Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) recently premiered its 30th season.
And while ABC got busy promoting the star-studded dancing competition, the celebrities themselves focused on rehearsing.
But those stars don’t head to the rehearsal rooms just to look good on TV.
Find out how much celebrity contestants make below.
How DWTS Celebrity Contestants Boost Bank
Celebrities who step out on the Dancing With The Stars polished floors tend to regard every episode as a multiple-choice test.
For instance, should they aim to take risks that could result in an embarrassing fall?
Or instead, should they play it safe while risking a lower score.
What’s at stake: More effort equals more cash, notes Prevention.
DWTS Celebs Get Monetary Welcome
Even before the celebrity contestants step out on the dance floor, they profit.
First, the stars receive a check as soon as they sign on the contract’s dotted line.
Next, each contestant earns $125,000 for the rehearsal time coupled with those initial two weeks broadcast by ABC.
That means the 15 contestants for Dancing With The Stars this season already got rewarded for their work.
As a result, DWTS contenders Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) star Kenya Moore, The Bachelor star Matt James, Spice Girl songstress Mel C, actress Melora Hardin, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby, Influencer Olivia Jade, country music singer Jimmie Allen, The Talk host Amanda Kloots, actor Martin Kove, actor Brian Austin Green, WWE wrestler Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, Dance Moms alum JoJo Siwa, NBA star Iman Shumpert, Bling Empire’s Christine Chiu, and Olympic gymnast Sunisa “Suni” Lee cost Dancing With The Stars about $1.87 million thus far!
Make It To DWTS Week 3? Bring On Big Bucks!
And for those who survive the cut-throat competition, week 3 brings more money.
Celebrity contestants who begin the third week on Dancing With The Stars earn additional dollars for each episode.
The figures have varied from year to year.
For instance, in 2019, DWTS contestants earned a maximum of $295,000.
But in contrast, in 2010, celebrity contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy received $10,000 for weeks 3 and 4, $20,000 for weeks 5 and 6, $30,000 for weeks 7 and 8, and $50,000 for weeks 9 and 10.
And in prior seasons, the ultimate winner of Dancing With the Stars could bank as much as $345,000!
Does DWTS Boost Stars’ Careers?
In addition to profiting directly from their Dancing With The Stars efforts, celebrities can get more publicity just by appearing on DWTS.
So did past winners benefit?
Let’s look at a few examples.
- When Dancing With The Stars season 1 premiered in 2005, actress Kelly Monaco took home the trophy. The General Hospital star boosted her bank account by returning to compete on the season 15 DWTS all-stars show.
- For season 2 winner Drew Lachey, money flowed. He hosted the Miss USA pageant, competed in DWTS all-stars show, and even showed up on season 11 of American Ninja Warrior.
- Fast forward to a star-studded season 9. Winner Donny Osmond subsequently got paid as a guest judge and guest performer. And several years later, he took second place in the first season of The Masked Singer.
Who will take home the Mirrorball Trophy this year?
Tweet us your guesses!
And be sure to check back on our site for all the news about Dancing With The Stars.
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