Kelly Clarkson has shared new details about the prize she received after winning the first season of American Idol, more than two decades after her victory on the television singing competition.

The singer and television host discussed the subject during the March 10 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she spoke with guest Rob Rausch, the winner of season four of The Traitors. Rausch told Clarkson that he had not yet received his $220,800 grand prize following his win, prompting Clarkson to reflect on her own experience after winning American Idol in 2002.

“I relate to this so hardcore,” said the 43-year-old during the conversation.

Clarkson then explained that the prize originally described to contestants was different from what she ultimately received after the competition ended.

“You probably weren’t alive when I was on American Idol, but I was literally on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars,’ or whatever. No, you didn’t.”

She added that the figure often mentioned during the show did not represent a direct cash prize. “They lied. You did not, no. It was like a million dollars’ worth of investment in you,” explained the singer.

Clarkson noted that while the prize included opportunities such as a recording contract, other promised elements did not materialise. She said contestants had also been told the winner would receive a car.

According to Clarkson, that part of the prize package never arrived.

“They said you get a car, and I needed it ‘cos my car is bashed in and I couldn’t afford the [insurance] deductible. And then, no! I did not get a car!” added the singer.

Clarkson rose to prominence after winning the inaugural season of American Idol, which launched her career in music and television. She later became one of the show’s most successful alumni, achieving multiple chart-topping singles and Grammy Awards before moving into broadcasting with her daytime talk show.