What the 2025 American Idol Winner Will Receive—And Why It’s a Far Cry from Carrie Underwood’s Grand Prize Package

Two decades after Carrie Underwood’s life-changing American Idol victory, the winner of Season 23 will take home significantly less than what she received back in 2005.

When Carrie Underwood won American Idol at just 22 years old, she was catapulted from small-town obscurity into country music royalty. Her win came with a $1 million recording contract, a private jet, and even a Ford Mustang—a prize she still owns today.

Fast-forward to 2025, and although the American Idol crown still holds prestige, the prize package looks very different. Modern winners receive a reduced cash award, and in many cases, no guaranteed record deal.

Carrie Underwood’s 2005 Victory Came with Life-Changing Perks

Back in Season 4, when Carrie Underwood triumphed over Bo Bice, she walked away with:

• A $1 million recording contract
• Access to a private jet for a year
• A brand-new Ford Mustang (shared with runner-up Bo Bice)

Her debut album Some Hearts, released later that year, shattered records, becoming the best-selling debut solo album by a female country artist. Tracks like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” solidified her as a superstar.

Even today, Underwood still owns the blue Mustang she won. Speaking to Today’s Country Radio in 2022, she said:

“I do still have the car that I won when I won American Idol… That was the car that I was driving around when I first moved to Tennessee.”

@nashvillesisters

Filming American Idol in Nashville today! #lukebryan #carrieunderwood #lionelrichie #americanidol #nashville #broadwaynashville #placestoseeinnashville #ryansecrest #americanidolcarrieunderwood

♬ original sound – Haley & Shelby

In fact, fans recently spotted Carrie driving that very car through downtown Nashville in scenes filmed for American Idol Season 23.

What Will the 2025 American Idol Winner Actually Get?

According to industry insiders and leaked contract details, the 2025 winner can expect a more modest reward:

• A cash prize of $125,000 upon signing with 19 Recordings
• An additional $125,000 after completing their debut album

That’s a total of $250,000—still substantial, but far less than the million-dollar deal of earlier seasons.

In recent years, 19 Recordings has also shifted away from guaranteed record deals, opting instead for development deals. In a 2021 interview with Billboard, SVP Elissa Felman explained:

“We want to help artists grow, tour, and develop their sound. Only after that will we consider a full record contract.”

Recent Winners Are Forging Their Own Path

Abi Carter, who won American Idol in 2024, chose not to sign with 19 Recordings. Instead, she used her winnings to fund her own debut album, Ghosts in the Backyard.

“I wanted to own my music,” she told EntertainmentNOW in March 2025. “Labels can be great, but I’ve seen too many artists lose control over their work.”

Though Carter and runner-up Will Moseley didn’t receive extravagant prizes like a car or jet, both won Disney cruises to the Bahamas for themselves and three guests. Moseley, unlike Carter, did choose to sign with 19 Recordings and will release his debut single on March 28.