'The Voice' Season 25: What does the winner of the NBC singing show get? Prize money and record contract await
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Voice' Season 25 is set to premiere on NBC on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 8 pm ET.
The upcoming season's coaches' panel will undergo some changes, with Chance the Rapper and the duo Dan and Shay joining John Legend and Reba McEntire. However, Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani will not be returning for this season.
The winner of the NBC show will not only secure lucrative prize money but will also earn a record deal. The winner of the prestigious 'The Voice' Season 25 will receive $100,000. The winner gets a record deal with Universal Music Group.
However, the amount appears less when compared to 'American Idol', where the winners receive a whooping $250,000 and a $1000 weekly stipend while recording the album.
The winner of 'The Voice' has other perks though such as getting mentored by their coaches for a lifetime.
For instance, Blake Shelton often takes his team on tour and actively advocates for the proper promotion of their records within Universal Music Group.
However as everything comes with a price, the contract too has some restrictions.
The cash prize comes with certain terms and conditions. In 2014 as per the New York Daily News, it was reported that if a contestant violates the contract they signed with the channel, they do not get to walk away with the prize.
Contestants who disclose the details of the show can be sued for between $100,000 to $1 million. In addition to the cash prize, contestants are provided with a modest stipend while participating in the show.
Who won 'The Voice' Season 24 and what did the winner get?
Michael Huntley from Team Niall Horan won 'The Voice' Season 24. The native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and a father of two impressed the judges from day one and won the hearts of America with his heartfelt voice.
Who could forget his mesmerizing cover of 'She Talks to Angels' in the blind audition round? Niall recognized his talent and took him on his team.
He triumphed over the other four finalists Lila Forde from Team Jordan, Mara Justine from Team Niall, Ruby Leigh, and Jacquie Roar from Team Reba to win the title.
This marked the second victory for coach Niall Horan who also won the previous season with Gina. Huntley received $100,000 and a record deal with the Universal Music Group.
Does the Music Record label cheat the winners of 'The Voice'?
Numerous past winners of 'The Voice' have raised concerns, expressing that while they secured the record deal, they did not receive the expected support from the label.
Many former winners of 'The Voice' have reported not receiving the level of exposure they deserved after their victories on the show.
Alison Potter from Season 10 told the New York Post, "I knew I wasn't gonna be the next Ariana Grande but when you're with a label who has Ariana Grande or people like that's a sort of their motivation."
Alison further expressed her disappointment with the record label and how unsupportive it was.
The Season 8 winner Sawyer Frederick also said something similar to the New York Post, "I feel like they're trying cookie-cutter every person that comes out of 'The Voice' cause they think they're all the same." He continued, "I don't think they put the time figuring out what kind of artist I was."
Even ex 'The Voice' coach Adam Levine told Howard Stein in 2015 as reported by The US Sun, "We do so much great s**t for these singers, and then they go to a record label ... that f***k it up."
Who are the most successful contestants of 'The Voice'?
'The Voice' surely has been not as successful as 'American Idol' in launching recording careers for the contestants and the winners.
Nevertheless, 'The Voice' boasts its roster of contestants who have achieved success in their music careers, some even earning Grammy nominations.
A notable example is Koryn Hawthorne from Season 8, who was part of Pharrell Williams's team and finished in fourth place during that season.
She has indeed carved out a successful gospel career winning several awards. Notably, she was nominated twice for the Grammys in the Gospel Performance/Song category, once in 2019 for 'Won't He Do It' and another in 2020 for 'Speak the Name'.
Another notable success story is Nicolle Galyon from Season 2, who, despite not advancing past the Battle Rounds under Adam Levine's team, flourished as an exceptional songwriter.
She went on to collaborate with renowned artists such as Lady A, Kenny Chesney, and Florida Georgia Line. She also has two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song in 2015 for Miranda Lambert's Automatic and 2019 Dan and Shay's Tequila.
Cassadee Pope from Season 3 (Blake Shelton's team) won the show and she also received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Think of You' in 2017.
Other successful contestants from 'The Voice' include Christina Grimmie (Season 3), Danielle Bradbery (season 4 winner), Morgan Wallen (Season 6), and Jordan Smith (Season 9)
Watch 'The Voice' Season 25 starting on Monday, February 26 at 8 pm ET on NBC.