Reality TV

'American Idol' runner-up 'not guaranteed record deal, gets paid less'

Published Saturday, May 26 2012, 5:34am EST | By Kristina Bustos | 8 comments

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American Idol reportedly changed its runner-up agreement for the first time in the show's history this season.

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: