American Idol was a smash hit during its original run, but after fifteen seasons on FOX, the show bowed out in 2016.
However, following a two year hiatus, ABC revived the singing competition, giving it a new sheen and while original host Ryan Seacrest returned, the judging panel needed a revamp.
As a result, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were signed on as the three head judges for the series, having continued their partnership since 2018.
As the show enters its 22nd season, Katy is set to leave the show and her replacement judge has yet to be announced yet. But it's safe to say her fee for the show was an incredible sum of money.
So how much have Katy, Lionel, and Luke been paid for their time on the show? Well, let's just say it's a pretty sum.
MORE: Katy Perry gets booed for the first time on American Idol after being called out for 'mom-shaming'
© Getty ImagesLionel Richie
Lionel is the lowest paid of the three judges, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, although the figure is absolutely nothing to sneeze at, given he pulls in $10 million per season.
© Eric McCandlessThe 'All Night Long' singer was a surprising choice for the talent show, as he'd arguably been critical of it in the past.
"Was I a fan of these shows? Absolutely not. I was not", he told the New York Times. But his decision to join the panel came from a place of wondering how he could best use the platform.
"For two days a week, Professor Richie is going to talk about the reality of what it takes to be an artist," he said. "Instead of sitting here moaning about how the world has changed since I started, I’m going to tell them what it takes. You think it’s just singing? No, it’s not. What kind of style do you have? What kind of stamina do you have? How many times can you take 'No'? How many times can you come back? That’s an artist."
Luke Bryan
Just above him is Luke, with the 46-year-old country sensation earning a hefty $12 million per season (approximately $100 million so far, if you do the math).
© Eric McCandlessThe country star has been open about what it's like working on the show, and how he and the other judges have had to toughen up when facing backlash.
"I think when me and Lionel and Katy sit down at the desk, in our hearts, we're doing the best we can", he said.
MORE: Ryan Seacrest makes first American Idol appearance since Live! departure
Katy Perry
Although Katy will be leaving American Idol in 2024, her paycheck so far has been more than both Lionel and Luke's combined, as she is estimated to have made a whopping $25 million per season, a history-making deal at the time when she was brought on as the "anchor" judge in 2017.
© Getty ImagesWhile there is no exact reason for the difference, it could be attributed to the 38-year-old's massive popularity at the time, coming off her third straight number one album with Witness, and an accompanying tour that grossed over $50 million in 2018 alone, according to Pollstar.
FremantleMedia Group CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz spoke to The Hollywood Reporter at the time, justifying the decision to lure Katy in with such an enticing figure.
"Katy is in a transition in terms of her own career," she explained. "It has been shown now what these platforms can do for artists.
"It has been beneficial to other people, whether it's on Idol or The Voice. But I think she genuinely cares. She auditioned when she was a guest judge on Idol in 2010 and then on the [U.K.] X-Factor. She's brilliant."
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