{"id":543,"date":"2026-05-12T11:37:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T11:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/2026\/05\/12\/what-does-the-american-idol-winner-get-what-we-know-about-the-grand-prize\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T11:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T11:37:35","slug":"what-does-the-american-idol-winner-get-what-we-know-about-the-grand-prize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/2026\/05\/12\/what-does-the-american-idol-winner-get-what-we-know-about-the-grand-prize\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does the \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d Winner Get? What We Know About the Grand Prize"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The singing competition show has launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, among many others<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/21kckMdU-0gXfj7hNTmzRsHjPj8=\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)\/abi-carter-american-idol-winnner-lionel-richie-051924_3138-866a0e47baf24510b6b53053c9bc6892.jpg\" alt=\"Abi Carter and Lionel Richie on \" title=\"Abi Carter wins american idol 202 4 05 19 24 Lionel richie\" \/><figcaption><i>Abi Carter and Lionel Richie on &#8220;American Idol&#8221; season 22.<br \/>Credit: Disney\/Eric McCandless<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>NEED TO KNOW<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><em>American Idol<\/em> first premiered in June 2002<\/li>\n<li>Since then, the winners of each season have walked away with a cash prize and a recording contract<\/li>\n<li><em>American Idol <\/em>crowned its newest winner during the season 24 finale on May 11<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A year after three-time auditioner <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/all-about-american-idol-winner-jamal-roberts-11737380\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Jamal Roberts<\/a> scored a triumphant win on season 23 of <em>American Idol<\/em>, a new rising star is ready to take center stage.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>American Idol <\/em>season 24 finale aired on May 11, with the latest champion joining the show\u2019s long line of winners, from season 1 breakout <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/kelly-clarkson\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Kelly Clarkson<\/a> to season 4 country superstar <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/carrie-underwood\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Carrie Underwood<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Winning <em>American Idol <\/em>can open the door to major career opportunities \u2014 and for some contestants, a sizable cash prize as well, though the amount has changed over the years.<\/p>\n<p>But even artists who don\u2019t take home the title, like <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/jennifer-hudson\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Jennifer Hudson<\/a>, have proven that the exposure alone can launch a hugely successful career.<\/p>\n<p>So, what does the winner of <em>American Idol <\/em>get? Here\u2019s what to know about the singing competition\u2019s grand prize.<\/p>\n<h2>What does the winner of <em>American Idol<\/em> receive?<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/UlN3EgeV4c-V0dxjO-n7pSvYskA=\/fit-in\/1280x960\/carrie-underwood-jamal-roberts-051925-a624b1cefb624c199fc43d58275a06e8.jpg\" alt=\"Carrie Underwood and Jamal Roberts on season 23 of \" title=\"CARRIE UNDERWOOD, JAMAL ROBERTS - AMERICAN IDOL\" \/><figcaption><i>Carrie Underwood and Jamal Roberts on season 23 of &#8220;American Idol.&#8221;<br \/>Credit: Christopher Willard\/Disney via Getty<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The winner of <em>American Idol <\/em>receives a recording contract and a substantial cash prize, though the amount has changed since the show started.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/american-idol-bad-things-being-on-show-from-contestants-2022-7\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Business Insider<\/a> in July 2022, season 16 winner Maddie Poppe said the cash prize doesn\u2019t exactly mean a person is \u201cset for life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes,&#8221; she said. &#8220;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&#8217;s just like an advance from the record deal, but I&#8217;m pretty sure I have to recoup it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The cash portion of the grand prize has fluctuated in the decades since <em>American Idol <\/em>first premiered. The show\u2019s inaugural champion, Clarkson, reportedly walked away with a $1 million recording deal with RCA Records in 2002, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/parade.com\/1195083\/jessicasager\/kelly-clarkson-net-worth\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\"><em>Parade<\/em><\/a>. In 2012, <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/phillip-phillips\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Phillip Phillips<\/a> followed suit when he won season 11, per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.today.com\/popculture\/phillip-phillips-wins-american-idol-791465\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\"><em>Today<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While appearing on the <a href=\"https:\/\/tasteofcountry.com\/chayce-beckham-american-idol-prize-taste-of-country-nights-on-demand\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\"><em>Taste of Country Nights, On Demand<\/em><\/a> podcast in May 2022, season 19 winner <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/music\/american-idol-chayce-beckham-on-future-plans-move-to-nashville-with-graham-defranco\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Chayce Beckham<\/a> confirmed his cash prize was under the previous $1 million threshold, and that he did not receive a free car or trophy.<\/p>\n<h2>What do the second and third place winners on <em>American Idol <\/em>get?