23 Jan, 2013
PSY`s `Gangnam Style` has already earned singer $8.1 million and counting
23 Jan, 2013
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South Korean pop sensation PSY -- born Park Jae-sang -- has shattered YouTube records with his earworm hit "Gangnam Style," a song that managed to eclipse even Carly Rae-Jepsen`s "Call Me Maybe" to become the definitive, Internet-launched smash single of 2012.
But what is that kind of runaway success worth, in dollars?
According to the Associated Press, the amount is $8.1 million in 2012 alone - not too shabby for a virtual unknown whose personal mantra for success is "dress classy and dance cheesy."
The YouTube views -- now hovering at 880 million, 70 million more than second-place Justin Bieber`s "Baby" -- account for $870,000 in ad-supported revenue for the singer.
Then there are downloads and CD sales: The single has been downloaded 2.9 million times in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, at a price of $1.29 per iTunes download. Apple keeps 30 percent of that. Total take for PSY: $2.6 million.
Finally, there are the endorsements and ad campaigns. In his home country, PSY`s song has been popping up in commercials for Samsung and LG, while PSY himself has been hired to pitch a Samsung refrigerator and a leading noodle company.
The AP quotes an analyst who estimates the value of these various deals to be worth about $4.6 million.
Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
