Kelly Clarkson Claims ‘American Idol’ Lied About $1 Million Prize and Car [WATCH]

Singer Kelly Clarkson says the prize package she was promised after winning the first season of “American Idol” did not match what she ultimately received, as reported by Page Six.

Clarkson, 43, made the comments during Tuesday’s episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where she was joined by actor Daniel Radcliffe and reality television contestant Rob Rausch.

The conversation turned to prize money after Rausch mentioned that he has yet to receive the $220,800 he won on Season 4 of “The Traitors.”

23 years ago, Kelly Clarkson became the first winner of ‘American Idol’ pic.twitter.com/NbUHtxH3cR

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Clarkson said the situation reminded her of her own experience following her win on the debut season of “American Idol” in 2002.

“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.”

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Clarkson went on to claim that the widely advertised prize did not materialize in the way it had been presented.

“They were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars,’ or whatever,” Clarkson said. “No, you didn’t. They lied. It was like a million dollars’ worth of investment in you.”

Radcliffe appeared surprised by the statement and asked for clarification.

“Wait, what?” he said.

Clarkson confirmed her claim and added that she also did not receive another item she believed had been part of the prize.

“Yes!” Clarkson said. “They said you get a car. 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.”

Clarkson then recalled that Clay Aiken, who finished as runner-up during the show’s second season, received a vehicle.

“Clay Aiken, who didn’t win the second season, got a car — and [so did] his mom!” Clarkson told the audience.

She described her reaction after learning about it.

“I was like, ‘What the f–k!’” Clarkson said, recalling a conversation with Aiken. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one.’ I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now.’”

Kelly Clarkson calls out “American Idol” for misleading prizes for winning the show.

Credit: NBCUniversal Syndication Studios pic.twitter.com/UPXz2qbX6P

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Radcliffe joked that early winners of a competition show should receive upgraded rewards if prizes increase in later seasons.

“There should be some system where if you win something on the first season of something, whatever the prize has become, you should retroactively get that,” Radcliffe said.

Clarkson disagreed with the idea that later changes explained the situation.

“No, it was supposed to be the prize then, OK? It was supposed to be the prize then!” she said.

Clarkson then joked with Rausch that he may also face a delay in receiving his winnings.

“That’s why I’m saying — you might not see it,” Clarkson said. “But, you know, I hope you got enough TV time.”

Clarkson won the inaugural season of “American Idol” in 2002, launching a successful music career that produced several chart-topping songs, including “A Moment Like This,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “Because of You.”

In September, Clarkson marked the 23rd anniversary of her victory on social media and reflected on the role the show played in her career.

“Winning ‘American Idol’ changed my life and I will be forever grateful for all of you that have supported me for so many years,” Clarkson wrote.

“It is a gift to find your purpose and passion, and to be able to make a living doing it is the cherry on top. Thank you, always.”

Clarkson’s comments on the talk show come shortly after she announced plans to step away from her NBC daytime program after seven seasons. The singer said she intends to spend more time with her children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.

Her decision followed a difficult year after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who died in August following a battle with cancer.

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