Carrie Underwood Is Highest-Earning “American Idol” Winner for the Past Year

Carrie Underwood remains the highest-earning American Idol champ for the past year. According to Forbes, Carrie pulled in an estimated $31 million last year, thanks to touring, music sales and sponsorship deals. That's more than show judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban are estimated to have earned last year.

Kelly Clarkson is second on the top-earning American Idol winners list, with an estimated $7 million.

The new season of American Idol premieres Wednesday night at 8 ET on FOX.