Smaller paychecks for Jessica Sanchez, other ‘Idol’ losers

MANILA, Philippines – The decline in viewership of the hit show “American Idol” will have a financial impact on Jessica Sanchez, the runner up with Filipino roots. 

Compared to contestants of past seasons, smaller paychecks await the non-winners of “American Idol” season 11, and for the first time a runner-up won’t be guaranteed an album deal.

The Associated Press reported Friday, May 25, that the producers of the show, for the first time, are not offering the runner-up a guaranteed album deal, which in earlier seasons came with a guaranteed advance.

In its report, the AP said that based on their analysis of contracts given to contestants, Sanchez, this year’s 2nd placer, could also only be given less in advances for recording singles compared to past runners-up.

She may still have a shot at recording an album and a $175,000 advance, but AP reported the runner-up’s album deal was replaced by 19 Recordings, the label that handles “Idol” contestants’ initial records, with a “development period,” which means she could be paid as little as $30,000.

Past runners-up were guaranteed a record deal and the $175,000 bonus.

AP reports that this is logical according to analysts, since the show, once America’s top-rated, is now in decline. For the first time in 8 years the show was not the most-watched show in the US television season, displaced by Sunday Night Football coverage.

The rest of the top 12 finalists will also receive lesser advances.

Meanwhile, the winner, Phillip Phillips, still gets $300,000 in advances, same as previous years, upon the completion of an album.

More recording deals

The non-winners could all be paid more if they get additional recording deals, AP reported.

Phillips and Sanchez however both have other earning opportunities, such as work at a Disney attraction, public appearances, and merchandise profits.

Sanchez, meanwhile, was reportedly signed last March by heavyweight Hollywood talent agency Creative Artists Agency for future media appearances and employment deals.

CAA is considered one of the world’s preeminent talent agencies, representing dozens of A-list talents including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, LeBron James, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, and Carrie Underwood. – Rappler.com

Click on the links below for more.

• Why Phillips is doing better than Jessica in iTunes
• ‘American Idol’: Success despite loss
• ‘American Idol’ champions: After the win
• Phillip is America’s Idol but Jessica the world’s?
• Why Phillip Phillips won American Idol Season 11