<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/4LlVsft_DjOxYWAdK9bTz6HrLdY=\/fit-in\/1280x960\/jennifer-hudson-adam-lambert-american-idol-051525-63c8b1b3985f44e88972b71e9552c3d4.jpg\" alt=\"Jennifer Hudson on 'American Idol' on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California ; Adam Lambert on 'American Idol' on May 17, 2012 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Kevin Winter\/Getty; FOX via Getty\" title=\"American Idol - Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert \" \/><figcaption><i>Jennifer Hudson on &#8216;American Idol&#8217; on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California ; Adam Lambert on &#8216;American Idol&#8217; on May 17, 2012 in Hollywood, California<br \/>Credit: Kevin Winter\/Getty; FOX via Getty<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>No numbers have been confirmed regarding the winnings allotted to those who finish in second and third place. However, many <em>American Idol<\/em> contestants have benefited from the show\u2019s significant exposure and gone on to build impressive careers.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest names is season 3 contestant Hudson, who finished in seventh place. Since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/iamjhud\/reel\/CwKmEWbo3TN\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">her 2003 audition<\/a>, Hudson has earned the coveted title of <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/celebrity-egot-awards-11689289\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">EGOT winner<\/a>, starred in a handful of movies and launched her own talk show.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sometimes, you just don&#8217;t know what time you&#8217;re in <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/jennifer-hudson-looks-back-at-american-idol-journey-20-years-later-exclusive-8711505\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">until you look back at it<\/a>,\u201d she told PEOPLE in September 2024. &#8220;[I didn&#8217;t know] that would set my career, that I could sit here and say, 20 years later, I&#8217;m still here in the industry.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, some of the top names in country music got their start on <em>American Idol<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/lauren-alaina\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Lauren Alaina<\/a> was named runner-up in season 10 in 2011, while <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/gabby-barrett\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Gabby Barrett<\/a> came in third place during season 16 in 2018. <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/kellie-pickler\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\">Kellie Pickler<\/a>, who has produced multiple chart-topping hits, including \u201cBest Days of Your Life,\u201d\u00a0finished in sixth place on season 5 of the competition show in 2006.<\/p>\n<p><em>American Idol<\/em> season 5 runner-up <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/katharine-mcphee\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Katharine McPhee<\/a> found fame after releasing her debut self-titled album in 2007.\u00a0 Her r\u00e9sum\u00e9 includes NBC\u2019s <em>Smash<\/em>, the CBS drama <em>Scorpion<\/em>, Netflix\u2019s <em>Country Comfort<\/em>, <em>The House Bunny<\/em> and more. <em>Waitress<\/em> marked her Broadway debut in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/adam-lambert\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Adam Lambert<\/a> has become a household name after clinching second place on season 8 in 2009. He spent a decade touring with the band Queen, <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/adam-lambert-honors-freddie-mercury-final-queen-show-north-american-tour-2023-8401893\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">assuming the lead singer role<\/a> once held by the late <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/freddie-mercury\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\">Freddie Mercury<\/a>. In 2024, Lamber made his Broadway debut.<\/p>\n<h2>How much do contestants on <em>American Idol<\/em> get paid?<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/jn49dqgjzXDdD-fuwjaRTn2rk_8=\/fit-in\/1280x960\/LIONEL-RICHIE-CARRIE-UNDERWOOD-LUKE-BRYAN-american-idol-012626-1-4c0982753b534f19a5705977a71f7645.jpg\" alt=\"Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on 'American Idol' season 24 in 2026Credit: Disney\/Eric McCandless\" title=\"AMERICAN IDOL 901 Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan welcome the newest class of hopefuls to Idol University in Nashville, where future stars take their first steps toward becoming the next American Idol. MONDAY, JAN. 26\" \/><figcaption><i>Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan on &#8216;American Idol&#8217; season 24 in 2026<br \/>Credit: Disney\/Eric McCandless<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>According to Margie Mays, who competed on seasons 17 and 18 of <em>American Idol<\/em>, contestants don\u2019t get paid \u201cuntil you make it to the live rounds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When they take you to places like Hawaii, obviously, they pay for that, and then there\u2019s things like a per diem for, like, eating while you\u2019re in Hawaii,&#8221; she explained in a November 2020 <a class=\"pseudoStyle\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@margiemaysmusic\/video\/6898884283960675589\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">TikTok video<\/a>. &#8220;But they\u2019re not paying you to be a contestant. That\u2019s the sacrifice you make to try to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>During Hollywood Week, all expenses are covered, including lodging, transportation and food, Mays <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@margiemaysmusic\/video\/6905080354424589574\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">confirmed in another TikTok<\/a> the following month. The show also takes care of airfare for contestants who are traveling from outside of Los Angeles. That said, contestants don\u2019t get a paycheck for performing on <em>American Idol<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re not paying you money, but they are paying for your expenses,\u201d Mays reiterated.<\/p>\n<p>The same can be said about professional services, like wardrobe, hair and makeup. Contestants are on their own up until the live rounds (or the Top 14), then production steps in with a styling team, per Mays.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere will be stylists, hair, makeup, the whole shebang &#8217;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,\u201d she explained in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@margiemaysmusic\/video\/6900350647091088646\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">different TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In a May 2013 interview with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/lifestyle\/style\/american-idol-limits-contestants-400-onstage-costumes-493272\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\"><em>The Hollywood Reporter<\/em><\/a>, former <em>American Idol<\/em> stylist Soyon An revealed that contestants are given a $400 wardrobe stipend per episode \u2014 anything over that came out of their own pockets.