American Idol contestants make a shocking amount from being on the show. This has been something viewers have been curious about since the start. However, some of the contestants have revealed what they make from performing on the reality TV show. It is safe to say the amount they make is shocking to most. Keep reading to find out more about this situation and how much they make.
American Idol Gets New Judge, Season Starts Off Good
American Idol is currently airing its newest season. However, there have been some changes. Katy Perry used to be a judge on the show. However, she resigned so she could focus more on her music. Fans were dying to know who they were going to replace her with. They ended up choosing Carrie Underwood. Viewers were unsure about how much they were going to like her. However, she has done a great job and is fitting in with the other judges well. Fans like how Carrie can relate to the contestants since she was on the show and won before. Now, she gets to help others live their dream.
How Much Do The Contestants Make? It’s A Shocking Amount
People have been wondering how much the contestants make on the show. Well, it has been revealed that they do not get paid unless they make it to the live shows. Even then, it is not much. A past contestant revealed it all.
“You don’t get paid until you make it to the live rounds. I also did a couple of commercials for [American Idol], and that stuff is paid. When they take you to places like Hawaii, obviously they pay for that and there are things like a per diem for eating while you’re in Hawaii. But they’re not paying you to be a contestant.”
Also, this is about how much they make per episode once they make it through to the live shows.
the competitors first have to pay $3,000 for membership with American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Once they are approved and part of the union, the contestants can earn $1,571 for a two-hour show, $1,303 for a one-hour episode, and $910 for a half-hour episode, per numbers in 2016. Additionally, The Hollywood Reporterstated competitors get a $400 weekly wardrobe allowance that allows them to keep their clothing selections afterwards.
It seems that the contestants do not get paid much unless they make it far in the show. However, all of their expenses are covered. This does save them money because it could get pretty expensive if they had to pay for it themselves. However, fans are still shocked that they barely make anything from being on the show. However, American Idol is for them to start their music career and get their names out there, so they are getting that. What do you think about how much they make? Are you shocked? Sound off in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation.
Hailee is a writer and loves any reality tv show. She is a fur mom and works from home with them by her side.