Do 'American Idol' contestants get paid? A look at the staggering income and other perks singers earn

Unlike other reality singing shows, 'American Idol' appears to pay its contestants decently
PUBLISHED FEB 18, 2024
'American Idol' contestants get paid and receive other perks for being on the show (YouTube/@AmericanIdol)
'American Idol' contestants get paid and receive other perks for being on the show (YouTube/@AmericanIdol)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' contestants who reach the top 12, now expanded to 24, are paid based on the length of filming. For a two-hour episode, contestants earn around $1,571, while a one-hour show yields approximately $1,303, according to Fox Business.

Contestants also receive compensation for half-hour results episodes, earning $910 for each episode. Additionally, the contestants are provided with meals during the show's filming. This payment structure serves as acknowledgment and compensation for their participation and progression in the competition. 

'American Idol' Season 22 is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 8 pm ET. The two-hour-long premiere episode will be available for viewers to watch the next day on Hulu.

The teaser for the upcoming season features judges Luke Byrant, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, accompanied by host Ryan Seacrest, embarking on a golden ticket road to Hollywood in a homage to the classic film 'The Wizard Of Oz'. The trailer for 'American Idol' 2024 transports viewers to a fantasy land and offers glimpses of past winners such as Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert, showcasing their hometowns.

Is Katy Perry leaving after 'American Idol' Season 22? 

Pop star Katy Perry recently announced her departure from 'American Idol' after seven years as a judge on the reality singing competition. During an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live', the 39-year-old singer revealed that the upcoming season would be her last.

Perry shared her excitement about performing at the Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil in September and expressed her eagerness for travel and releasing new music. The 'California Gurls' singer, who wrapped up a two-year Las Vegas concert residency in November, said she was looking forward to traveling and putting out new music.

Katy Perry flaunts an extraterrestrial ‘spaced out’ inspired outfit (Instagram/@katyperry)
Katy Perry to leave 'American Idol' after season 22 (Instagram/@katyperry)

What is 'American Idol' Season 22 all about?

'American Idol' serves as a platform for aspiring singers nationwide, where they compete in auditions for a chance to secure a coveted Hollywood ticket. Subsequent rounds pit the talented contestants against each other, all vying for the prestigious title of 'American Idol'. As the competition progresses to the semi-finals, viewers get to vote for their favorite performers.

Luke Bryan leaks 'American Idol' Season 21 winner before the announcement (Instagram/lukebryan)
'American Idol' judges (Instagram/lukebryan)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Ozzy Lusth previously competed on ‘Survivor: Cook Islands’, ‘Survivor: Micronesia’, ‘Survivor: Game Changers’, ‘American Ninja Warrior’, and more
1 hour ago
Brooks Rosser has made a name for himself throughout his auditions, the Ohana Round and the Disney Aulani round in 'American Idol' Season 24.
13 hours ago
The ‘Summer House’ spinoff, ‘In The City,’ is set to premiere on May 19, featuring Amanda Batula, West Wilson, and Kyle Cooke, with additional cast members.
22 hours ago
Star Lindsay Hubbard took to her IG story to quash all rumors of a potential reunion filming date
1 day ago
Another hopeful exits 'American Idol' Season 24 after a tough competition in the 'Judges Song Contest' theme, after reaching the Top 12.
1 day ago
Connor Tomlinson exits ‘Love on the Spectrum’ after a standout run, teasing a bold career shift as the show moves on with new faces and fresh love stories.
1 day ago
Last season's Disney Night saw Lin-Manuel Miranda mentor the contestants ahead of their performances
1 day ago
The latest episode of the competition saw past winners return for an epic sing-off in the 'All-Star Showdown'
1 day ago
A fan-favorite’s comeback ends abruptly as delayed results shake the stage, leaving ‘American Idol’ viewers stunned.
1 day ago
Last week's results were delayed after the show received an unusually high number of votes
2 days ago