Are American Idol contestants paid to be on the show?
THROUGHOUT the years, many contestants have sung their hearts out, trying to impress judges and viewers on American Idol.
Yet, with a singing contest that has produced thousands of wannabe superstars, fans of the series have been calling their compensation into question.
Are American Idol contestants paid to be on the show?
American Idol first debuted on Fox on June 11, 2002.
Since then, there have been 22 seasons, and the singing contest officially moved to ABC in 2018.
In the two decades of the show, thousands of contestants have competed, with many even giving up their jobs to record episodes.
The show has a compensation structure in place for those who get to the latter stages.
A two-hour episode reaps roughly $1500, a one-hour show reaps approximately $1300, and a 30-minute show sees a payment of around $910.
Contestants reportedly receive $450 to spend on clothes while food is included.
However, to receive that pay, they must have enrolled in the AFTRA union, which is a $1,600 payment upfront.
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.
Contestants audition with producers before they decide if you’re good enough, or in some cases amusing enough, to perform in front of the celebrity judges.
According to Fox Business, however, the actual costs begin if they accept you as a contestant.
When the show crowns a winner, that winner is signed to Hollywood Records, and that’s when they get their first $125,000.
They then receive a further $125,000 after producing their first album.
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Winners can also participate in summer tours with the show, earning them a hefty payout.
Previously, victors such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson reportedly made $13 million and $11.7 million, respectively.