Kelly Clarkson Recently Dropped A Bombshell About Her Time On American Idol
Kelly Clarkson recently revealed on the March 10th episode of her talk show that American Idol hasn’t paid up since her win in 2002. While interviewing The Traitors winner Rob Rausch, she asked him how it felt when the prize money hit his bank account, but he revealed that he has yet to receive the $220,800 in prize money.
His reveal must have triggered a memory for Clarkson because she immediately said she related “hardcore” to not receiving a promised prize for winning a reality competition series. After all these years, she revealed that she never got a car or the $1 million in prize money that was promised for winning the first season of American Idol.
“You probably weren’t alive when I was on American Idol,” Kelly said in jest to Rausch. “I literally was on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars’ or whatever. No, you didn’t. They lied. You did not. It was, like, a million dollars worth of investment in you.”
She added, ““They said you get a car, and I needed it ‘cause my car was bashed in, and I couldn’t afford the deductible. I did not get a car. And then Clay Aiken, who didn’t win the second season, got a car.”
Clarkson revealed that Aiken’s mom also got a car, saying, ““I remember Clay telling me that the second season, he’s like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one.’ I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now.’”
RELATED: WHAT DOES THE WINNER OF “AMERICAN IDOL” RECEIVE AS A PRIZE?
She warned him, “You might not see it. But, you know, I hope you got enough TV time.“
Now, Everyone Is Curious If Any Other Idol Winners Have Received Their Grand Prize
Jordin Sparks, Season 6 champion, appeared on Today Show‘s Jenna & Shenielle, where guest host Justin Sylvester just had to ask her about her prize. due to Clarkson’s revelation.
While holding a mug, Sylvester slyly said, “You know I’m the messy friend, right? You know I get a little messy when I have my tea.”
The pop culture expert continued, “Look, when Kelly Clarkson won American Idol she said they didn’t run her that bag and she didn’t get her million dollars or her brand new car. I’m wondering, Jordin Sparks, did you secure the bag?”
“I got my car,” she replied. “Look, I wasn’t a part of Season 1. But the first season of anything is a little crazy. I hope they give her one now. Send her a Ford.”