The Surprising Catch Behind The 'America's Got Talent' $1 Million Prize

September 2024 · 3 minute read

America’s Got Talent is one of the most famous reality TV competitions in the United States. Unlike its counterparts, there are no restrictions on the program. Singer, dancers, poets, comedians, and everyone else can audition on the show. Other than the opportunities that the show provides to the contestants, the winner of America’s Got Talent also receives a hefty prize.

According to reports, the winners of the hit reality TV show receive a $1 million cash prize, as well as a headline show in Las Vegas. However, there’s a catch.

RELATED: The 10 Greatest Acts & Auditions On America's Got Talent 2016 (And 5 Of The Biggest Fails)

There’s a disclaimer at the end of every America’s Got Talent episode that says that the $1 million prize is payable in a financial annuity over 40 years. This means that the winner will technically just receive $25,000 every year for the next 40 years.

Another option for America’s Got Talent winners is to receive the present cash value of such annuity. So, by the time that last year’s winner, Brandon Leakes gets his $1 million prize, he will already be in his 60s.

Still, thousands of aspiring contestants audition for America’s Got Talent since even non-winners are given a slew of opportunities once they are seen in the program.

For instance, comic impressionist Melissa Villasenor appeared in America’s Got Talent Season 6. She was a finalist on the program, but she didn’t win the title. Today, she’s a regular on Saturday Night Live.

Villasenor has also voiced some characters from the Disney hits Ralph Breaks the Internet and Toy Story 4.

Just like her, classical singer Jackie Evancho is another America’s Got Talent success story. She was a runner-up on Season 5, but she has also been named as the best-selling debut artist of the year and the youngest solo artist to ever go platinum with her debut EP.

Meanwhile, America’s Got Talent is set to return for its 16th season on June 1.

People confirmed that Simon Cowell will return to the judges’ chair this season. Last year, he missed multiple live episodes after getting into an accident.

NBC also confirmed that Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara will all return as judges. Terry Crews will still host the show.

Last month, Crews announced that the final virtual open call via the America’s Got Talent website ended on March 6.

The hit reality TV show will air until August when a new winner is crowned.

READ NEXT: 'American Idol' Vs 'The Voice': Which Grand Winner Brings Home More Case

Source: Newsweek, People, Goldderby

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