But one of the most intriguing aspects of the show is its monetary machinations, namely what and how contestants are paid. Given that auditioners must take time out of their day-to-day lives (and jobs) to perform for a chance at musical stardom, it’s worth parsing through what they get in return — aside from exposure on national television.
? SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
Yes and no. Per previous contestant Margie Mays, who competed in Seasons 17 and 18, contestants aren’t paid until they make it to the live rounds, midway through the season. She said in a 2020 TikTok that she was paid to appear in commercials for the show and, later on, received compensation when Idol flew her and others out to Hawaii, during which she also got a per diem.
So, for the Top 24, SAG-AFTRA pays each contestant a performance fee of $1,571 plus meals for two-hour Idol shows, $1,303 for one-hour shows and $910 for half-hour results shows, figures that have likely changed since Fox Business reported them in 2016. Each contestant must also pay to join the union.
Do American Idol contestants have to pay to audition for the show?
Season 7 winner David Cook echoed that sentiment, telling Business Insider in 2022 that people were often shocked to hear that his on-screen audition for judges was indeed his fifth round after multiple initial screenings — all of which he had to put his own money down for, flying between auditions.
Other contestants like Season 15 runner-up La’Porsha Renae and Season 3 second place finisher Diana DeGarmo also had to traverse long distances to make it to the auditions. The former made a near 30-hour drive to Rhode Island, while the latter flew from Georgia to Hawaii to make it to city auditions before the tour closed ahead of her season.
As Richard Rushfield, author of American Idol: The Untold Story, told Fox Business previously, "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. Some can't afford to and drop out."
Since 2020, part of the initial screening process has been made virtual via Zoom, social media or other live video elements. However, per the show’s guidelines, and as mentioned, singers who receive a callback must arrange their own travel.
Related: Jennifer Hudson Battled Nervous ‘Jitters’ After Shock ‘American Idol’ Elimination 21 Years Ago (Exclusive)
Ryan Seacrest, Brian Dunkleman & "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)Jeffrey Mayer/Getty Images Photo/WireImage
"However, if you make it to the live rounds, which is usually Top 14 and above, they do dress you. There will be stylists, hair, makeup, the whole shebang 'cause they really want you to go from looking like [an] everyday person to a star and to really transform from the beginning of the show to the end,” she added.
“The contestants know they will be in front of 300 million people, and they’re creating an image, their brand,” An, who worked with Idol alums like Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Sparks, Underwood and Clarkson, said. “So if the costume goes over $400, the contestants have to decide whether or not to buy it themselves if they really want to wear it.”
Additional costs not often considered by the audience? “They don't provide travel or expenses for families," Rushfield explained. "That's the expense that causes the most trouble for Idols and their families."
What do American Idol contestants get for being on the show?
As mentioned, there are certain per diem payments and other compensation once contestants make it through to the semi-finals. Additionally, runners-up get to typically join other finalists in the American Idols Live! national tour, which naturally comes along with a paycheck (roughly $150,000) and further exposure.
Throughout the show, contestants also get perks in terms of living arrangements; in the past, competitors have lived in apartments, hotels and even a mansion in Season 8, which featured a basketball court, bowling alley, movie theater and outdoor/indoor pools. For more recent seasons, however, singers have stayed in paid-for hotel rooms.
What does the American Idol winner get?
Per the 2022 Insider article, Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe said fans often have a misconception around the show’s grand cash prize. "People were asking my parents, 'So are you quitting your jobs?' They asked my sister, 'Oh, so are you quitting your job? Is your sister going to support you now?'"
"You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes," Poppe recalled. "And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it's just like an advance from the record deal, but I'm pretty sure I have to recoup it." (Indeed, she does; the advance is paid back against future earnings, at which point the artist will receive 15% royalties on future sales.)
According to Rushfield, Disney-owned ABC sees that the Top 4 do Disney World commercials and other spots for Ford, which sponsors the show. “That’s one of the biggest paydays,” he said.
Overall, the higher the finish, the larger the paycheck. Notable high earners are Underwood, who received $13 million from 2009 to 2010. Clarkson got $11.7 million. The former was even offered a private jet after her win, but ultimately turned it down because she could not (yet) afford the taxes on such transportation.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( How Much Do ‘American Idol’ Contestants Get Paid? )
Also on site :