Jordin Sparks has spoken about her own experience with American Idol after taking the top spot in the show’s sixth season.
Singing competitions aren’t quite the cultural force they were in the 2000s, when shows like them seemed to be everywhere.
Back then, hopefuls lined up in huge numbers, chasing the chance to go from everyday life to instant fame.
Among the biggest names in the format was American Idol, a series that helped turn unknown performers into recognisable stars.
Jordin Sparks became one of those names when she won season six in 2007.
Still, viewers have long wondered what winners actually walk away with, especially after earlier comments from Kelly Clarkson suggested the reality didn’t match the promises.
On the March 16 episode of Jenna & Sheinelle, Sparks was asked whether she related to Clarkson’s account and responded: ‘I got my car’.
She then added: “I wasn’t a part of season one. But you know, the first season of anything is a little crazy.”
Sparks also quipped that Clarkson should be sent the car she says never arrived.
Her remarks followed shortly after Clarkson revisited her own time on the show, explaining that what she expected to receive as the first winner didn’t materialise.
While speaking with The Traitors winner Rob Rausch—who is also waiting to receive his prize—Clarkson compared their situations.
On the Kelly Clarkson Show, she said: “You probably weren’t alive when I was on American Idol.
“I literally was on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars’ or whatever. No, you didn’t. They lied. You did not. It was, like, a million dollars worth of investment in you.
“They said you get a car, and I needed it ‘cause my car was bashed in, and I couldn’t afford the deductible. I did not get a car. And then Clay Aiken, who didn’t win the second season, got a car.”
Clarkson went on to say she was frustrated to learn that Clay Aiken—who placed second in season two—not only received a vehicle, but that his mother got one as well.
Remembering the moment, Clarkson added: “I was like, ‘What the f***. I remember Clay telling me that the second season, he’s like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one.’ I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now.'”