Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

How fickle the fortunes of fame can be, at least according to Forbes.

The business - or should we say the list-making - mag is out with its new rundown of "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities," proclaiming that Lady Gaga has replaced Oprah Winfrey as No. 1, thanks to monstrous media clout, especially online, with 10 million Twitter followers.

Taylor Swift, just 21, the Berks County-born "money-making machine," again tops the local notables, finishing at No. 7, up five spots from last year.

But right behind her were Jersey rockers Bon Jovi, led by ex-Philadelphia Soul owner Jon Bon Jovi, whose Soul Foundation is active in Philadelphia charitable work. Thanks to a world tour, the band collected the fourth most dough among rankees, trailing only Winfrey (No. 2 most powerful), U2 (No. 4) and actor/producer Tyler Perry (No. 19).

Not even among the 100 names last year, Bon Jovi would have the most meteoric rise if not for some upstart named Justin Bieber, 17, who landed at No. 3.

Fellow Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen fell off the list entirely, after finishing No. 17 last year, and Doylestown-born Pink also disappeared. Bankrolls and buzz for pop stars clearly rise and fall with tours.

Holding steady at No. 14, though, was NBA all-star Kobe Bryant, who led Lower Merion High to a state title. The only higher ranked athletes were golfer Tiger Woods (6) and fellow basketballer LeBron James (10).

Wharton grad Donald Trump rose to No. 17 from 33, and his presidential posturing didn't hurt, because "his mouth keeps him famous," Forbes says. His name may have been removed Monday from the Trump Marina casino in Atlantic City, but Celebrity Apprentice got renewed, and his name's now on such things as golf courses, neckties and bottled water.

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Related URL: http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-19/news/29560671_1_jon-bon-jovi-list-rise-and-fall

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