‘Idol’ Runner-Up Prize Dip

“American Idol” contestant Jessica Sanchez’s second-place win has certainly moved her career forward – but she’s reportedly getting a lesser prize package than her predecessors.

The 16-year-old reportedly doesn’t have an automatic record deal and could be paid about $30,000 in advances to record singles. Previous runners-ups earned record deals and about $175,000 in advances, according to an Associated Press analysis of contracts filed for contestants under the age of 18 in eight of 11 seasons.

However, that news is far from bad. The show’s annual concert tour and affiliation with Walt Disney World Resort’s “The American Idol Experience” attraction are just a couple of the ways the performers up their profiles and earning power.