When “American Idol” Season 18 wraps up in a few weeks a new contestant will be crowned the winner of the ABC singing competition. However, before someone can walk away with the grand prize, they will have to impress judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie during the auditions.

Each “American Idol” season is typically filled with touching contestant stories and unforgettable performances. In the end, it will be up to America to decide which aspiring artist will receive a life-changing opportunity

According to The Blast, the 2019 “American Idol” winner was signed to Hollywood Records and received $125,000 for winning the show. The champion also received an additional $125,000 for turning in a completed album.

The winner also received $1,000 a week while recording the album and $1,000 for every master recording delivered. Once the competition is over, the winner will have four months to complete their first album.

A budget of $300,000 will be approved for the album, but it will count as an advance from the record label. The winner will also be expected to pay back 50 percent of the marketing costs spent on them.

The three finalists of the show were also given the opportunity to record three original tracks during the competition and use them however they liked once it was all over.

Meanwhile, during the first nine seasons of “American Idol,” the winners reportedly made at least $1 million along with their recording deal. However, the contracts of the contestants have changed since the show was rebooted by ABC.

When Carrie Underwood won Season 4 of the competition series, while it was airing on Fox, she received a $1 million recording contract, use of a private jet and a Ford Mustang.

“American Idol” Season 18 airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

American Idol
Ryan Seacrest with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and in-house mentor Bobby Bones on “American Idol.” Gavin Bond/ABC
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