‘American Idol’s’ First Runner Up Jessica Sanchez Receives Low Pay

‘American Idol’s’ First Runner Up Jessica Sanchez Receives Low Pay

Coming in second on "American Idol" may be a path to superstardom, but it does not guarantee anymore of paychecks worthy of the next pop idol or rock star.

Wednesday night's runner-up, 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, doesn't have a definite shot at producing an album and could be paid as little as $30,000 in advances for recording singles, based on the "Idol" contract Sanchez and other Season 11 contestants signed earlier this year.

The agreement appears to be the first time in "Idol's" history not to offer the show's runner-up an album deal that in previous years came with a guaranteed advance of at least $175,000.

The reduced royalty advance covers the period immediately following the show. In addition to recording new music, the series' winners and finalists are obliged to perform in a concert tour in Florida.

If Sanchez is given an album deal following the show, she will receive the same $175,000 bonus that Lauren Alaina was paid after placing second in the show's 10th season. But 19 Recordings Inc., having the option to handle the albums and recordings of Idol contestants for several years after they appear on the show, has replaced a guaranteed album deal for the runner-up with a staggered "development period" that requires less music and pays out less in advances.

Sanchez could be paid as little as $30,000 if she is asked to perform four single songs, or $60,000 if she records an "EP" of between four and 10 songs.

Representatives for 19 Recordings Inc. and "American Idol" producer Fremantle Media declined comment.  They also did not reveal which recording deal would be offered to Sanchez.

"Idol" winner Phillip Phillips will receive the same $300,000 advance given to last year's winner, Scotty McCreery, upon completion of his first album, according to the contracts. Finalists who placed third and lower could receive deals to record singles with the lowest advance amounting to $24,000 if they complete their commitment to record up to four single songs.

Higher advances are paid if 19 Recordings agrees to produce more albums, with Phillips eligible to receive up to $800,000 for a six-album deal.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Sunday May 27 2012, 3:00 AM EST. Ref: Google. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment, Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0