The Top Musicians ‘Gone Good’

We’ve already talked about Forbes’ 2012 list of the “world’s highest paid musicians.” But which artists used their fame and fortune for the most good? Nonprofit Do Something has compiled its own year-end list of the “Top 20 Celebs Gone Good.” Taylor Swift is No. 1.

The organization aims to inspire teens and young adults (25 and under) to get involved in social change through national campaigns. Do Something, which has a 4 Star Charity Rating from Charity Navigator, has more than 1 million members. In the past year, 2.2 million young people participated in campaigns.

Photo: Charles Sykes / Invision / AP

ABC’s "Good Morning America," New York City

In addition to musicians, the charity’s annual “Top 20 Celebs Gone Good of 2012” includes actors and sports figures. Morning news anchor Robin Roberts and TV/radio/awards host Ryan Seacrest also made this year’s list.

Swift’s contributions to charity over the past year include donating $4 million to the Country Hall of Fame Museum and her work helping young people battling cancer. The Robert F. Kennedy Center recognized her achievements for charity by naming her the youngest person to ever receive the Ripple of Hope Award.

Miley Cyrus’ image isn’t as squeaky clean as Swift’s, but that didn’t stop her from making the “Celebs Gone Good” list at No. 2. Do Something applauded the singer/actress for promoting the Saving Spot! Rescue nonprofit that helps dogs from high-kill shelters find a home. Cyrus, who participated in TOMS’ One Day Without Shoes challenge, has also worked with the Save The Music Foundation, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

No. 4 is Lady Gaga, who recently donated $1 million to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Earlier this year Mother Monster donated $1.2 million to start her Born This Way Foundation, whose mission is “to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated.”

The other musicians on the 2012 “Gone Good” list include Justin Bieber, Pink, Selena Gomez, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwood.