Jordin Sparks Confirms 'American Idol' Paid Her Prize, Unlike Kelly Clarkson

The Season 6 winner says she received her promised car, unlike the show's first champion.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:35pm

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Jordin Sparks, the winner of 'American Idol' Season 6 in 2007, has confirmed that she did receive the promised prize of a car after her victory, unlike fellow winner Kelly Clarkson who recently revealed the show never paid her $1 million prize. Sparks joked that she hopes the show now sends Clarkson 'a Ford' to make up for the earlier oversight.

Why it matters

Clarkson's bombshell revelation last week that 'American Idol' never paid her the $1 million prize she was promised for winning the inaugural season in 2002 has raised questions about the show's treatment of its early champions. Sparks' confirmation that she did receive her promised car prize helps provide context around the franchise's evolving treatment of winners over the years.

The details

Sparks told the 'Today' show that while 'the first season of anything is a little crazy,' she did get the car she was promised after winning Season 6 in 2007. This contrasts with Clarkson's recent revelation that she never received the $1 million prize or a car, despite the show giving a car to Season 2 winner Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood still having the Mustang she was awarded after winning Season 4.

  • Jordin Sparks won 'American Idol' Season 6 in 2007.
  • Kelly Clarkson won 'American Idol' Season 1 in 2002.

The players

Jordin Sparks

The winner of 'American Idol' Season 6 in 2007.

Kelly Clarkson

The winner of the inaugural season of 'American Idol' in 2002.

Clay Aiken

The winner of 'American Idol' Season 2, who received a car and an additional vehicle for his mom.

Carrie Underwood

The winner of 'American Idol' Season 4, who still has the Mustang she was awarded after her victory.

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What they’re saying

“I got my car.”

— Jordin Sparks, Season 6 winner (Today)

“I hope they give [Clarkson] one now. Send her a Ford.”

— Jordin Sparks, Season 6 winner (Today)

“They lied. It was like a million dollars' worth of investment in you.”

— Kelly Clarkson (The Kelly Clarkson Show)

The takeaway

This case highlights the evolving treatment of 'American Idol' winners over the years, with early champions like Clarkson apparently not receiving the full promised prizes, while later winners like Sparks did get their due rewards. It raises questions about the show's financial practices and commitment to supporting its talent, especially in the franchise's formative years.