American Idol contestants are competing to win a recording contract, but they’re also giving up their time and work opportunities to be on the show… so do they get paid for appearing as contestants?

While winners in the early days of American Idol received a $1 million recording contract, that amount is much less right now.

Keep reading to find out more…

Maddie Poppe, who won the first American Idol season to air on ABC, says she received a $250,000 prize for winning, but she didn’t exactly get that much money.

“You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes,” she told Business Insider. “And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.”

Some reports have stated that the current prize is at $125,000 for the winners, though that is not verified.

So, are contestants paid while appearing weekly on the show?

Former contestant Margie Mays revealed that Idol contestants only get paid if they make it to the live shows.

“You don’t get paid until you make it to the live rounds, and then you can be paid,” she said in a TikTok video.

“When they take you to places like Hawaii, obviously, they pay for that and then there’s things like a per diem for, like, eating while you’re in Hawaii,” she added. “But they’re not paying you to be a contestant. That’s the sacrifice you make to try to win.”

Margie says she also got paid for appearing on the finale of her season.

Meet the Top 24 contestants for the 2025 season.

Photos: ABC Posted to: American Idol, Television