Just curious… When somebody gets to go to Hollywood, is it on AI’s dime or do they have to pay their own way?

It’s not AI, but my friend was on Survivor. He didn’t come close to winning, and yet he told me that he could have taken half a year off work. (He got paid a LOT.)

And the poor guy with the long black hair the high voice, as well as the Asian guy who was obviously put up to it. (Why do the producers put through people like him to be mocked? Hate.)

They think it’s good TV but a little of that goes a long, long way.

Just curious… When somebody gets to go to Hollywood, is it on AI’s dime or do they have to pay their own way?

AI pays, it’s part of the production cost which is expensive but not compared to a regular program… Reality TV is cheaper, that’s why there is so much of it.

Although that seems expensive by normal business standards, American Idol pulls in the most expensive ad rate on television for each minute of advertising. While putting on the cattle calls and Hollywood week are doubtless expensive, it’s still a small amount compared to what they make.

The contestants are also not paid in the audition and Hollywood rounds. At a later point, not sure if it’s Top 24 or Top 12, they become considered “performers”, and have to join the union AFTRA, which is for people who perform on TV but are not actors, including everyone from announcers and game show hosts to reality show stars and children’s television personalities.

After that point the top contestants get paid for each episode they appear in. Still, nothing like the salaries of actors on popular comedies and dramas. Even with Hollywood week, American Idol is cheaper to put on then a major drama like Lost. Which is why it’s sooo darn profitable.

I was awestruck by how stunningly beautiful the city of Boston is. And I flove the accent of the natives, could listen to them talk all day. Bostonians (or is it Bostonites?) should be proud. I think this premiere was the best I’ve seen in my Idol watching years.

I really like Victoria B. She is quite articulate, sincere, and seems to be nobody’s fool. She has the most beautifully expressive eyes and is much prettier without the heavy eye makeup.

Early fave is Tyler, who I knew was a musician as soon as I laid eyes on him….should be interesting. Liked Katie and Leah too.

thanks.

Yes!

Couldn’t log in and then sent for password because it wouldn’t take. Now it is. Weirdness. I don’t need a new password now.

thanks.