March 12, 2026Updated March 14, 2026, 5:03 p.m. ET
Kelly Clarkson revealed on her discuss present this week that she by no means obtained the $1 million money prize for successful Season One of “American Idol.”
You could recall Clarkson out-sang Doylestown’s Justin Guarini for that grand prize almost 25 years in the past. If you are questioning, as runner-up, Guarini was not due any money winnings however he did land a profitable recording contract with RCA, which was a part of his cope with the “AI” producers.
During a Tuesday, March 10 episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the TV host revealed she by no means obtained the $1 million verify or the automobile that had been promised after her win on Season One of the fact singing competitors collection.
The revelation got here out after “The Traitors” star Rob Rausch stated he hasn’t but obtained his $220,800 prize pot after just lately successful Season 4 of the homicide thriller sport.
“I relate to this so hard core because whenever I won, you probably weren’t alive when I was on ‘American Idol,’ but I literally was on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars or whatever.’ No, you didn’t. They lied,” Clarkson informed Rausch and fellow visitor Daniel Radcliffe.
Instead of being given a $1 million verify, the collection gave her “a $1 million worth of investment in you.”
The Texas native then referred to as out the present for giving each the Season 2 runner-up, Clay Aiken, and his mom vehicles. So she playfully warned Rausch that he may not see his verify. “But you know what? Hope you got enough TV time,” she stated.
USA TODAY has reached out to the “American Idol” manufacturing firm for remark.
How outdated was Kelly Clarkson on ‘American Idol’?
Clarkson, 43, was 20 when she starred within the inaugural season of “American Idol,” which she gained Sept. 4, 2002.
The vocal powerhouse wowed judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson together with her rendition of “At Last” by Etta James and proved to be a dominant competitor all through the season. She earned the win on finale night time together with her performances of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” in addition to her unique songs “A Moment Like This” and “Before Your Love.”
Guarini belted out “Before Your Love” and “A Moment Like This” for his ultimate efficiency. That was adopted by Clarkson and Guarini performing a duet of Kim Weston/Marvin Gaye’s “It Takes Two,” which Clarkson revealed final 12 months was an impromptu directive from “AI” producers and the pair needed to carry out the Motown traditional with no rehearsal.
Following the collection, she rose to stardom with many songs on the Billboard Hot 100, together with No. 1 hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” She’s gained three Grammy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She stayed true to her TV roots, serving as a coach on “The Voice” for 10 seasons, successful 4 completely different seasons, and launching her daytime discuss collection “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in 2019.
Does Justin Guarini nonetheless reside in Bucks County?
We all know what Kelly has been up to since her win, however what’s Justin’s gig since he and Clarkson co-starred in 2003’s doubtful “AI” cash-grab film “From Justin to Kelly”?
Guarini, without having a lot Billboard success, has appeared on Broadway in “Wicked,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Once Upon a One More Time” and different stage exhibits. The Central Bucks School District product authored the 2025 ebook “Center Stage Confidence” and might be discovered on TV in Dr. Pepper commercials as pitchman Lil’ Sweet. Guarini, 47, nonetheless resides within the Bucks County space with spouse Reina Capodici and two youngsters.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, Tom Haines, phillyburbs.com
