How Much Money Does the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Winner Earn? Cash Prize and More Details

After another season of incredible acts and thrilling Golden Buzzer moments, America’s Got Talent is nearing the finish line for season 19. That means viewers can once again decide who takes home the crown this year. But other than bragging rights, what exactly does the AGT champion take home? Here’s a hint: It’s a lot more than bragging rights.

‘America’s Got Talent’ Winner Will Receive Cash Prize, Vegas Headlining Opportunity

A middle school janitor from Indiana and a San Quentin prison nurse are just two of the 10 finalists who still have a chance at the $1 million grand prize on America’s Got Talent. Since the third season, the winner has also had the opportunity to headline a show on the Las Vegas Strip.

However, that doesn’t mean the season 19 champion will become a millionaire overnight. A disclaimer at the end of each AGT episode states, “The prize, which totals $1,000,000, is payable in a financial annuity over 40 years, or the contestant may choose to receive the present cash value of such annuity.”

[RELATED: Is There a New Episode of ‘America’s Got Talent’ Tonight, September 17?]

What does this mean? A couple of things, according to a Forbes analysis published in 2016. The winner has the option of accepting the $1 million prize in full or in the form of a 40-year long annuity.

Should the season 19 winner decide to take the money over four decades, they would only receive $25,000 each year before taxes. On the other hand, if they choose to accept the cash in full (a.k.a. the “present cash value”), their earnings would equal up to around $300,000 before taxes.

When Do We Find Out Who the Winner Is?

Only 10 America’s Got Talent hopefuls remain as season 19 races toward its two-part conclusion. Those 10 will make their case for the $1 million grand prize on Tuesday (Sept. 17). Viewers will then have the entire week to choose their favorite performances before the show announces results during the live finale.

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and GRAMMY-winning crooner Michael Buble are among the stars set to perform in the season 19 finale, which airs on NBC Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. Central.

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