<P> The winner received a record deal with a major label , which may be for up to six albums , and secures a management contract with American Idol - affiliated 19 Management ( which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants ) , as well as various lucrative contracts . All winners prior to season nine reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year as winner . All the runners - up of the first ten seasons , as well as some of other finalists , had also received record deals with major labels . However , starting in season 11 , the runner - up may only be guaranteed a single - only deal . BMG / Sony ( seasons 1 -- 9 ) , UMG ( season 10 -- 15 ) , and Hollywood Records ( season 16 - ) had the right of first refusal to sign contestants for three months after the season 's finale . Starting in the fourteenth season , the winner was signed with Big Machine Records . Prominent music mogul Clive Davis also produced some of the selected contestants ' albums , such as Kelly Clarkson , Clay Aiken , Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo . All top 10 ( 11 in seasons 10 and 12 ) finalists earn the privilege of going on a tour , where the participants may each earn a six - figure sum . </P>
<P> The winner received a record deal with a major label , which may be for up to six albums , and secures a management contract with American Idol - affiliated 19 Management ( which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants ) , as well as various lucrative contracts . All winners prior to season nine reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year as winner . All the runners - up of the first ten seasons , as well as some of other finalists , had also received record deals with major labels . However , starting in season 11 , the runner - up may only be guaranteed a single - only deal . BMG / Sony ( seasons 1 -- 9 ) , UMG ( season 10 -- 15 ) , and Hollywood Records ( season 16 - ) had the right of first refusal to sign contestants for three months after the season 's finale . Starting in the fourteenth season , the winner was signed with Big Machine Records . Prominent music mogul Clive Davis also produced some of the selected contestants ' albums , such as Kelly Clarkson , Clay Aiken , Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo . All top 10 ( 11 in seasons 10 and 12 ) finalists earn the privilege of going on a tour , where the participants may each earn a six - figure sum . </P>
what does the winner get from american idol
what does the winner get from american idol
a record deal with a major label a management contract with American Idol - affiliated 19 Management various lucrative contracts
a record deal with a major label a management contract with American Idol - affiliated 19 Management various lucrative contracts