Kelly Clarksonis still waiting for her "American Idol" prize nearly 25 years later.
During a Tuesday, March 10 episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," the TV host revealed she never received the $1 million check or the car that were promised after her win on Season 1 of the reality singing competition series.
The revelation came out after"The Traitors" star Rob Rauschsaid he hasn't yet received his $220,800 prize pot after recently winning Season 4 of the murder mystery game.
"I relate to this so hard core 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 a million dollars or whatever.' No, you didn't. They lied," Clarkson told Rausch and fellow guestDaniel Radcliffe.
Instead of being given a $1 million check, the series gave her "a $1 million worth of investment in you."
The Texas native then called out the show for giving both the Season 2 runner-up,Clay Aiken, and his mother cars. So she playfully warned Rausch that he might not see his check. "But you know what? Hope you got enough TV time," she said.
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USA TODAY has reached out to the "American Idol" production company for comment.
How old wasKelly Clarksonon 'American Idol'?
Clarkson, 43, was 20 when she starred in the inaugural season of "American Idol," which she won Sept. 4, 2002.
The vocal powerhouse wowed judgesSimon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson with her rendition of "At Last" by Etta James and proved to be a dominant competitor throughout the season. She earned the win on finale night with her performances ofAretha Franklin's "Respect"as well as her original songs "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love."
Since Kelly Clarkson earned the title of the first "American Idol" winner in 2002, the pop star's career has flourished, making it impossible for fans to "Breakaway." Look back on her path to stardom, beginning here at the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
On Feb. 2, the singer-turned host announced that her Daytime Emmy-winning "Kelly Clarkson Show" will end after seven seasons. NBCUniversal's news release described Clarkson's move as "personal decision to step away from hosting a talk show after this season."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson, a coach on "The Voice," poses for Season 23 in 2023. Clarkson was a coach on Seasons 14-21 and returned for one more run on "The Voice" Season 23 in 2023." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson's date to the 2024 Grammys was her son, Remington Alexander, whom she shared with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock died in August 2025 after a private cancer battle." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dolly Parton appears on stage with Kelly Clarkson during the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas March 7, 2022." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson's 10th studio album, "Chemistry," which released in 2023, featured collaborations with Carly Rae Jepsen, Sheila E. and actor/musician Steve Martin." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson attends NBC's "American Song Contest" Week 3 red carpet event on April 4, 2022." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson joins rap icon Snoop Dogg to host the Eurovision-inspired singing competition "American Song Contest," which premiered March 21, 2022." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Stylist of the Year Award at the event." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
She also presented the award for best actor in a comedy series during the Critics' Choice Awards on Jan. 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Earlier that month, she performed with a cowboy-hat-sporting Jason Aldean at the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7 in Las Vegas." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
On Aug. 22, 2018, Clarkson attended the ceremony honoring longtime "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Months before revealing her engagement in December 2012, Clarkson cuddled up to then-boyfriend Blackstock at an event on May 31, 2012, in Whites Creek, Tennessee." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Backstage at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 1, 2012, Clarkson and McEntire posed with members of the rock band Kiss. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Clarkson smiled alongside "American Idol" winners Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino backstage at the show's Season 3 Grand Finale on May 26, 2004, in Hollywood." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kelly Clarkson performs during the Aug. 28, 2002, taping of "American Idol." Clarkson and Justin Guarini went on to compete in the finale, with Clarkson ultimately winning the show's first season." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kelly Clarkson through the years, from 'American Idol' to superstar
SinceKelly Clarksonearned the title of the first "American Idol" winner in 2002, the pop star's career has flourished, making it impossible for fans to "Breakaway." Look back on her path to stardom, beginning here at the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024.
Following the series, she rose to stardom with many songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including No. 1 hits like "Since U Been Gone" and "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)." She's won three Grammy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She stayed true to her TV roots, serving as a coach on "The Voice" for 10 seasons, winning four different seasons, and launching her daytime talk series "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in 2019.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kelly Clarkson never got her money, car after winning 'American Idol'
