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.
1. Carrie Underwood ($31 million)
2. Kelly Clarkson ($7 million)
3. Phillip Phillips/Adam Lambert ($5 million)
5. Daughtry ($4 million)
6. Scotty McCreery ($3 million)
7. Taylor Hicks ($2.5 million)
8. Fantasia Barrino/Kellie Pickler ($1.5 million)
10. Katharine McPhee/Jennifer Hudson ($1 million)
We calculate our earnings estimates with the help of data from Pollstar Pro, the RIAA, Nielsen SoundScan as well as industry veterans, the musicians’ handlers and some of the artists themselves. These numbers reflect pretax earnings from June 2012 through June 2013.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomal...an-idols-2013/
