Jessica Sanchez picked the wrong year to finish second on American Idol.
In the wake of this singer's loss to Phillip Phillips, an Associated Press report took a look into changes made to the season 11 contract for all contestants.
It states that this year's runner-up is only entitled to a "developmental" deal with 19 Recordings, something that could net Sanchez between $30,000-$60,000, depending on the number of single's commissioned by the label. This marks the first time in history the second-place finisher has not been awarded a guaranteed album and $175,000 advance.
Yes, Jessica could still see that figure if 19 Records does order a CD; and she'll also bank $50,000 for all future Idol-sponsored public appearances. But why the change in guarantees? Because ratings for American Idol are down; a majority of albums from show finalists have not done well; and because the music industry overall has changed: in 2011, nearly 1.3 billion singles were purchased, while only 331 million albums were moved. Phillips, meanwhile, received $300,000 and an album contract for winning.
It states that this year's runner-up is only entitled to a "developmental" deal with 19 Recordings, something that could net Sanchez between $30,000-$60,000, depending on the number of single's commissioned by the label. This marks the first time in history the second-place finisher has not been awarded a guaranteed album and $175,000 advance.
Yes, Jessica could still see that figure if 19 Records does order a CD; and she'll also bank $50,000 for all future Idol-sponsored public appearances. But why the change in guarantees? Because ratings for American Idol are down; a majority of albums from show finalists have not done well; and because the music industry overall has changed: in 2011, nearly 1.3 billion singles were purchased, while only 331 million albums were moved. Phillips, meanwhile, received $300,000 and an album contract for winning.
