As for the eventual victor, they walk away with $125,000 for winning the show and are signed to a recording contract. Per AmericanSongwriter, the record company typically gives the winner a $300,000 advance as a recording budget, but that is then paid back via future earnings.

Four Arizonans will compete on "American Idol" Season 23. It premieres on March 9 with Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.