How Much Do 'American Idol' Contestants Get Paid?

Season 23 of American Idol is here, bringing a new wave of talented hopefuls to the stage. While many dream of stardom, a big question remains: Do contestants on American Idol get paid?

The answer is both yes and no—it all depends on how far a contestant advances in the competition. Let’s break down how much contestants actually make and what the winner takes home.

**Do American Idol Contestants Get Paid?**

Audition Rounds: No Pay, High Costs

If you’re just showing up to audition, you won’t get paid a dime. In fact, many contestants spend their own money to travel for auditions, as American Idol only holds tryouts in select cities each year.

According to FOX Business, some aspiring singers have even dropped out because they couldn’t afford to keep traveling for auditions. The audition process has three stages, meaning contestants often need to return multiple times—all at their own expense.

Early Rounds: Room & Board, But No Salary

Once a contestant makes it past the auditions, they move on to Hollywood Week and other early rounds. Still, no paycheck. However, American Idol covers basic expenses like housing and meals.

Sometimes, contestants stay in luxurious mansions if behind-the-scenes footage is being filmed, but in most seasons, they are placed in modest apartments with roommates.

How Much Do the Top 24 Contestants Make?

Reaching the Top 24 comes with a financial boost—but there’s a catch. Contestants must join the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), which costs $3,000.

Once they’re in the Top 24, they start earning:

$1,571 for a two-hour episode
$1,303 for a one-hour episode
$910 for a half-hour episode

These rates are from 2016, so they may have changed. However, contestants sign contracts that prevent them from discussing financial details.

**How Much Does the American Idol Winner Make?**

Winning American Idol still comes with a solid payday, though it’s not as lucrative as it once was.

The champion receives:

$125,000 prize money
A recording contract
A $300,000 recording budget advance (but the label must recoup this before the artist earns more)
An additional $100,000 once they deliver a finished album
15% royalties on future sales

These winnings are much lower than in American Idol’s earlier years. When Carrie Underwood won in 2005, she received: