Quote:The top ten money-making Idol alums combined to earn $50 million over the past year alone.

These numbers are based on estimated pretax income earned from May 2010 to May 2011, before subtracting agent and manager fees. The totals were compiled with the help of data from Pollstar, RIAA and others, as well as interviews with industry insiders including managers, concert promoters, publicists, agents and, in some cases, the musicians themselves.

When it comes to earnings, winning isn’t everything. Of the top three moneymakers on our list, Underwood is the sole contest winner; only five of the top ten earners are actual Idol champs. One of the show’s most successful alums is Jennifer Hudson, who finished seventh in Season Three but banked $2 million on the strength of new album I Remember Me and a gig as a spokesperson for Weight Watchers.

Though many former Idols are cashing in on their fame, their fortunes are just a small part of the program’s economy. American Idol has been the top show in America for eight years in a row and winners’ vote totals often rival those of presidential candidates. Some industry observers have estimated that the Idol generates $1 billion in total revenue per year.