Kelly Clarkson Says ‘American Idol’ Lied to Her About $1 Million Prize

Kelly Clarkson has revealed that she never received her $1 million prize money after winning the inaugural season of ‘American Idol’

Kelly Clarkson shot to fame when she became the winner of the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002. Upon winning the reality singing compeition, Clarkson was told that she’d won $1 million and a brand new car.

However, on a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the “Since U Been Gone” singer revealed that she never received the money. Instead, the $1 million was how much producers would invest in her music career.

Clarkson’s revelation occurred when she was speaking with Rob Rausch, who won season four of The Traitors, and has since said he didn’t receive his winnings for that show, either.

“You know what, I relate to this!” Clarkson said. “I relate to this so hardcore. You probably weren’t alive when I was on ‘American Idol,’ but I was literally on the show. They were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars,’ or whatever. No, you didn’t. They lied. It was like a million dollars’ worth of investment in you.”

To make matters worse, Clarkson also admitted that she didn’t receive the car she was supposed to have won.

“They said you get a car,” she continued. “And I needed it because my car was bashed in, and I couldn’t afford the deductible. And then — no! I did not get a car.”

Kelly Clarkson Has Seen Other ‘American Idol’ Winners Receive Their Prize Car

To add further insult, Kelly Clarkson witnessed Clay Aiken, who came second in the second season of American Idol, receive his car as a prize, along with another car for his mother.

“Clay Aiken, who didn’t win the second season, got a car — and [so did] his mom!” she claimed. “”I was like, ‘What the f-k!’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one.’ I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now.'”

Even more recently, Carrie Underwood was discussing her blue Ford Mustang and why she will never sell the car she received upon winning the show.

Unfortunately for Clarkson, she was likely hindered by American Idol being in its first season and having to work out some of the bugs. Still, after how well she did as a contestant and in her career since, she more than deserved to have her prize money and car. Although at this point, it would probably be too little, too late.