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Disney Payments to Idol Stars revealed in court docs

With a new season of American Idol underway it’s fun to note that one of the final 24 actually was a ‘Dream ticket’  winner at American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In fact, Aaron Kelly won his ticket to the front of the audition line right during the first few days of the attraction.

If you remember, the American Idol Experience was launched with a huge Hollywood style premier, including appearances from all the past Idol winners and many other famous faces. The New York Times examines some court documents that reveal exactly how much Disney paid to have those performers at the premier and to film promotional spots.

An Idol winner’s riches extend beyond the recording contract. Last year the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida opened “The American Idol Experience,” an interactive attraction.

To promote it, Disney paid Mr. Allen $100,000 to turn to a camera and shout, “I’m going to Disney World” after winning the competition and to visit the park, according to the contracts. He stood to earn another $100,000 for spending a day filming scripted dialogue segments for use in the attraction and for taping a vocal performance for the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade television show.

More curious details at the NY Times.

5 thoughts on “Disney Payments to Idol Stars revealed in court docs”

  1. I think it’s pretty common knowledge that these people get paid for things like these. It seems silly for anyone to really care how much they get paid, and considering they run those videos of Kris every few months all year long and more years to come and millions upon millions of people are seeing the video, why shouldn’t he get paid that much.

  2. Disney shouold stop this “I´m goin to” campaign – it´s just embarassing, for both Disney and the ones who deliver the line.

  3. I disagree, I think it’s a wonderful way to share in the kind of spirit that motivates people to take a special vacation to Disney. Everyone accepts that celebrity spokespersons are paid. It’s just interesting to know exactly how much, or how little.

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