Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina earned less than Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta

The AP gives a breakdown of the contract of Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina which was recently approved by a judge since they are minors.

Scotty will earn at least $250,000 which is less than the $360,000 contracts of Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta's $300K+. Lauren's contract is just above $150,000.

So the ratings may be amazing this year, but FOX doesn't think that Scotty and Lauren deserve a similar financial compensation. Sad. Even the tour contract for the Top 13 is so low this year.

From the AP:

The draft contracts give the first-place winner — McCreery — at least $250,000 in advances for winning the show and recording the first album.

Runner-up Alaina is also set to receive a major payday; the contact approved by Superior Court Judge Marjorie Steinberg calls for the 16-year-old to receive $87,500 for finishing second. The amount would be doubled if Alaina records an album.

Season Six winner Jordin Sparks received a contract that guaranteed her a $180,000 advance after the show and another $180,000 after delivering her first album.

Numerous other underage contestants have been featured on the show and advanced to its late stages, including Season Seven runner-up David Archuleta. Draft contracts filed in his minor's contract petition indicated the payout for winning "Idol" that year was $360,000 total if an album was recorded, and Archuleta was slated to receive an advance of $155,000 for placing second — double that once he produced an album.