Because of Kelly Clarkson.
Jordin Sparks confirmed on Monday’s “Today” show that she did indeed receive her “American Idol” winning prize, one week after Clarkson brought the “Liar” show under fire for allegedly stiffing her during season one.
“I got my own car,” the Season 6 winner, 36, told Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones.
Noting that “the first season of anything is a little crazy,” the “No Air” singer joked, “I want[Clarkson]to give me a present right now. I want her to send me a Ford.”
Clarkson, 43, recently revealed on his eponymous talk show that Season 2 winner Clay Aiken received the car he won in the contest the year after he won. An additional car was also given to the mother.
Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood told Apple Music in 2023 that she still has the Mustang she received after “American Idol” (via People).
When Clarkson won against Justin Guarini in the 2002 premiere season, she “needed” the car she was promised because her car was “hit.”
However, the Grammy winner told “Traitors” winner Rob Rausch during a roundtable discussion on March 10 that he “couldn’t afford the deductible” and as a result “couldn’t get the car.”
During his rant, Clarkson also exposed the show for not fulfilling its promise of “$1 million” to the winner.
“They lied,” she claimed. “It was like a million-dollar investment in you.”
Last year, Clarkson gushing about her experience on the show while celebrating its 23rd anniversary on Instagram.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to call and vote for me 23 years ago,” she wrote in September 2025. “Winning ‘American Idol’ changed my life. I will forever be grateful to everyone who has supported me over the years.”
At the time, the performer concluded, “Finding your purpose and passion is a gift, and being able to make a living from it is the greatest thing. Thank you for everything.”
Since his success on the show, the songwriter has released 10 studio albums and mentored aspiring singers on “The Voice.”
Clarkson began hosting the daytime talk show in 2019, but will step down from the role this fall after seven seasons to “prioritize” her 11-year-old daughter River and 9-year-old son Remington.
Especially the little ones, who lost their father, Brandon Blackstock, to cancer last year.
As for Clarkson’s next steps, she teased, “This isn’t goodbye. I’m still going to make music and play shows here and there, and you might see me on The Voice from time to time…you never know where I’ll show up next.”
