THROUGHOUT the years, many contestants have sung their hearts out, trying to impress judges and viewers on American Idol.

Yet, with a singing contest that has produced thousands of wannabe superstars, fans of the series have been calling their compensation into question.

Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol in 2002
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Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol in 2002Credit: Getty

Are American Idol contestants paid to be on the show?

American Idol first debuted on Fox on June 11, 2002.

Since then, there have been 22 seasons, and the singing contest officially moved to ABC in 2018.

In the two decades of the show, thousands of contestants have competed, with many even giving up their jobs to record episodes.

The show has a compensation structure in place for those who get to the latter stages.

Fox Business previously confirmed that contestants who make the top 12 – which has since expanded to 24 – receive paychecks according to the length of time they film.

A two-hour episode reaps roughly $1500, a one-hour show reaps approximately $1300, and a 30-minute show sees a payment of around $910.

Contestants reportedly receive $450 to spend on clothes while food is included.

However, to receive that pay, they must have enrolled in the AFTRA union, which is a $1,600 payment upfront.

Do contestants have to pay to audition for American Idol?

The good news for wannabe contestants is that auditioning for American Idol is completely free.

You only need to show up, fill out the necessary paperwork, and then wait for someone to call your name.

Contestants audition with producers before they decide if you’re good enough, or in some cases amusing enough, to perform in front of the celebrity judges.

According to Fox Business, however, the actual costs begin if they accept you as a contestant.

This is because you must follow the show from state to state for further rounds of auditions – incurring expensive travel and hotel costs.

Richard Rushfield, the author of American Idol: The Untold Story, said: “What the TV audience doesn’t see is, if you’re from San Diego and you audition and make it through in St. Louis, then you have to return to St. Louis a month or two later for the next round, and then again for the third round.

“Some can’t afford to and drop out.”

The final episode of American Idol before it was switched from FOX to ABC in 2016
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The final episode of American Idol before it was switched from FOX to ABC in 2016Credit: Getty

How much do American Idol winners get in prize money?

The Blast reportedly obtained a contract signed by a 17-year-old contestant in 2019, revealing that the show’s winner gets a payout of around $250,000.

When the show crowns a winner, that winner is signed to Hollywood Records, and that’s when they get their first $125,000.

They then receive a further $125,000 after producing their first album.

Winners can also participate in summer tours with the show, earning them a hefty payout.

Previously, victors such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson reportedly made $13 million and $11.7 million, respectively.