Heh. I know exactly how it works. out of about 8 million dollars in retail sales, a band MAY get approximately 200,000 dollars, after recording, promotion, tour etc... costs are removed, THEN they get to pay their lawyers, agents, etc... and suddenly, it's gone. Poof.
I doubt that any of the American Idol winners are making anywhere near what I make in a year at a regular job. Period.
I remember an interview with Stone Temple Pilots who were all fairly successful in fields like architecture before the A&R guys showed up, they all said they'd taken a pay cut by going full time with the music. It's amazing how the entertainment guys screw over the talent.