TMZ obtained an AI contestant's contract--from court. It was filed because the contestant was a minor.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/05/12/american-idol-contract-sex-judges-simon-cowell/

After the stipulations about no relationships with anyone related to AI...there's the money part:

"And in the money department ... here's the way it breaks down. The winner gets $175,000 when he/she starts recording ... and another $175,000 when that person "delivers" the first album. If the winner gets a second album, he/she gets anywhere between $275,000 and $550,000 depending on the success of the album. As for a third album -- anywhere between $325,000 and 650,000. As for a forth -- anywhere between $375,000 - $750,000. As for a fifth -- $450,000 - $900,000. And a six album gets the winner between $500,000 and a cool $1 mil.

The second place finisher gets $150,000 when he/she starts recording their first album ... and another $150,000 upon delivery. The second album gets the runner-up between $225,000 and $450,000 and so on.

As for 3rd through 12th place -- if the label signs them -- they each get $100,000 when he/she begins recording album #1 and another $100,000 upon delivery ... though most of them end up playing hot air balloon festivals."

So $350,000 for the winner's first album
and $300,000 for the runner up's first album
and $200,000 for the third place finisher's album

And the way the contract is written, they could get just the same for the second album. Now we know why some of them record a Christmas album. (Ruben, Clay, Archuletta, anyone else?)

• RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,vince3, 05:21 PM, 05-13-10
• RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,Estee, 05:28 PM, 05-13-10
  • RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,cahaya, 05:50 PM, 05-13-10
    • RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,Estee, 08:47 PM, 05-13-10
• RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,zazzy, 06:35 PM, 05-13-10
  • RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,vince3, 06:41 PM, 05-13-10
    • RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,zazzy, 07:28 PM, 05-13-10
      • RE: What the winner, runner up and third place finishers get paid by AI,vince3, 07:51 PM, 05-13-10

Yeah, the more albums that they crank out under the label, the faster they climb up the salary ladder........ and the better the next contract might be when/if they leave...........

Wow. This? Is a great spot. Nice work bringing the link across -- this answers a lot of long-time questions. No wonder Kelly's chomping at the bit to escape...

The irony of someone openly posting vital contract information today has not been lost.

And a reminder how meager this is compared to a first or second or third round draft pick in the sports league of your choice.

*nods* What Ryan supposedly said to Crystal to get her back in the competition is a lie: the winner isn't exactly in a position to buy anyone a house -- not for a few releases.

And did you notice there's a loophole in the rules as quoted? If the show doesn't want to pay a winner, all they have to do is not start making an album. 'We'll teach you to have America vote in your favor!' Of course, this is probably just TMZ only reporting what they see as the fun stuff: odds are the winner has a one-album minimum guarantee. But -- it is, at least in part, FOX...

So anyone else think the minor whose contract had to be filed in court was Aaron?

Wouldn't surprise me in the least since I think he's still in HS/Charter School......... if a billboard that I think I briefly saw while he was still in play was any indication.......

My speculation was that he's adopted by his aunt, right? and maybe the terms of her guardianship/adoption was that a court trustee looked out for him? Out of my bailiwick on this one.

LAST EDITED ON 05-13-10 AT 09:11 PM (EST)

He is adopted by his aunt and uncle, and he's only 17. Junior in the PA Cyber Charter School