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Famous with Philly-area ties make list of powerful celebs

Women dominate the world, at least on Forbes’ latest list of the 100 most powerful celebrities.Teen idol Justin Bieber was the only male to muscle into the top eight, landing at No. 3 behind Jennifer Lopez and Oprah Winfrey, and ahead of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Brittany Spears, newcomer Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. The list was compiled by crunching rankings not only for income but "media visibility" and "social media power," sizing up a star’s reach via everything from TV to Twitter.

Taylor Swift, who grew up near Reading, is the world's 11th most powerful celebrity, according to Forbes.
Taylor Swift, who grew up near Reading, is the world's 11th most powerful celebrity, according to Forbes.Read more

Women dominate the world, at least on Forbes' latest list of the 100 most powerful celebrities.

Teen idol Justin Bieber was the only male to muscle into the top eight, landing at No. 3 behind Jennifer Lopez and Oprah Winfrey, and ahead of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Brittany Spears, newcomer Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry.

The list was compiled by crunching rankings not only for income but "media visibility" and "social media power," sizing up a star's reach via everything from TV to Twitter.

After actor Tom Cruise at No. 9 come two famous names who lived in the area as kids.

No. 10 is movie mogul Steven Spielberg, who called Haddon Township home for a while as child. His $130 million ranks him No. 3 for money, behind Winfrey and producer-director-Transformers ringmaster Michael Bay.

No. 11 is singer-songwriter-award-winner Taylor Swift, who grew up in Wyomissing, Berks County. She ranks 7th in social media power, and she earned $57 million last year, according to Forbes.

Her finishing in the top 12 for three straight years is remarkable since singers come and go depending on how much they tour. Jersey Boy Bruce Springsteen, a Philly favorite, was No. 17 two years ago, but hasn't made the list since. Norristown's Pink was No. 27 in 2010, her last ranking as well.

Jersey band Bon Jovi wasn't even listed in 2010, but a world tour won a No. 7 ranking last year, and No. 25 this year, when they raked in $60 million, 18th on the money list. Frontman Jon Bon Jovi, ex-owner of the Philadelphia Soul arena football team, collected more cash with an Advil ad, says Forbes.

A handful of other celebs with local ties made the list again.

Wharton grad Donald Trump (No. 14 overall, $63 million) was No. 2 for TV and radio publicity, thanks to his flirtation with running for president, and continued political outspokenness. Oh, and he stayed on as host of Celebrity Apprentice.

Lower Merion High's Kobe Bryant, whose Los Angeles Lakers were just ousted from the NBA playoffs, is ranked No. 27, second among all athletes. Golfer Tiger Woods is tops at No. 12.

Director-producer Dick Wolf (No. 54, $70 million) may not be a household name, but the Penn grad's Law & Order TV franchise is.

West Philly-raised actor Will Smith ($30 million), who fell off the list in 2010, is back again, ranked No. 58, up from 65 last year. His first major film in years, Men in Black III, is in theaters today, and he's been working with son Jaden on an M. Night Shyamalan sci-flick, After Earth. In 2008 and 2009, Smith was up to No. 11.

Last but not least is Upper Darby High grad and 30 Rock star Tina Fey (No. 93, $11 million), who has made the list for five straight years.

For more, see "World's Most Powerball Celebrities" at Forbes.com