Wanna Party With the Stars? It'll Cost You

When requesting an appearance fee for the radio show, Gosselin's rep said "[Jon's] name and appearance on your show will instantly draw press." But the host of Tampa's MJ Morning Show told TMZ he "fell out of his chair" when he saw the request. The show had already offered two round-trip plane tickets, limo service and a hotel room, but it wasn't enough for Gosselin to make the trip.

Turns out, it's entirely routine for celebs to charge fees for appearances, whether it's guest hosting a program, giving a lecture or even a night out on the town. Gosselin and Montag are no different than the scores of celebs whose managers and publicists will negotiate fees for public appearances. And though they may be feeling stiffed, it might not be anything personal. The reality television appearance industry just isn't what it used to be, fiscally speaking.

A Forbes article from 2007 says at one point in time, reality television stars could charge up to $25,000 for a speaking event after appearing on a hit show like 'Survivor.' But the number has considerably dropped in recent years, no doubt partially due to the influx of reality television programs and the personalities that fill them. Fees have dropped to somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 for speaking events, or between $1,000 and $3,000 for a meet and greet event, the article says.


Booking agency All American Speakers links companies with celebs for endorsements and appearances. Of the reality TV stars the company works with, personalities are available from shows like 'American Idol,' 'Survivor,' 'Last Comic Standing' and 'The Apprentice.' Many, however, don't list what their requests are for appearance fees. The site directs users to their booking agents.

While the competition may be tough for reality television personalities, big name celebrities can charge six figures for appearances. According to the All American Speakers Web site, the following stars change $200,000 or more for a speaking appearance: Billy Crystal, Donald Trump, Dr. Phil McGraw, Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Lance Armstrong, Larry the Cable Guy, Robin Williams and Tim Allen.

Many other stars list their appearance fee as $100,000 or above, including: Ali G, Chris Rock, Conan O'Brien, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Simon Cowell and Stephen Colbert.