What Do the Winners of The Voice Get: Why the Prize Isn't Always a Golden Ticket

You've seen the confetti. You've heard the screaming. The dramatic swivel chairs have stopped moving, and some wide-eyed singer is standing there holding a glass trophy while their coach—someone like Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, or Michael Bublé—beams like a proud parent. It looks like the ultimate peak of a career. But once the cameras stop rolling and the stagehands start sweeping up the glitter, the reality of what do the winners of the Voice get becomes a lot more complicated than just "fame and fortune."

Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. For over 25 seasons, the "grand prize" has barely budged. While the world around us gets more expensive, the reward for winning one of the biggest shows on television has stayed weirdly frozen in time.

The Famous $100,000 Check (And the IRS)

First off, let's talk about the money. Since Javier Colon won Season 1 back in 2011, the cash prize has stayed at a flat $100,000. It doesn't matter if you’re a teen prodigy like Chevel Shepherd or a seasoned pro like Huntley; the check stays the same.

But here is the thing: nobody actually walks away with a hundred grand.

Uncle Sam takes a massive bite out of that immediately. Because prize winnings are taxed as ordinary income, winners often lose roughly 30% to 40% to federal and state taxes before they even see it. If you live in a high-tax state like California (where the show is filmed), you’re looking at a take-home pay that might not even buy a modest house in most American suburbs. Some winners, like Season 15's Chevel Shepherd, mentioned using the cash for things as simple as a car. It's life-changing money for a normal person, sure, but it's not "retire at 25" money.

💡 You might also like: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby

That Universal Music Group Record Deal

The second half of the prize is the one everyone talks about: the "major label recording contract." This usually means signing with Universal Music Group (UMG). On paper, it sounds like the dream. You get access to the best producers, the best studios, and the best writers in the business.

But the industry has a dark side.

These contracts are often incredibly restrictive. Many past winners have voiced frustration that the label doesn't always prioritize them once the season's hype dies down. Think about it—by the time a winner is ready to release an album, the show is already halfway through the next season, looking for the next big thing.

• The "Shelf" Problem: Some winners find their music "shelved," meaning the label owns the rights but doesn't actually release or promote the songs.
• The Freedom Factor: Artists like Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery eventually found success, but often after pivoting or working with specific imprints like Big Machine.
• The Lawsuit Clause: There are ironclad non-disclosure agreements. Winners can actually be sued for up to $1 million if they leak details of their contracts or the show’s inner workings.

It’s a high-stakes game. If you don't play by the rules, NBC and the network can technically claw back the prize money.

📖 Related: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway

What Do the Runners-Up Actually Get?

If you don't win, do you leave empty-handed? Sorta. But also not really.

Technically, the runners-up and finalists don't get a cash prize or a guaranteed contract. However, they do get a few "consolation" perks that are actually pretty decent. For one, they get to keep their custom-tailored wardrobes from the live shows. That might sound small, but when you're wearing designer gear every Tuesday night, that closet adds up.

They also receive royalties from the songs they recorded and released during the show's run. If a performance goes viral on Spotify or Apple Music, that artist is seeing some of that coin. Plus, there’s a small daily stipend for food and living expenses while they are filming in Los Angeles. It’s basically a working vacation where the "pay" is the exposure to millions of viewers.

The "Coach" Connection: The Real Secret Prize

Sometimes, the best thing a contestant gets isn't the trophy. It's the phone number of their coach.

👉 See also: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback

Blake Shelton was famous for this. He would frequently take his team members on tour with him or help them land meetings in Nashville. Kelly Clarkson and Niall Horan have been known to stay in touch with their artists long after the finale. In the music business, a recommendation from an A-lister is often worth way more than a $100,000 check that’s been taxed to death.

Why The Voice Winners Aren't Always Superstars

It’s a weird phenomenon. American Idol gave us Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The Voice? Well, we have some great artists, but maybe fewer household names.

A big part of this is the show's format. The Voice is very much about the coaches and their banter. The "story" is often about the celebrity in the chair as much as the person on the stage. When the show ends, the marketing machine often stops. Unlike Idol, which used to spend millions to launch the winner's first single immediately, The Voice model is more of a "here is your prize, good luck" situation.

Practical Steps for Aspiring Artists

If you're thinking about auditioning because you want to know what do the winners of the Voice get, you need to go in with your eyes open. Winning is a platform, not a destination.

1. Lawyer Up Early: If you make it to the rounds where contracts are involved, find an entertainment lawyer who isn't affiliated with the show. You need to know exactly what you’re signing away.
2. Build Your Own Brand: Don't wait for the label to tweet for you. Use the 15 minutes of fame to grow your own TikTok, Instagram, and mailing list.
3. Network with Everyone: The sound engineers, the backup singers, and the other contestants are your future coworkers. Treat them better than the judges.
4. Manage the Money: If you win that $100k, set aside 40% for taxes immediately. Don't buy the Chevelle until the IRS is happy.

Winning the show is an incredible achievement that provides a massive boost, but the real work starts the Monday after the finale. The prize is a door—you still have to be the one to walk through it and keep it open.

To prepare for the reality of the music industry post-show, start by researching independent distribution methods like DistroKid or TuneCore so you have a "Plan B" if a major label deal doesn't go the way you expected.