When Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005, her life changed overnight — and not just because she went from a small-town girl to a global superstar. Back then, the crown came with high-octane perks: a $1 million recording contract, access to a private jet, and a brand-new Ford Mustang. Fast forward to 2025, and while the dream of stardom is still alive, the prize package looks a lot different — and a lot leaner.
From First Flight to Private Jet: Carrie Underwood’s Cinderella Story
At just 22 years old, Underwood boarded her very first plane to compete in Hollywood. By the end of the season, she wasn’t just a household name — she had the keys to a blue Mustang and VIP access to a private jet. She also scored a seven-figure record deal, which led to her debut album, Some Hearts. That record not only went multi-platinum but became the best-selling debut by a female country artist in history, with smash hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats.”
Nearly two decades later, Carrie still holds onto that Mustang — a symbol of the moment everything changed. In a 2022 interview with Today’s Country Radio, she shared:
“I do still have the car that I won when I won American Idol. Every time I drive it, I think, ‘Why don’t I do this more often?’ It makes me feel good.”
And Idol fans might have seen that same Mustang in action again — Carrie was spotted cruising through downtown Nashville in the car with Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Ryan Seacrest, cameras rolling for season 23.
But while Carrie’s “Idol” win was a golden ticket, winners today are working with far more modest prizes.
What the American Idol Winner Gets in 2025
These days, the winner of American Idol doesn’t walk away with a Mustang or jet-setting privileges. According to leaked contracts and past reports, the top prize now includes:
- A $125,000 advance upon signing a deal with 19 Recordings
- Another $125,000 once they deliver a completed album
- A potential (but not guaranteed) development deal
Notably, those development deals don’t always lead to a full recording contract. In fact, Elissa Felman, SVP of 19 Recordings, told Billboard in 2021 that the label had shifted focus. Instead of signing every winner outright, they now invest time in helping finalists discover their artistic identity, tour, and build a fan base — then evaluate whether to offer a full deal.
No More Cars, But Disney Cruises Are In
For recent winners like Abi Carter (2024) and Will Moseley (season 22 runner-up), the prizes have been less flashy. While neither received a car or jet, both walked away with a Disney cruise for four to the Bahamas. Moseley did sign with 19 Recordings and is slated to release new music, but Carter took a different route.
Rather than signing with a label, she opted to remain independent. Speaking with EntertainmentNOW in March 2025, Carter said her Idol winnings went straight into producing her debut album, Ghosts in the Backyard.
“Paying for producers, mixing, mastering — it’s all incredibly expensive,” Carter explained. “But I wanted to see what it was like to own my own music. I’ve seen too many artists lose control early on.”
Then vs. Now: A Different Kind of Launchpad
Back in the FOX era, winning American Idol came with glitzy guarantees. These days, ABC’s version offers more of a starting block than a red carpet. With a tighter prize purse and no guaranteed contract, modern-day contestants have to be more entrepreneurial — but they also gain more control.
Whether the 2025 winner chooses a record deal or goes indie, one thing is certain: the show is no longer just about instant fame and flashy rewards. It’s about launching a career with staying power — and doing it on your own terms.
So while they might not drive off in a Mustang or catch flights in a private jet, today’s Idol champs are winning something arguably more valuable: the freedom to build a legacy their way.
