'American Idol' runner-up 'not guaranteed record deal, gets paid less'
Published May 25 2012, 20:34 BST | By Kristina Bustos
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© Fox / Michael Becker
The AP reports that the Fox show is no longer offering its runner-up a definite album deal, which in previous years had a guaranteed advance of at least $175,000 (£112,000).
Under the apparent new terms, season 11's runner-up Jessica Sanchez does not have a guaranteed contract and might now earn only $30,000 (£19,000) in advances for recording singles.
The 16-year-old aspiring singer confessed during her post-show press conference that she is "relieved" Idol is over.
"Now that I have time to put myself into my music, it's going to be all me - 100% me," she explained.
Watch Jessica Sanchez perform 'My All' below:
Picture gallery - American Idol's finale:

Copyright: Michael Becker
Host Ryan Seacrest presents finalists Phillip and Jessica to the audience








America gets this, an amazing calibre of talent, and we get acts like Jedward. ITV/Simon should be ashamed.
May 27th 2012 at 1:06am
AI on the downhill..
May 26th 2012 at 11:57pm
What a bunch of bastards! Firstly She way waaaaay much better than other boring guy(no one will remember him after season....).....she has been ripped off by stupid americans who always voting SAFE.....same situation whats happened with Adam Lambert - best singer who ever appeared on AI and he didnt win just because he is openly GAY....shame on u "liberal" americans.....hehe where is now this little guy with guitar who beat Adam in the final....? no where......its exactly whats gonna happen with winner of this season....
May 26th 2012 at 5:09pm(+1 like)
after watching the full american idol finale today, i have this to add:
the entire x factor brand should be ashamed of itself for not placing its focus on the sheer talent of its performers/artists. several contestants on idol have long lasting careers compared to a couple on x factor. the majority of idol contestants are REAL artists - look at the artists in this season alone (Joshua, Philip, Jessica, Skyler - the list goes on.)
i love american idol so much. syco would take note if he wasn't so interested in solely making money off of people and then dropping them when they fall just a tad below his standards.
May 26th 2012 at 4:45pm
I have to agree with Michael Hunter (for some reason my reply button isn't working) Idol is about the one show left that isn't about the judges. They don't have acts to 'mentor' so they are taken out of the whole equation the most power they have is one save throughout the whole season.
We need Idol back here all Simon wants to do it increase the tension by having the judges pantomime each year and the voice is even worse.
May 26th 2012 at 1:51pm