Winning 'American Idol' Comes With a Record Deal — but There's a Catch (2024)

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Winning 'American Idol' Comes With a Record Deal — but There's a Catch? ›

Though this may sound like a pretty sweet deal — getting paid to make music, it comes with a catch. Since the record label is technically taking a chance on the contestant, they will receive a $300,000 advance to record the album, which they will be expected to pay back with the album's sales.

You can't have any pending contracts or record deals.

If you accept the invitation to join American Idol, you must sign a contract that says you don't have any contractual obligations or agreements with your music.

Career control

The contract the contestants are required to sign gives Simon Fuller's company the right to oversee not just the recording deal for American Idol stars, but also control any merchandising, touring, sponsorship and movie deals.

The contract revealed that the artists take home $250,000 in two lump sums. The American Idol winner gets $125,000 when they sign the contract and the remaining $125,000 when they complete an album, which they have four months to do.

The initial contract extends for three years, although 19 continues to collect a percentage of some of the contestant's earnings for 10 years. The winner is not the only contestant who earns after the show. Last year the runner-up — Adam Lambert, whose first-week album sales were more than double those of Mr.

Despite her success, Anderson left the competition in April 2022 due to “personal reasons.” She made it to the top 24 before dropping out. The decision was announced by host Ryan Seacrest during the show but Anderson also announced it on her Instagram.

The contracts American Idol winners receive are not as lucrative as they once were. According to Newsweek, the winner of "American Idol" receives a record deal from Disney-owned Hollywood Records; runner-up artists also sometimes get signed to the label.

Laine Hardy appears to be getting a fresh start after battling some legal troubles in the spring of 2022. At the time, he was arrested and accused of planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend's dorm room. The American Idol winner was then released from jail on the evening of April 29.

American Idol does cover travel and housing expenses for those who go to Hollywood, which is the Top 20. They receive a small budget for other expenses, as well as money for fashion so they can pick out outfits when they perform on stage.

How much does it cost to be on American Idol? ›

Do contestants have to pay to audition for American Idol? The good news for wannabe contestants is that auditioning for American Idol is completely free. You only need to show up, fill out the necessary paperwork, and then wait for someone to call your name.

1. Carrie Underwood. Carrie Underwood earned the title of "American Idol" during season four of the show. The win launched her country-pop career and has made her one of the richest country music stars.

The winner usually receives a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums, and secures a management contract with American Idol-affiliated 19 Management (which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants), as well as various lucrative contracts.

Richard revealed that American Idol contestants get a $450 stipend and time with a fashion consultant once they make the top 12. They aren't required to use it on performance outfits, but that's generally what it's meant for.

For instance, Newsweek revealed a couple of years ago that artists receive $250,000 in two separate payments. They get the first part when the winners sign their contract, with the remaining 125,000 dollars being deposited to their accounts when they finish their albums.

Lionel Richie

The Grammy winner is earning a salary of around $10 million from American Idol, per multiple outlets.

Net worth: $140 Million

Country music star Carrie Underwood scores first place with the most significant net worth of $140 million. Since winning American Idol in 2005, the vocalist has created a profitable career for herself by having her hands in multiple projects at once.

Hudson was eliminated from season three of the competition after performing Barry Manilow's 1976 hit "Weekend in New England." She ultimately placed seventh. "Who chose stupid Barry Manilow week?" Cowell joked. "It wasn't me."

After winning over runner-up HunterGirl, Thompson received a $250,000 prize and a record deal with Hollywood Records. The singer currently shares singing videos on his TikTok and Instagram accounts.

What is Kenedi Anderson doing now? ›

Despite the setback, Anderson has continued to pursue her passion for music and is quickly making a name for herself in the industry. Her powerful voice and soulful performances have earned her a dedicated fanbase on social media, where she regularly shares her music and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life.

October 11, 2022, Jasper, TN

Willie Spence / Died

' Last year's American Idol runner-up HunterGirl was so impressive during the talent competition—remember Luke Bryan called her his “favorite female voice” and compared her to Miranda Lambert—that the record label didn't just sign winner Noah Thompson, they also signed HunterGirl.

It's use it or lose it.” The good news is that both winners and losers get to keep their wardrobes; from shoes, accessories, to dresses, skirts, tops, pants and jackets.

Hands down the most successful male to lose the “American Idol” title, Adam Lambert has had no trouble rising to fame. Lambert was the Season 8 runner-up to Kris Allen in 2009. Lambert's star has far surpassed Allen's and his net worth is estimated at over $20 million.

One of those singers was Lady K, who opened up about the difficulties she and her family have faced, including a period of homelessness. "There was a time where my family and I ended up living in a shelter," said the 25-year-old from Tuskegee, Alabama. "I'm the oldest so I instantly wanted to step up and to help out."

Sara Beth Liebe performs during Hollywood Week on “American Idol.” After her performance, Liebe, a 25-year-old singer from California, announced that she was dropping out of the competition.

"American Idol" alum C.J. Harris, who competed on Season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY. TMZ first reported the news, with a family member telling the outlet that Harris suffered a heart attack.

Singers get to meet their competition and rehearse with their coach for four days, while filming takes about two additional days.

Who pays for the trips to Hawaii? As part of the show, every contestant that makes it into the top 40 has their expenses paid for as they travel to Hawaii to compete on the show. They also get a couple of meals a day.

