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Jordin Sparks Says She Got an American Idol Car, Urges Show to Give Kelly Clarkson One Now

The remarks refocus attention on sponsorship-tied prize structures from the show's early years.

Overview

  • On Monday's Today, Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks said she received a car and joked that producers should send Kelly Clarkson a Ford now.
  • Clarkson said on her March 10 talk show that she never got the car she was told she won and that the touted $1 million was investment spending rather than a cash payout.
  • Coverage notes other winners received vehicles, including Clay Aiken, who was given a car and one for his mother, and Carrie Underwood, who has said she still owns her blue Mustang.
  • Sparks described the first season as "a little crazy," suggesting early logistical differences that could explain inconsistent prize fulfillment.
  • ABC has not responded to requests for comment, according to The Independent, as the exchange renews scrutiny of how reality-competition prizes were defined and delivered.