Kelly Clarkson has called out American Idol, claiming the show “lied” to her about the prizes she was supposed to receive for winning its inaugural season.
During Tuesday’s segment of her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy-winning “Breakaway” artist, 43, spoke with The Traitors star Rob Rausch, who said he still has yet to receive his $220,800 cash prize after winning season four in January.
“I relate to this so hard core,” Clarkson exclaimed, “because whenever I won, you probably weren’t alive when I was on American Idol, but I literally was on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win $1 million dollars or whatever.’ No, you didn’t. They lied.”
Shocked by the revelation, Rausch and fellow guest Daniel Radcliffe asked what she was gifted instead.
The host explained that the winnings were not actually $1 million, but rather “a $1 million worth of investment in you.”
Clarkson was just 20 when she appeared on the long-running singing competition show. She triumphed in the finale, beating Justin Guarini with a performance of her debut single, “A Moment Like This.”
She said that she was also told she would get a car, which she needed at the time because “my car was bashed in, and I couldn’t afford the deductible.”
“And no! I did not get a car,” she said, adding that she later learned American Idol’s season two runner-up, Clay Aiken, and his mom had both been given cars.
“I remember Clay telling me that the second season,” Clarkson recalled. “He was like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one,’ and I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now.’”
The Independent has contacted ABC, American Idol’s network broadcaster, for comment.
Despite the lackluster prizes, Clarkson still credits the show for her successful career.
In 2022, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her win, writing on Instagram: “Twenty years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life.
“That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days. The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me.”
Since her victory, Clarkson has won several accolades, including three Grammy Awards, and has topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart three times.
Last month, the “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” singer announced the end of her talk show. “There have been so many amazing moments and shows over these seven seasons. I am forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for, all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us, all the fans who have supported our show and to NBC for always being such a supportive and incredible partner,” Clarkson said on Instagram.
“Because of all of that, this was not an easy decision, but this season will be my last hosting [The Kelly Clarkson Show]. Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives,” she continued.
“This isn’t goodbye. I’ll still be making music, playing shows here and there and you may catch me on The Voice from time to time … you never know where I might show up next. But for now, I want to thank y’all so much for allowing our show to be a part of your lives, and for believing in us and hanging with us for seven incredible years.”
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