What Does The Winner Of “American Idol” Receive As A Prize?
on May 19, 2025 • Updated Mar 17, 2026
Jamal Roberts Won Season 23 Of American Idol
The winner of American Idol‘s 23rd season was named on May 18, 2025—but what prize did he earn for being the champion of the season?
The three-hour American Idol finale featured performances from the judges, special celebrity guests, and the Top 3 finalists. John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts opened the show by singing “We Are the Champions” together.
RELATED: BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO “AMERICAN IDOL” – LEARN WHAT’S NEW FOR SEASON 24
Each singer performed two solos early in the show. Then, it was revealed that Breanna came in third place. After that, Jamal and John each performed an additional solo and a duet.
John sang “Deeper Than the Holler” with Idol judge Luke Bryan. Jamal performed “Unpretty” and “Liar” with the show’s artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll.
The winner was finally revealed at the end of the show. That’s when host Ryan Seacrest named Jamal as Season 23’s “American Idol!”
What’s The Prize For Winning American Idol?
Jamal joined a long list of prior Idol champions, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter. On top of the career boost and newfound fame associated with being an Idol winner, what did Jamal receive as a prize?
Each Idol winner earns a recording contract and a cash prize. However, the cash prize has varied since the show started in 2002, so the exact amount Jamal earned is unknown. But we can make a guess based on prior seasons.
Maddie Poppe, who won Season 16 of Idol in 2018, spoke with Business Insider about her cash prize. She said:
“You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes. And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.”
A Newsweek article seemingly confirms Maddie’s comments. The outlet reports:
“The winner of American Idol 2025 will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records, along with significant industry exposure, mentorship opportunities, and a cash prize that has historically been in the range of $125,000 to $250,000. The winner often performs at major network events and may land brand endorsements or touring opportunities.”
Parade reports that Kelly Clarkson, who won the first season, allegedly earned a $1 million recording deal following her victory. However, Clarkson claimed on an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show that she never received $1 million in cash. It was more of an “investment” in her career.
Additionally, Kelly alleged that she never received the car she had been promised for winning. She had been looking forward to receiving that prize since her old car was in less-than-ideal shape.
Past Idol winners have received cars (and trophies). For example, Carrie Underwood earned a Ford Mustang after winning Season 4 in 2005. Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks also confirmed she received a car.
But the past few Idol winners have not earned a free car.
PEOPLE reports that there have never been confirmed numbers concerning the cash prizes the second and third-place finishers receive, if they receive anything at all. However, their success on the show often pays off as they receive offers from record companies and brands eager to work with them.
In Season 23’s case, winner Jamal and runner-up John both received a Disney Cruise Line Vacation for four people on the Disney Wish.
Time will tell what Season 24’s winner will receive at the end of the show…
