<P> The "Fan Save" was introduced in the fourteenth season . During the finals, viewers were given a five - minute window to vote for the contestants in danger of elimination by using their Twitter account to decide which contestant will move on to the next show, starting with the Top 8 . </P> <P> The finale was the two - hour last episode of the season, culminating in revealing the winner . For seasons one, three through six, fourteen, and fifteen it was broadcast from the Dolby Theatre, which has an audience capacity of approximately 3,400 . The finale for season two took place at the Gibson Amphitheatre, which has an audience capacity of over 6,000 . In seasons seven through thirteen, the venue was at the Nokia Theater, which holds an audience of over 7,000 . In season 16, the venue did not change from the Finals . </P> <P> The winner received a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums, and secures a management contract with American Idol - affiliated 19 Management (which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants), as well as various lucrative contracts . All winners prior to season nine reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year as winner . All the runners - up of the first ten seasons, as well as some of other finalists, had also received record deals with major labels . However, starting in season 11, the runner - up may only be guaranteed a single - only deal . BMG / Sony (seasons 1--9), UMG (season 10--15), and Hollywood Records (season 16 -) had the right of first refusal to sign contestants for three months after the season's finale . Starting in the fourteenth season, the winner was signed with Big Machine Records . Prominent music mogul Clive Davis also produced some of the selected contestants' albums, such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo . All top 10 (11 in seasons 10 and 12, 5 in season 14, and 7 in season 16) finalists earn the privilege of going on a tour, where the participants may each earn a six - figure sum . </P> <P> Each season premieres with the audition round, taking place in different cities . The audition episodes typically feature a mix of potential finalists, interesting characters and woefully inadequate contestants . Each successful contestant receives a golden ticket to proceed on to the next round in Hollywood . Based on their performances during the Hollywood round (Las Vegas round from seasons 10 - 12), 24 to 36 contestants are selected by the judges to participate in the semifinals . From the semifinals onward the contestants perform their songs live, with the judges making their critiques after each performance . The contestants are voted for by the viewing public, and the outcome of the public votes is then revealed during a results segment . The results segment feature group performances by the contestants as well as guest performers . The Top - three results also features homecoming events for the Top 3 finalists . The season reaches its climax in a two - hour results finale show, where the winner of the season is revealed . </P>

What is the prize money for american idol
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