Celebrities who have won the most money on reality TV

She may not have won her season of American Idol, but she’s had much more success than just being Season 3’s seventh-place contestant. 

Since 2004, Jennifer Hudson has become an iconic musical artist, actor, and entertainer. She experienced widespread acclaim for her performance in Dreamgirls alongside Beyoncé and starred in additional films, including Cats with Taylor Swift and Respect — an Aretha Franklin biopic. 

Arguably one of the best challengers in the history of the MTV show, Wes Bergmann has collected just over $300,000 during his time on reality TV. During Season 2 of The Challenge: USA, he announced his retirement, later citing his growing responsibilities as a parent and business owner. 

“I’m not coming back. And it’s been a privilege,” Wes said from the competition floor. “To everyone making this, playing with y’all, I’m going to miss it all. So goodbye.”

Sandra Diaz-Twine competed on Survivor four times and won twice — making her the show’s first two-time winner and $2 million richer. She will appear on Season 2 of The Traitors alongside her Survivor pal and fellow winner, Parvati Shallow.  

She’s more than the winner of musical awards; she’s also the victor of Celebrity Big Brother Season 2, which earned her a whopping $250,000. 

The Challenge’s Johnny Bananas is no novice to competition reality shows. Since 2006, he’s schemed, manipulated, and, of course, won his way to over $1 million in winnings. Although he still competes on MTV occasionally, Bananas has branched out to other shows, like House of Villains and The Traitors.  

It’s been 21 years since Kelly Clarkson became the first winner of American Idol. She scored a $1 million check and a recording contract with RCA Records. She’s since won three Grammys, released three No. 1 albums, and served as a coach on The Voice. 

Following in Sandra’s footsteps, Tony Vlachos is also a two-time Survivor champ — winning Seasons 28 and 40. 

She’s the youngest winner in American Idol’s history, taking home the crown, cash money, and notoriety at age 17. She’s released top-ten hits like “No Air” and “Battlefield.”

Although Eva Marcille may not have won a huge cash prize like others on this list, she’s capitalized off her win during Season 3 of America’s Next Top Model. She’s since posed for Essence Magazine and starred in shows The Real Housewives, The Young and the Restless, and All the Queen’s Men on BET. 

Ashley Mitchell is the third richest winner in The Challenge's history. Since her debut in 2016, Mitchell has competed in nine seasons and pocketed $1.1 million in cash prize money.     

Amber Riley is widely known for her breakout performance in the hit show Glee; however, she’s more than just a singer. She won Season 17 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in 2013 alongside six-time Mirror Ball champion Derek Hough, becoming the series’ first Black female winner. 

In 2023, Riley returned to reality TV, competing as the Harp on Season 8 of The Masked Singer, which she went on to win. 

You can add Kaycee Clark to the list of two-time winners. She is the first-ever winner of both Big Brother and The Challenge — collecting $903,000. 

This country superstar blew judges and fans away after singer her heart out on Season 4 of American Idol. She later won the season and has gone on to become a musical giant, singing songs like “All American Girl” and “Before He Cheats.” 

Cara Maria is a fierce competitor who has appeared on The Challenge since  2010. She’s made it to nine final challenges and won two — taking home $602,250. 

Marissa Jaret Winokur has done it all. From Broadway to The Steve Harvey Show to Season 1 of Celebrity Big Brother — which she won in 2018. 

Chris “CT” Tamburello is a reality TV competition legend. With five wins under his belt, 10 final challenge appearances, and $1.3 million in grand prize money in the bank, there’s a reason they call him a Challenge god. 

Taylor Hale rose to fame after being the underdog who later swept the floor with her co-stars on Big Brother 24. Not only did she take home the crown and $750,000 check on finale night in 2022, but she was also named America’s Favorite Houseguest — taking home another $50K in the process. 

With $900,000 in winnings to his name, it's easy to see why this Challenge champ can't stay away. He's the winner of Battle of the Exes 2, Dirty 30, and War of the Worlds 2.