American Idol

[Brad Imsdahl]

OK, this is a tax message board, so here is the tax part: Meals and lodging furnished on the employer’s premises for the convenience of the employer is excluded from taxable compensation under Section 119. How about reality show contestants given free transportation, hotel rooms, and meals while on their trip to Hollywood for American Idol auditions?

Now for the rest of the thread: I know many of you are American Idol fans. The new season always begins by showing us an endless supply of egotistical bad singers thinking they are hot stuff. They cry and curse the judges when their hopes and dreams are crushed. The judges look tired and irritated at all of these horrible singers who seem to be wasting their time at the auditions. The judges criticize contestants for trying to use gimmicks and costumes just to get on the show. The judges also take the opportunity to trash the host city for not having any talent. Minneapolis got to be first this season for not being able to produce any talent. Seacrest said, “The Midwest has turned into the Midworst.”

Then I found this article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15310288

An interesting read on what really happens behind the scenes at the auditions.

[OldJack]

Sorry Brad that your performance didn't even get on TV, but we all know you should have made it. Tax wise... none of the accommodations provided from American Idol would be taxable to the contestants as the contestants are not winning anything monetarily nor employees receiving fringe benefits.

[Brad Imsdahl]

Next time I’m going to bring my miniature piano, light it on fire and sing Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” while pounding on the keys as the piano goes up in flames….

The FMV of goods and services received from TV game shows is taxable. Why wouldn’t the hotel and food and free plane ticket be considered taxable goods and services? Wouldn’t it be considered like a paid vacation for the contestants?

[jainen]

trip to Hollywood

>>The FMV of goods and services received from TV game shows is taxable.<<

The trip to Hollywood is one of the prizes for the first level of the contest. It is taxable, and in my opinion they should all be subject to the substantial underperformance penalty.

[OldJack]

The FMV of goods and services received from TV game shows is taxable. Why wouldn’t the hotel and food and free plane ticket be considered taxable goods and services? Wouldn’t it be considered like a paid vacation for the contestants?

In the case of American Idol, the contestants are not receiving what would be considered goods and services. As to your comment of a paid vacation... I guess every time you travel for your employer (TMI) to a convention or CPE seminar you should have taxable income for the room, board, transportation, etc.? nonsense.

I agree with Jainen on the underperformance penalty and you should be very concerned with trying to pull-off "Great Balls of Fire".

[TheGoodnShawn]

Its a Hoax

The thing about these terrible singers is, they are either allowed to contine to meet Big 3, or they are hired to act a fool for the premier.

I have a friend who tried out for American Idol this year. She is quite a singer too. She actually participated in a contest here that would allow the winner to get a pass to skip the entire line. She won! She said that she had to audition with 5 other people....all of them were really good, and she even felt that one of the other girls were better than her.

Conclusion: In order to stand in front of Simon you have two stages of auditions....and if the good ones didnt make it to the second stage.....I know that the people that make it on tv for the premiere were either allowed to continue just to make an Donkey out of themselves...or they were hired to play the part...

But hey, I get a good laugh, so what can I say

S.Miller
Atlanta, GA

[veritas]

Much rather

watch American Chopper! Paul Sr. would clean house on that nasty Simon.