American Idol 2010: What Are the American Idol's Top 12 Going to Earn?

Already season nine of American Idol has been embroiled in controversy. Why do people work so hard to become an American Idol finalist? American Idol visibility can bring millions of money and potential fans to the right contestants. Tonight on idol, Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Tim and Aaron stole the show. Will they be launched?

Season nine - American Idol's controversy with the Contestants

On January 25^th, the New York Post online reported that Michael Lynche was disqualified for violating a confidentiality agreement. His father is alleged to have told the St. Petersburg Times that he made the top 24. Fox and American Idol have yet to comment on this story. (New York Post)

Remember the judges telling Tim Urban that he was lucky to be chosen, and that they had made the right decision to not include him originally in the Top 24 after his first performance in Hollywood? Well Lindsey Parker posts that "Tim replaced Chris Golightly who was disqualified on February 15, 2010 for being in a recording contract at the time of his original audition which he later provided documentation that his contract wasn't binding, but it was too late." ('Idol' Scandal: Chris Golightly Does Not Go Quietly.)

Billy Johnson Jr. reports that 'the American Idol Dream can be a Nightmare,as was the case with Todrick Hall who was another finalist who had been accused of not refunding money to parents after a musical that he was running got canceled. Since then he has been voted off the show." (Billy Johnson)

Top 12 Contestants and what they can expect for their first year

The New York Times reports that those "that make it in to the Top 5 on Idol, have the possibility of earning close to $100K from the show. If the produces sign them t a record label, they have a chance to make 4 to 5 times that amount. The top 12 are at least guaranteed several thousand for their efforts. Each week the contestants open the show with a song together, and they are paid for this. The Top 10 finalists also make money on the tour." (New York Times reports)

Potential Contracts with 19 Entertainment

If American Idol contestants are lucky enough to be plucked out of the masses and signed with a contract, they might have the opportunity to make over $1 million with 19 Entertainment, a production company that helps deliver stars to the public. They have some really famous acts you might be surprised about including Annie Lennox, David Archuleta, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. (19 Entertainment)

March 23, 2010 on American Idol, Ryan Seacrest reported that American Idol has produced 261 Billboard artists since 2002. Talk about having a the chance for visibility and a sky rocketing career; no wonder thousands jump at the chance!

What will the top 12 make?

New York Times also reports, "When they make it to the Top 12, contestants also usually perform in a group number during each week's results show. Because that performance is not part of the competition, the contestants earn performance fees under the union contract that broadcasters have with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, known as Aftra". That contract pays the artists from $1,011 for a one-hour show to $1,540 for a two-hour episode, meaning that a Top 5 contestant is likely to earn close to $10,000 in performance fees over the season. This is a great way to start a career. (New York Times)

For a 6-month stint, even risking your ego seems like it could possibly be one of the best ways to make it to stardom. I can see why so many people do what they can to be America's next American Idol.

Sources:
New York Post online
'Idol' Scandal: Chris Golightly Does Not Go Quietly.
'the American Idol Dream can be a Nightmare, Billy Johnson
New York Times reports
19 Entertainment

To download their performances, go to I-tunes