Op-Ed: Shawn Johnson Draws More than Just Fans

Dancing with the Stars cast member and Olympian Shawn Johnson is a minor at 17. Her salary for the show had to be approved before she could receive it.

Dancing with the Stars, the ABC reality show, is entertaining to some, but others do not watch it. The interesting part of the show is often behind the scene. For example, when Steve-O from Jack-Ass fell on his microphone pack. I found that as interesting, or more captivating than the Monday night Dancing With the Stars show itself. I felt sorry for him and thought it was ironic, when he hurt his back, considering all the stunts I've seen him perform on Jack-Ass. Shawn Johnson is a very gifted athlete, and quite young for Dancing With the Stars. Billed as "The Youngest Contestant Ever!" The fact is not commonly known,that the Dancing With the Stars contestants are paid for their efforts. As it is posted on theMSNBC website, and also from a document received by TMZ.com. Johnson is only 17, and her salary had to be approved before she could be in the show. The numbers she's receiving are staggering: She was paid a guaranteed $125,000 just to be int he show. For subsequent episodes, she receives $10,000. For weeks 5, 6, and 7, she will earn $20,000 a week. It increases from there -- weeks 8 and 9 she earns $30,000. If she can make it to week 10 and 11, she will earn $50,000 a week. If she stays the entire time, grab your calculator. The total number is $365,000. But that is not all she stands a chance to earn. Future Dancing with the Stars programming will net her $10,000, with $5,000 each studio interview. But, it should be noted, stars are not paid to do the actual Dancing with the Stars show itself. Dancing with the Stars pay their contestants when they win the show. It's also of interest, that American Idol pays contestants $30 daily,and gave them $500 to spend on clothes.