Posted on 01/14/2014 9:37:50 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Carrie Underwood has come quite far since winning American Idol in 2005—and it’s safe to say the show has made good on its titular promise.
Underwood tops this year’s list of the highest-paid Idol alums, pulling in $31 million thanks to platinum-selling Blown Away, extensive touring and endorsement deals with the likes of Olay. Not only is that more than any Idol contestant, but it exceeds the annual earnings of last year’s judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.
All in all, Underwood has earned $83 million over the past five years, and she’s one of many acts continuing to profit from her exposure on the show. Kelly Clarkson ranks second with $7 million, banking the bulk of her bucks on the road. She’s followed by 2012 winner Phillip Phillips and 2009 runner-up Adam Lambert, who are tied for third with $5 million apiece.
“Adam used the launching pad of American Idol very well to have a successful recording career,” says his co-manager Martin Kirkup. “I think the main part of his career still lies ahead of him.”
Phillips, meanwhile, has been quick to capitalize on his 2012 Idol win. His coronation song, the Mumford-esque “Home,” went on to sell more than 4 million copies—the best of any in Idol’s history—and his debut album earned platinum certification. He’s been adding to his coffers on the road, playing more than 90 shows in our scoring period.
The show itself, now entering its 13th season, is on a more dubious trajectory. Ratings have dipped 30% each of the past two years, a trend that Idol’s brass is trying to stop by revamping the show. There’s a new set, new lighting, new theme music and new judges: Harry Connick, Jr. and Jennifer Lopez will join Urban, the lone holdover from last year’s trio.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
If you don't care and don't know what on earth American Idol is, kindly ignore this thread.
Interesting numbers.
There’s serious money in the entertainment biz.
TOP EARNING AMERICAN IDOLS OF 2013:
1. Carrie Underwood $31M
2. Kelly Clarkson $7M
3. Phillip Phillips $5M
4. Adam Lambert $5M
5. Chris Daughtry $4M
6. Scotty McCreery $3M
7. Taylor Hicks $2.5M
8. Fantasia $1.5M
9. Kellie Pickler $1.5M
10. Katharine Mcphee $1M
TOP EARNING AMERICAN IDOLS OF 2013:
1. Carrie Underwood $31M
2. Kelly Clarkson $7M
3. Phillip Phillips $5M
4. Adam Lambert $5M
5. Chris Daughtry $4M
6. Scotty McCreery $3M
7. Taylor Hicks $2.5M
8. Fantasia $1.5M
9. Kellie Pickler $1.5M
10. Katharine Mcphee $1M
The only shock here is Taylor Hicks making 2.5 mil.
Hey! Let me defend my favorite American Idol. Hicks has worked nonstop since Idol. He has a Vegas residency right now for which he’s getting great reviews and is earning him a nice chunk of change. His genre is soul/blues, so of course he’s not going to sell as many downloads or CDs as a country or rock artist.
RE: The only shock here is Taylor Hicks making 2.5 mil.
I’m not surprised at all. I saw his solo concert here in NYC and it was a blast ( Bonus was I saw stars, Mandy Moore and Tine Fey in the audience having as much fun as everybody else ).
Taylor Hicks is the first and only Idol act with a Vegas residency like Barry Manilow and Celine Dionne, Hicks started out at Bally’s and moved to a bigger room at the Paris Las Vegas hotel and casino. He also also co-owns a restaurant in his native Alabama.
I forgot to add Jennifer Hudson to the mix.
She ties with Katharine Mcphee at #10 ( she hasn’t been very active last year ).
I saw Taylor at House of Blues in LA. I brought a friend with me, who thought it was the best show she ever saw. Hicks is a great entertainer, and everyone who sees him live becomes a believer.
Notice, too, that four of the Idols on that list are from Hicks’s season, Season 5. No other season has more than one Idol represented. Season 5 was the pinnacle of American Idol. Their ratings have never been as great since.
So nice to see these young people making something of themselves.
RE: So nice to see these young people making something of themselves.
Or as Obama would call them — the 1% who didn’t build that ( HA HA ).
What, no Clay Aiken? LOL.
I really liked Ruben Studdard’s voice. But apparently his health was too bad for his career to even make it to the launching pad.
The one I would've expected on the list is Jeniifer Hudson. Hers is another wonderful success story. She's beautiful and talented and another one I wonder if she would've gotten anywhere without AI.
I haven't watched it since that Jordan Sparks win. It seemed so rigged, from that point on. JMHO
How’s William Hung doing?
What about “Pants On the Ground” guy?
Working for the LA Sheriff’s Dept.
I really liked Ruben Studdard’s voice. But apparently his health was too bad for his career to even make it to the launching pad.
Actually, Ruben does quite well on the gospel scene. I too have always been a big fan..he has a smooth sound!
I had no idea he was doing a show in Vegas. I saw him once last year doing the anthem and that’s the first I heard of him in years. Seemed like a good guy, but far from my favorite idol. I thought he was an ok singing talent but good entertainer.
I wonder who has earned more — the winners of AI or the losers.
How about Jennifer Hudson.
Apparently the Democrats haven’t told them it’s unfair that they are one-percenters and are earning way too much money; that they could quit work, stay home, and get extended unemployment, more extended unemployment, EBT cards, etc., and then vote for Democrats in return for all the free, er, taxpayer, money.
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