Word has it that American Idol runner up, sixteen year old Jessica Sanchez could only get about thirty grand for coming in second.

Looks like promised record deals are a thing of AI’s past, and without one, Sanchez’s winnings could end up being equivalent to a $15/hr job.

I suppose depending on where you live, it would be wrong to scoff at a pay rate as that, but when you consider the profit others will be making, it kind of makes you shake your head a bit. If she gets a record deal, that all changes, but again, those are no longer a guarantee for those in second.

Some say it makes sense with lower ratings there would be lower prize payouts, others disagree and think being a finalist should show for something. What do you think?