<\/p>\n<p><em>American Idol<\/em> may also pay contestants to appear in commercials or return for the finale episode if they\u2019ve already been let go, according to Mays.<\/p>\n<h2>Who is the most successful <em>American Idol<\/em> winner?<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/fFodtwqrsFEjKzttac4lGGLsCqY=\/fit-in\/1280x960\/kelly-clarkson-american-idol-finale-051525-3fdb959ded574d85a6f03119d6222b62.jpg\" alt=\"Kelly Clarkson on 'American Idol' in June 2002.Credit: Steve Granitz\/WireImage\" title=\"Kelly Clarkson American Idol Finale\" \/><figcaption><i>Kelly Clarkson on &#8216;American Idol&#8217; in June 2002.<br \/>Credit: Steve Granitz\/WireImage<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>American Idol<\/em> has launched several A-list stars, including Phillips, Beckham, Fantasia Barrino, <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/jordin-sparks\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">Jordin Sparks<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/scotty-mccreery\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Scotty McCreery<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Since becoming the first <em>American Idol<\/em> winner in 2002, Clarkson has also held a high profile. She\u2019s released 10 studio albums and nabbed 17 Grammy nominations, three of which she won.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, Clarkson joined <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/all-about-the-voice-coaches-seasons-11723287\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\"><em>The Voice<\/em><\/a> and appeared as a coach for nine seasons. A year later, she launched her Emmy award-winning daytime talk show, <em>The Kelly Clarkson Show<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>After releasing her latest album, <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/kelly-clarkson-calls-album-chemistry-after-first-experiencing-it-with-her-ex-7504637\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\"><em>Chemistry<\/em><\/a>, she had a <a href=\"https:\/\/investor.caesars.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/kelly-clarkson-announces-new-las-vegas-residency-colosseum\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow\">sold out Las Vegas residency<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/aLAQT3W3VEnlLDFplUo37q-8GYI=\/fit-in\/1280x960\/carrie-underwood-american-idol-tout-052024-ac4b18ef796142fcaa6c38b7015ff1c4.jpg\" alt=\"Carrie Underwood on 'American Idol' on May 25, 2005 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Kevin Winter\/Getty\" title=\"American Idol Finalist Carrie Underwood performs onstage the American Idol Finale: Results Show held at the Kodak Theatre on May 25, 2005 in Hollywood, California\" \/><figcaption><i>Carrie Underwood on &#8216;American Idol&#8217; on May 25, 2005 in Hollywood, California<br \/>Credit: Kevin Winter\/Getty<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the same vein, after being <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/carrie-underwood-shares-never-before-seen-photos-from-2005-american-idol-11710644\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">crowned the winner<\/a> of season 4 in 2005, Underwood has accrued the most nominations and wins of any <em>American Idol<\/em> winner, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammy.com\/news\/american-idol-winners-2022-finale-grammy-wins-nominations-contestants-kelly-clarkson-carrie-underwood\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Recording Academy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Over the years, Underwood has released nine studio albums; received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry; <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/style\/carrie-underwood-shows-calia-activewear-line-at-fashion-week-i-need-clothes-like-this-now-that-im-a-mom\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">launched a popular fitness clothing line<\/a>; helmed her own <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/style\/inside-carrie-underwood-las-vegas-residency-wardrobe\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\">Las Vegas residency<\/a>; and written a <em>New York Times<\/em> bestseller.<\/p>\n<p>During season 20 in 2022, Underwood returned to the <em>American Idol<\/em> stage as a guest mentor. Two years later, the singer announced <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/carrie-underwood-announced-as-new-american-idol-judge-8687139\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">she was joining the judges&#8217; panel<\/a> for season 23 \u2014\u00a0making her the first former contestant to do so in <em>American Idol<\/em> history.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,\u201d Underwood shared in her announcement. &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/carrie-underwood-announced-as-new-american-idol-judge-8687139\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">I&#8217;m proud of everything<\/a> that I was able to accomplish on the show, and I&#8217;m so proud of everything that I&#8217;ve accomplished since.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The singing competition show has launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, among many others Abi Carter and Lionel Richie on &#8220;American Idol&#8221; season 22.Credit: Disney\/Eric McCandless NEED TO KNOW American Idol first premiered in June 2002 Since then, the winners of each season have walked away with a cash prize and a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-everything-else"],"wpmagazine_modules_lite_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":"","cvmm-medium":"","cvmm-medium-plus":"","cvmm-portrait":"","cvmm-medium-square":"","cvmm-large":"","cvmm-small":"","full":""},"categories_names":{"1":{"name":"Everything Else","link":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/category\/everything-else\/"}},"tags_names":[],"comments_number":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=543"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adsandthings.com\/winews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}