'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Gets Big Prize Money

Jamal Roberts was named the winner of American Idol on May 18 after a record-breaking number of votes, and he's going to be wealthier as a result.

According to People, the American Idol winner "receives a recording contract and a substantial cash prize," but that amount has changed since the show launched.

Because the amount has varied over the years, it's not exactly clear how much Roberts' prize money will be, but it won't be small, People reported.

However, American Songwriter reported that the American Idol winner gets $125,000 just for winning, as well as a record deal. After they complete their first album, the winner receives "another check for $100,000. That comes to a total of $250,000," the site reported in 2024. It's not clear whether the 2025 amount has risen from that, however.

Accounts from previous winners have varied. Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe told Business Insider that people asked her parents whether she was quitting her job, but that the exposure the show brought was the bigger prize.

"You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes," Poppe said to Business Insider. "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."

According to People, how much the second and third place winners will get hasn't been announced, either.

Of course, prize money is just the start of it. Just look at Carrie Underwood, and how American Idol transformed her life.

“I think back and that's a decision that changed my entire life — I have no idea where I'd be. And to see contestants get every opportunity they've ever wanted is just magical," she said, according to People.