Kelly Clarkson says she never got the car prize promised after winning American Idol in 2002, unlike runner-up Clay Aiken, though she received a recording contract that launched her career.

Kelly Clarkson revealed she never received the car prize promised to her after winning American Idol in 2002, despite needing it after her vehicle was damaged. She clarified the show’s “$1 million” prize was a recording contract, which she fulfilled, leading to a successful career. While runner-up Clay Aiken received a car for his mother, Clarkson did not, calling the discrepancy unfair. She joked about her reaction at the time but confirmed she still owns the blue Mustang she drove post-win, which remains a cherished symbol of her start. She also recently stepped down from her daytime talk show to focus on family.