Portfolio magazine totes up ‘American Idol’s’ fortune

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As Simon Cowell ponders whether to stick with ‘American Idol’ after next season, he may want to check out the latest issue of Portfolio, which takes a whack at figuring out how much revenue the show has generated over its eight seasons and see if he can’t get Fox to add to his estimated annual pay check of $36 million.

Some highlights:

A (costly) word from our sponsors: ‘American Idol’ has generated almost $6.5 billion in ad revenue domestically and abroad since its premiere in 2002, and this season advertisers could pay as much as $1.3 million for a 30-second spot in the finale. That’s Super Bowl territory.

The trickle-down effect: Summer concert tours by the top 10 finishers have taken in an average of $30 million a year, Portfolio said, adding that Fremantle Media, which is the rights holder to ‘American Idol’ licenses, has gotten $400 million to date on marketing deals.

Fringe benefactors: Rip-off shows have taken in almost $600 million in ad revenue over the last three seasons.

-- Joe Flint