Some people wait their entire lives to experience something like Kelly Clarkson did on September 4, 2002, when she was named the Season 1 winner of Fox’s American Idol.
The three-time Grammy winner shared a reflection on her triumph on Instagram on Sunday.
“Twenty years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life,” she said. “That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days. The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me.
“We only get so many trips around the sun,” she continued, “and while I am proud and feel abundantly blessed of the successes and failures that I have learned from, I am most proud and grateful for those friends that have become family, and for their arms that have held me when I needed it and their hearts that listened to me when I felt lost. Without them, I would not be where I am. I would probably not be here at all.”
Clarkson went on to thank “every single person that voted 20 years ago,” before adding: “I hope all of you have people in your lives that fill you with laughter, and hope, and happiness, and if you don’t feel like you have that, then keep searching because I promise you they’re looking for you too.”
As per Tvline, American Idol’s inaugural champ has since gone on to release nine studio albums (including two Christmas LPs), amassing an impressive 11 Billboard Top 10 hits, including “A Moment Like This,” “Miss Independent,” “Breakaway,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind Those Hazel Eyes,” “Because of You,” “Never Again,” “y Life Would Suck Without You,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” “Mr. Know It All” and “Piece by Piece.”
Clarkson has also received five Daytime Emmy awards. On Monday, September 12, her nationally syndicated chat show debuts for Season 4.
Meanwhile, Idol will begin its 21st season – its sixth on ABC — in early 2023.
