What happens if you win american idol

One enticing thing about competing on talent shows is the prize a contestant gets if they win. How do the prizes on The Voice and American Idol compare? In recent seasons, winners have signed with Universal Music Group.

While this seems like a deal that would help launch the careers of these singers, some winners break away from Universal Music Group over time. So is the prize really all that great? If you ask a handful of past winners of The Voice , they would probably say no. Cassadee Pope who has been one of the most successful winners of the franchise cut ties with Big Machine because she wanted more creative freedom.

In some instances, contestants get an even bigger opportunity out of the show working with their coach. Season 17 winner Jake Hoot got a major career boost from the show. This is a connection he made on the show and got to fulfill a major dream of his. She also accompanied Kelly on her Meaning of Life Tour. Even if a winner does not stick with the recording contract provided by The Voice , they still win at life making connections with their coaches.

The prize for American Idol has changed tremendously over the years. As the seasons progressed, they've cut the monetary prize winners receive, though the promise of a record deal still remains. Now, the final three contestants are guaranteed the opportunity to record one single they can use however they like once the show is over, whether or not they win.

Who Won 'American Idol' ? Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. However, there has been a decline in popularity among winners, so the grand prize has been lowered. Runners-up and some finalists were initially awarded record deals with major labels. However, starting in season 11, the runner-up became the only non-winning competitor to sign with a record label.

The prizes granted to the winners have decreased through the years but they are still bigger than those given to winners on another singing competition, The Voice. While both titles have cachet, American Idol gives winners more cold, hard cash. If your time is limited, you can even pick out a part of the song to highlight. There are no group acts on American Idol, so only the potential contestant is allowed in the audition room. FYI: No instrumental support or backup singers are allowed either.

The show recommends contestants sing a cappella , but contestants are allowed to bring a musical instrument into the audition room if they can play it themselves. Most American Idol seasons have had three judges, but some have had four.

That means if a contestant faces a four-judge panel, they must receive at least three yeses to move forward. The show asks that all auditioning contestants avoid wearing clothing that has corporate logos , sports names, or brands on it to their audition. Even though the judges don't watch the preliminary rounds , those moments are still all captured on film.

As harsh as it sounds, producers on American Idol sometimes purposefully move bad singers through the audition process , since viewers enjoy watching a mix of good and bad singers. Unfortunately, this takes away spots for qualified singers. If you accept the invitation to join American Idol, you must sign a contract that says you don't have any contractual obligations or agreements with your music. You have to put your political aspirations on hold if you join American Idol.

Per the show's eligibility requirements , you aren't allowed to run for political office during the competition and can't become a candidate for one year after the competition. To ensure the competition is fair, contestants and their family members can't be an employee of or directly linked to the media companies or sponsorships connected to the show. This rule wasn't in place until rumors of a relationship between judge, Paula Abdul, and former contestant, Corey Clark, emerged.

The rumor launched a formal investigation by the network and a rule was instated that a contestant can be disqualified and a judge can be fired for breaking said rule. After the contestants learn they are headed for Hollywood, they're asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and release form. A singer can't enter the competition without doing so.

Word to the wise: Try to hang on until at least the top Good news! After you've traveled to Hollywood, production covers the cost of your food and living expenses. Every Thursday, the contestants are told the show's weekly theme and have to choose a song from a pre-approved list, according to Today.

The contestants only have one hour to tell producers their choice. The producers have the right to deem a contestant ineligible or disqualified at any time and hold the sole power of the decision, due to the contract contestants sign prior to the competition. American Idol finalists are given a chance to record three original songs.

If you don't win, you can do whatever you want with the songs.