The hit singing competition American Idol is back for Season 23 with a new judge and contestants who are ready to win. Starring on the reality show and making it through to the finals may sound like the dream, but is it?
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If you've ever wondered how much money American Idol contestants actually make, you may be surprised. Making money on the show can only happen for a contestant if they make it past the auditioning process.
Money Earned By 'American Idol' Contestants
FOX Business reported that in a Vanity Fair contributing editor's book American Idol: The Untold Story, he revealed that many contestants can't overcome the financial hurdle of auditioning. "What the TV audience doesn't see is, if you're from San Diego and you audition and make it through in St. Louis, then you have to return to St. Louis a month or two later for the next round, and then again for a third round," Rushfield explained.
Since some contestants can't afford to make it through, they end up dropping out. On the flip side, if you do end up making it through, you can earn big time. The outlet reported that, according to Forbes, David Archuleta from Season 7 made $1.4 million. Archuleta made it to the finals but got second place against David Cook.
Forbes also revealed that Jordin Sparks, winner of the show's sixth season, made $1.8 million from June 2009 to May 2010. Both of these contestants made a lot of money, but only because they made it far.
Taste of Country then detailed how much the top 24 contestants earn. The outlet revealed that while they can earn a hefty income, there's a catch. They must first spend $3,000 just to join the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
From there, singers will earn $1,571 for a two-hour episode, $1,303 for one hour, and $910 for a half-hour. As a reminder, these numbers were from 2016, so it may be much different now compared to nine years ago.
Winning the entire show won't make you an instant millionaire, but you do get a nice paycheck. The winner receives $125,000 on top of a recording contract. That record company will then give the winner $300,000 for a recording budget, but the company needs to make the money back through sales.
Once the winner finishes their first album, they'll receive another $100,000. Finally, after recouping the advance, they earn 15% in royalties.
The Difficulties In Making Money For Contestants
According to FOX Business, only once you reach the top 12 do you receive room and board. This means that you'll only start receiving accommodations if you're a good enough singer. Some contestants are still good enough to make it through, but it's up to the judges to decide who stays and who leaves.
On top of that, the show won't cover any expenses for the contestants' families. This can make it tough for some families to keep up with their star family member as they perform on the show.
You also need to keep in mind that American Idol doesn't pay contestants and winners like it used to. Carrie Underwoof, winner of the fourth season, earned a $1 million recording contract. Not only that, but she received a Ford Mustang and private jet usage, according to People.
Overall, it's important to know that there's a slim chance for any auditioning American Idol contestant to win. Not just in terms of winning the show itself, but earning enough money to stay on the show and launch your music career.
