Idols for hire

Anyone can have their own private performance by an American Idol - for the right price. "The average rate going for an American Idol finalist can be as little as $15,000 or as much as $150,000," says a music industry insider. "But it really depends on what you want them to do. Are they just going to show up at the party or are they going to sing? Do they have a song on the charts right now, or are they yesterday's news?" Ruben Studdard can reportedly score up to $75,000 for singing at a private event. And the latest Idol, Taylor Hicks, can command as much as $150,000. The Idol who can charge the most for a private performance is - not surprisingly - season one winner Kelly Clarkson, who charges up as much as $300,000 for a private concert.

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