Since Jennifer Lopez booty-popped her way past Lady Gaga and straight to the top slot on Forbes' "World's Most Powerful Celebrities" list in May, her assets have ever so slightly depreciated.
Because in its most recent lineup of über-influential public figures, the New York City-based business mag (also known as "The Capital Tool") rates the world's 100 most powerful women. And shockingly, J.Lo now lingers 24 spots behind Gaga.
Nevertheless, only four pop superstars made the cut, sharing the distinction of being Planet Earth's top power women with the likes of Michelle Obama, CNN's Christiane Amanpour, and German Chancelor Angela Merkel.
Not bad for ladies who make a living in hot pants and glitter.
Shakira, world's 40th most powerful woman. Hips don't lie and neither do facts. Shakira is one of the most powerful women. But multiplatinum album sales, Grammys, and a reported $60-million deal with Sony and Live Nation are only footnotes in this Colombian's life story. Since the mid-'90s, Shakira has donated time and money to help impoverished children around the globe, raising awareness with her nonprofits (Barefoot Foundation in the States and Pies Descalzos in Colombia) as well as her role as a UNICEF ambassador.
Jennifer Lopez, world's 38th most powerful woman. In 20 years, Ms. Lopez has gone from sketch-comedy-show back-up dancer to a Forbes-certified celebrity businesswoman. After starring in Selena, Jenny From the Block hooked up with Diddy, bitch-slapped the Billboard charts, became the queen of rom-coms, took some time off to give birth to twins, and then mounted a massive career comeback in 2012. So, yes, J.Lo is one of the biggest superstars. But she's also one of the sweetest. During a recent interview with the Australian edition of 60 Minutes, reporter Allison Langdon called Lopez "warm and engaging," citing the entertainer's refreshingly grounded demeanor. Diva? Yeah, right.
Beyoncé, world's 38th most powerful woman. Queen Bee's hustle is admirable. Just five months after giving birth to a girl, she was back in the spotlight, performing a sold-out show in front of First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters in Atlantic City. That's serious boss stuff.
Lady Gaga, world's 38th most powerful woman. Smell that? It's not Lady Gaga's Fame fragrance. It's power. Sandwiched between Kraft Foods Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld and IBM President and CEO Virginia Rometty, the Mother Monster is not only the highest-ranked pop star on Forbes' list but also the youngest.
