American Idol Season twenty came to a close on Sun, May 22, crowning Noah Thompson equally its newest Idol. Only what exactly does that mean for Noah? Here'due south everything American Idol winners and runners-upwards receive after the prove, including prizes, contracts, and payments.

Ryan Seacrest, HunterGirl, and Noah Thompson awaiting the winners reveal on American Idol 2022.
Ryan Seacrest, HunterGirl, and Noah Thompson on 'American Idol' | Eric McCandless/ABC

Do 'American Idol' contestants become paid for joining the prove?

American Idol contestants start raking in fiscal benefits long earlier a winner takes home the bays. As Fox Business revealed in 2016, the Top 24 artists each season receive payment based on how many hours they spend filming. For case, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) pays contestants $ane,571 and meals for a 2-hr episode. Meanwhile, a one-60 minutes show pays $i,303.

In improver to the payments, contestants too receive a $450 stipend for wearable. Withal, equally Vanity Fair contributing editor Richard Rushfield told Fox Concern, they often dip into their ain personal budgets for wear because $450 doesn't cover an entire wardrobe in Hollywood. They can then keep the clothes afterwards the contest ends.

What prizes exercise 'American Idol' winners receive?

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The most contempo information on prizes for American Idol winners came in 2019 when season 17 third-place winner Madison VanDenburg's contract leaked, as Newsweek reported. According to the contract, American Idol winners receive a record deal with the Disney-owned studio Hollywood Records. That tape deal reportedly comes with $250,000, divide into ii payments.

The beginning $125,000 comes when artists sign the contract, followed by the remaining $125,000 when the vocalizer finishes their album. The winners also receive a $300,000 advance to record the album, plus boosted coin for living expenses. However, they do need to pay back the accelerate, every bit well equally 50% of marketing costs, with album sales. Additionally, every bit Newsweek points out, some of the money likely goes to managers and lawyers.

Practise 'American Idol' runners-upwards go any prizes?

2d-place American Idol winners have the take a chance to take domicile prizes, as well. During the finale on Sunday nighttime, the Tiptop 2 artists — Noah Thompson and HunterGirl — received trips on Disney'southward new Disney Wish prowl to the Bahamas with 3 guests each.

According to VanDenburg's contract, American Idol runners-upward could also receive a contract with Hollywood Records, albeit a smaller ane. Equally The Blast notes, runners-up may receive $87,500 initially and then some other $87,000 for a completed album.

This year, the Top 7 besides had the risk to record and release original singles. Noah, HunterGirl, and third-place winner Leah Marlene performed their originals during the finale. They can employ their songs however they wish after the competition.

'American Idol' used to offering larger prize packages

The American Idol prize packages take inverse drastically over the years. As The New York Times revealed, earlier winners, including season four winner Carrie Underwood, received a $one million recording contract, plus free access to a private jet and a car. It'south unclear why American Idol cut down the prizes or when exactly the changes occurred.

American Idol Season 20 is now streaming on Hulu. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for more updates on the testify and its winners.

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