Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, and Daughtry top-earning ‘Idol’ stars
If you really want to know just how much money you can make by being on “American Idol” and then putting out good music, all you have to do is look at the list below and know that this is far more lucrative of a show than just going on “Survivor.” (Then again, it is also a significant bit harder when it comes to work.)
Forbes has just released their list of the top ten show alums when it comes to 2010 earnings — and get ready for quite a few surprises.
1. Carrie Underwood ($20 million) – If there was ever any doubt that Carrie is a superstar, this should squelch it. Thanks to an enormous “Play On” tour, album sales, and a wedding that put her in the headlines, Carrie had a remarkable year that’s tough to match.
2. Daughtry ($6 million, tie) – He’s put out two hit albums, is well-traveled, and certainly has the potential for more music soon. But will he recover from a sophomore release that was not as memorable as the debut?
2. Adam Lambert ($6 million, tie) – What makes Adam’s placement here particularly impressive is that unlike the other members of the top five, he only has one album — but you can thank both sales along with the international Glam Nation Tour for bringing in so much money — and you have to believe that the best is still yet to come.
4. Fantasia ($4 million) – Fantasia had plenty of ups and downs in 2010, but she has to be smiling about this number.
5. Jordin Sparks ($3 million) – “Battlefield” did not become a global smash like Jordin probably wanted it to, but you have to think she’s still going to be okay with this total.
6. Kelly Clarkson ($2.5 million) – Yes, Kelly only made $2.5 million last year — but she also didn’t release an album and didn’t tour too much. (She has more new music on the way this coming year.)
7. Jennifer Hudson ($2 million) – For someone who didn’t even make it close to the finale, this is a considerably impressive achievement.
8. Kellie Pickler ($1.8 million) – The other member of the country music family on the list with Carrie — but you have to think that Scotty McCreery will be here next year, as well.
9. Clay Aiken ($1.5 million) – Clay’s still going strong, and his record sales and theatre career helped to boost this number.
10. Katharine McPhee, David Archuleta, David Cook – “Archie” is the only one of these three to release an album in 2010, but the sales did not go as well as expected. Cook, meanwhile, just released “This Loud Morning” earlier this summer, while McPhee is appearing on the new show “Smash” in early 2012.
Which number are you most surprised about?
Tess
July 22, 2011 @ 2:14 am
With his phenomenal talents, charisma, work ethic, philanthropy beauty and brains, Adam has become a worldwide star and an unwitting goodwill ambassador as well. More than deserving of the rewards coming his way, Adam has so captivated and fascinated that I feel he is well on his way to establishing himself an industry icon. Adam had me at “Hello”, and I’m his for life. No other artist has made such a huge and lasting impression as he has. He is the thinking man/woman’s artist, allowing those of us who have half a brain to appreciate Adam as one who can complete our need for the rest.
Regarding his earnings for this past year; Adam could easily have surpassed Daughtry’s had he chosen to perform at larger venues, as almost all of his shows were sold out, while the reason for the large number of performances was perhaps on account of demand, as more and more were added to his schedule to satisfy the fans. Remember also that Adam wanted the smaller, more intimate settings because he wanted to feel the closer connection with his audience. A true performer who is also a smart strategist, when you think of it. Though Adam gave 1000 percent performing, he kept them wanting for more. As for your prediction for Adam’s success, I wholeheartedly agree that for Adam Lambert, the world is now poised for the taking.
Marie
July 21, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
Happy for Adam!!!
Josephine
July 21, 2011 @ 6:46 pm
I’m so proud of Adam. All his hard work were paid off. Can’t wait for #2 era. Matt, like you said, “the best is yet to come.”
Adamluv1000
July 21, 2011 @ 6:40 pm
Adam. So proud of him but with sales falling for the past few years, I really didn’t have the confidence he would do so well. His tour was phenominal! With his new album being released soon, hopefully 2011 will be a good year for him also.