Television is abuzz with the latest singing sensation that is quickly becoming one of the biggest hits in 5 years - The Voice. What you wear, how you do your hair, none of that matters. The judges decide everything purely based on your voice, which is a very refreshing idea. Not only do the contestants get to perform in front of such A-list singers such as Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Cee Lo Green, but the singers selected get to be coached by these great entertainers as well.
It's a good thing the show is gaining so much popularity because none of this comes cheap. The network is competing against entertainment show giants American Idol and X-Factor, so as the saying goes: producers of The Voice have to spend money to make money. And spending money they are -- sources say Christina Aguilera is making more than $225,000 per hour while the other judges are making about $75,000 each. That's a significant difference amongst the judges, but is it warranted? What makes Christina more valuable than the other judges? Aguilera has been hugely successful over the years, but she's been ridiculed ever since her famous flub of the National Anthem during this year's Super Bowl and for getting arrested for public intoxication and her fans have either forgiven her already or lost respect for her, which means she probably needs the show and the $225,000 per episode more than the show needs her.
As the show progresses with its so far "winning" success, one can only wonder if this difference in pay-grade will later become an issue amongst the judges and effect show ratings. For better or for worse - that part is up to the viewers.
Source: Hollywood Reporter