What hotel do American Idol contestants stay? ›

Season 21 of American Idol takes contestants to Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. After passing auditions, contestants will travel to Hawaii to work with celebrity mentors on their vocal skills. They will also perform at the resort located on the southwestern tip of Oahu.

Just as "Survivor" contestants leave their jobs (sometimes negotiating with their bosses to return after their seven or eight weeks away), "American Idol" contestants leave their lives behind. So do family members who travel to Los Angeles to support their loved one — on their own dime. Are contestants paid? Yes.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest made $5 million per season for the seasons one through eight of American Idol. In 2009, he signed a $45 million deal to continue to host American Idol for seasons nine through eleven, which paid him $15 million each season.

ABC's revival of “American Idol” is commanding an average of $179,807 for a 30-second spot in a Sunday broadcast and an average of $164,492 for a 30-second spot in a Monday show, according to Variety's survey.

His schedule was packed, and he was exhausted. Jason Morey, an executive at 19 Entertainment, called to invite him to dinner. Even though McCreery had sold nearly 3 million albums and had two Top 10 singles to his credit in recent months, Universal Music Group Nashville had decided to drop him from the label's roster.

1. Carrie Underwood. Our favorite country sensation has come a long way since she first auditioned in 2004. After Underwood was crowned the winner in season four, she went on to release nine successful studio albums, earning her eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards and 17 American Music Awards.

To date, Kelly Clarkson has won three GRAMMYs and has received 15 nominations. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has won eight GRAMMYs and has received a total of 16 nominations, making her the "Idol" contestant with the most GRAMMY wins and nominations.

Royalties only get paid to songwriters and the music publishing company, not performers or producers. THEY get paid when a singer on American Idol performs their song.

In earlier years the contestants were put up in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills because the surroundings made for a great setting for the often aired clips of the contestants at “home”. More recently, the contestants have lived in various apartments, usually with a roommate.

You have to cover your own travel.

It's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks.

Do American Idol contestants get contracts? ›

They Sign A Confidentiality Agreement After Auditions

Singers are not allowed to move on to a different stage of the competition without agreeing to sign the contract as well as a release allowing their Idol journey to be shown onscreen.

The initial contract extends for three years, although 19 continues to collect a percentage of some of the contestant's earnings for 10 years. The winner is not the only contestant who earns after the show. Last year the runner-up — Adam Lambert, whose first-week album sales were more than double those of Mr.

However, Katy's paycheck comes out to a whopping $25 million per season, more than both Lionel and Luke's combined, a history-making deal at the time when she was brought on as the "anchor" judge in 2017.

When Coca-Cola signed on as an initial sponsor for Fox's "American Idol" back in 2002 for $10 million, it was considered a huge coup.

Lopez judged American Idol starting in Season 10 with a rumored salary of $12 million. She returned for Season 11 with a raise to $15 million. She was replaced with Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey for Season 12, but returned for Seasons 13, 14 and 15 with a reported salary of $17.5 million each.

Who pays for American Idol contestants to go to Hollywood? American Idol does cover travel and housing expenses for those who go to Hollywood, which is the Top 20. They receive a small budget for other expenses, as well as money for fashion so they can pick out outfits when they perform on stage.

American Idol contestants reportedly make $1,303 for 1 hour shows, $1,571 for 2 hour shows, plus the cost of meals during the shows. And yes, the American Idol contestants even make money during the half-hour results shows — $910 per each half-hour results episode to be exact.

American Idol Qualifications

Contestants must be between 15-29 years old. Unlike THE VOICE or America's Got Talent, which have no age restrictions, contestants must be within this range in order to audition and compete. If you are in the under 18 bucket, you must bring a parent/guardian along with you to the audition.

It's use it or lose it.” The good news is that both winners and losers get to keep their wardrobes; from shoes, accessories, to dresses, skirts, tops, pants and jackets.

Who is the highest paid judge on American Idol? ›

How much do American Idol judges get paid? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Katy Perry is the highest paid judge on American Idol, receiving $25 million. Luke Bryan takes home $12 million for his role, whilst Lionel Ritchie earns $10 million.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest made $5 million per season for the seasons one through eight of American Idol. In 2009, he signed a $45 million deal to continue to host American Idol for seasons nine through eleven, which paid him $15 million each season.

The winner usually receives a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums, and secures a management contract with American Idol-affiliated 19 Management (which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants), as well as various lucrative contracts.

The runner-up sometimes receives a prize, as well, according to Distractify. This year, the second place winner won a Disney Cruise Line vacation with three guests. They also could get a record deal with Hollywood Records and prize winnings at half the amount the first price winner receives.

Phillip Phillips

He sang “Home” at the coronation, which he later released as his debut single. Though “Home” only ranked #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a sensational best-seller in the history of American Idol, having over 250 thousand digital downloads in just a week.

Meanwhile, they also receive a pay check to spend on clothing. "They go on a shopping trip with a fashion consultant who works on the show and they get like 450 dollars a week to spend on whatever they want," said Richard Rushfield, the former Vanity Fair contributing editor.

It's free to audition for American Idol, but you have to cover your travel and accommodations. The show will not compensate or arrange travel for people auditioning, even callbacks. You can sing any song you want. Whether it's an original song or a greatest hit, it's your choice what you sing for the judges.

During the first three seasons of the show, you had to be between the ages of 16 and 24 to audition. The age was then raised to 28. In 2010, the lower age limit was reduced from 16 to 15 and remains in place today. The youngest contestant to ever win American Idol was Jordin Sparks in 2007 when she was 17-years-old.