Top Earning American Idols 2013

Forbes ^ | 01/14/2014 | Zack O' Malley Greenburg

[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.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: How about Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson was consistently in the top 10 for the past two years. This year she is ranked number 10 at 1 Million ( together with Katharine Mcphee ) because she hasn’t been very active ( other than a gig or two and being spokeswoman for Weight Watchers ).

RE: I wonder who has earned more — the winners of AI or the losers.

If by losers, you’re talking about those who didn’t win... notice that Adam Lambert (runner-up), Chris Daughtry, Katharine Mcphee and Kellie Pickler are in the top 10 in 2013.

In fact, as someone noticed, Season 5 ( Taylor Hick’s winning season ) was probably the season that produced the most successful artists with 4 of them earning a million or more last year.

And oh yeah, speaking of Season 5, Mandisa ( who didn’t win but was in the top 10 that season ) has been on top of the Christian Gospel chart for weeks with her number 1 (yes number 1 ) single — ‘OVERCOMER’.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: How’s William Hung doing?

From Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hung#Retirement_from_music

In 2011, Hung became a technical crime analyst for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and retired from music.

Hung remains optimistic about his new career path, and states he does not regret that his music career has ended.

“I showed that even the Average Joe could succeed,” he remarked on his short-lived time as a pop star.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: What about “Pants On the Ground” guy?

Some information about the singer: “General” Larry Platt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pants_on_the_Ground

[SeekAndFind]

SOURCE:

Total earnings since 2009:

http://www.mjsbigblog.com/forbes-top-earning-american-idols-list-2013.htm

Since 2009:
1. Carrie Underwood = 83 million (5 years)
2. Kelly Clarkson = 33.4 million (5 years)
3. Chris Daughtry = 27.2 million (5 years)
4. Jennifer Hudson = 14.5 million (5 years)
5. Kellie Pickler = 14.3 million (5 years)
6. Adam Lambert = 12.5 million (3 years)
7. Jordin Sparks = 11.8 million (4 years)
8. Scotty McCreery = 7 million (2 years)
9. David Cook = 6.8 million (4 years)
10. Clay Aiken = 5.7 million (3 years)
11. Fantasia Barrino = 5.5 million (2 years)
12. David Archuleta = 5.5 million (4 years)
13. Phillip Phillips = 5 million (1 year)
14. Katharine McPhee = 3.1 million (3 years)
15. Taylor Hicks = 2.8 million (2 years)
16. Kris Allen = 1.7 million (1 year)

[Uncle Chip]

That’s total from all sources of income???

Do me a favor and asterisk the ones who came in second place or lower.

[zeugma]

Sorry, not really a fan. I watched it several years ago, but have come to enjoy The Voice much better. Even though it is a competition like AI, it just seems to be a much more positive show from start to finish. There aren’t the train wreck shows at the beginning because they do some weeding before the show. All of the judges seem to try to be as constructive and upbeat about the contestants as they can. They’ve had some really incredibly talented folks on there.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Do me a favor and asterisk the ones who came in second place or lower.

Your wish is my command.

1. Carrie Underwood = 83 million (5 years)
2. Kelly Clarkson = 33.4 million (5 years)
3. Chris Daughtry = 27.2 million (5 years) * ( 4th place, Season 5)
4. Jennifer Hudson = 14.5 million (5 years) * (7th Place, Season 3)
5. Kellie Pickler = 14.3 million (5 years) * ( 6th place , Season 5)
6. Adam Lambert = 12.5 million (3 years) * ( 2nd Place Season 8 )
7. Jordin Sparks = 11.8 million (4 years)
8. Scotty McCreery = 7 million (2 years)
9. David Cook = 6.8 million (4 years)
10. Clay Aiken = 5.7 million (3 years) * (2nd Place, Season 2 )
11. Fantasia Barrino = 5.5 million (2 years)
12. David Archuleta = 5.5 million (4 years) * (2nd Place Season 7 )
13. Phillip Phillips = 5 million (1 year)
14. Katharine McPhee = 3.1 million (3 years) * (2nd Place Season 5 )
15. Taylor Hicks = 2.8 million (2 years)
16. Kris Allen = 1.7 million (1 year)

As you can see, Season 5 was the most successful season of the past 12. It was also the PEAK in terms of audience views.

[Uncle Chip]

I think this is the case in a lot of these shows.

The contestants try so hard to win and when they don’t they are so heart-broken.

BUT the publicity they got by just showcasing their talents and coming in 4th, 5th,... was enough to get them where they wanted to go.

You don’t necessarily have to win to win.

I think there have been a lot from America’s Got Talent as well.