Born This Way," drops in June, and if past sales are any indication, it should rake in $10-$15 million. Since Gaga also writes her own songs, she'll likely get an additional $10-$15 million in royalties from radio play.

With the release of "Born This Way," Gaga may launch a larger, stadium tour in the second half of the year. That means an additional $45 million (or $1,000,000 per day).

The savvy businesswoman also promotes a whole range of products, including Polaroid video sunglasses, Virgin Mobile phones, and Beats by Dre headphones. The endorsements should get her another $5-$10 million.

As Forbes sums it up, that's $80-$90 million for touring and merchandise, $20-$30 million for album and radio play, and $5-$10 million for endorsements - which means Gaga could make between $100-$130 million this year.

“She’s just hitting her stride artistically and commercially now,” Bernie Resnick, who represents Gaga’s manager, tells Forbes. “We’re only seeing the beginning.”