The American Idol judges and host are making a lot of money - see below and at TV Personalities Salaries - but how about the contestants? Will it pay off for them?
According to the Associated Press, a Los Angeles judge approved a record
contract that paid 2011 Idol winner Scotty McCreery $250,000 for winning the contest and recording his first album.
2011 Runner-up Lauren Alaina received $87,500, which was doubled after recording her first album, Wildflower. Since both contestants were under the age of 18, the agreements needed to be approved by court.
Scotty McCreery's first album, Clear as Day, was released October 4 2011 and has already gone platinum, selling one million copies as of January 10, 2012.
All 2011 top 11 Idol finalists got paid $1,000 for every show they performed during the American Idol Live Tour, according to TMZ. In addition to the $1,000 per concert they share in the merchandise profits from the tour. They also receive $50 in spending cash for non-concert days.
The 2010 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze got $175,000 when recording started, and the same amount after his first album delivered. A second album makes anywhere between $275,000 and $550,000 depending on the success of the album. As for a third album: between $325,000 and 650,000. As for a fourth: between $375,000 - $750,000. As for a fifth: $450,000 - $900,000. And a six album is the jackpot: between $500,000 and $1 million.
The second 2010 place finisher Crystal Bowersox made $150,000 when recording of her first album started and another $150,000 upon delivery. The second album will get between $225,000 and $450,000 and so on.
As for the 3rd through 12th place idols: if the label signs them, the payment is a $100,000 when recording starts and another $100,000 upon delivery. But do we no any of them?
Winning is not everything, when it comes to earnings. According to the Forbes top earning American idols list, only five Idols are making big money, like Adam Lambert, who was the runner up in the 7th season. Carrie Underwood is the sole contest winner on the list, and the top earner of the Idols.
Source: TMZ.com
, TMZ.com,
