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Kelly Clarkson reunites with original American Idol judges to receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

September 20, 2022

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Kelly Clarkson received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday morning, 20 years after becoming the first-ever winner of “American Idol” after its first season in 2002.

After the ceremony, Clarkson spoke with Fox News Digital about how she felt about reaching the Hollywood milestone two decades after her historic victory.

Clarkson was able to share the moment with her two children, who watched their mother’s big moment from the audience, as well as those who gave her a big break, original “American Idol” judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

“I mean, it’s hard to put into words, isn’t it? I’m sitting here with my son, he’s six, and we’re standing on a star that has my name on it. It’s crazy “Clarkson said. “I was 19 when I started ‘Idol’, and for it to end here 20 years later, it’s magic. To still be able to, first call all these people friends and have them always present in my la life, I think that’s what counts. After 20 years, it’s the people you surround yourself with.

Kelly Clarkson is grateful to still have Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson in her life, 20 years after meeting them on “American Idol.”
(Getty Pictures)

KELLY CLARKSON, NICK CANNON, COURTENEY COX AND 32 OTHERS AMONG THE 2021 HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME HONORED

While honoring Clarkson at the ceremony, Abdul spoke onstage about the positive change Clarkson has created in the world since winning the show, and how she has opened the door for others to pursue their dreams and realize that it is in fact possible for them to come true.

“The trajectory of your life changed, but you helped change the trajectory of everyone’s life. Your talent, your tenacity, your grace, your dignity made Season 1 worth it, because I had to sit next to a Brit,” Abdul said. “I love you. Thank you for changing the course of my life and making me believe, like a child believes in Santa Claus, that talented young people can and do succeed.”

Abdul also took the time to praise Clarkson for “everything she’s not even about to do, but will be doing in the next ten years,” saying she “can already see it happening. “, calling Clarkson “living proof” that the series has changed people’s lives.

Paula Abdul paid tribute to Clarkson on her big day, saying she changed the trajectory of so many lives and reinforced her belief that young artists can be successful.
(Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Looking back on the first season, Cowell explained how the early days of filming made him question his decision to join the show because everything was going wrong, but his perspective changed when Clarkson walked into the theater. ‘hearing.

“I actually thought I was ‘punk’ the first day. Paula quit, all the singers were out of tune, and I thought it was a joke, and it gradually got worse. I thought: “It’s an absolute disaster,” he said. “I remember the day we met you, and I remember not only your voice, but your personality. I have to be honest with you, I didn’t realize at that time honestly how much you were talented. I just loved you, and I was so grateful.”

Speaking about her relationship with Cowell, the former ‘The Voice’ judge admitted his honesty is what she admires most about him.

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“I think the best thing Simon does for anyone is to be honest. I appreciate that, and I certainly don’t surround myself with yeses,” she said. “It’s refreshing to have someone so honest with their opinion on a situation, and I think that’s the best gift you can give someone is honesty. “

Cowell also reflected on the anniversary of Clarkson’s victory and the importance of the timing and location of his star.

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Simon Cowell spoke about the importance of the location of Clarkson's star, given its proximity to where she won "american idol" 20 years ago.

Simon Cowell spoke about the significance of the Clarkson star’s location, given its proximity to where she won “American Idol” 20 years ago.
(Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

“Well, her song had the moment word, ‘A Moment Like This,’ in it, and she moved up a few feet from where we’re standing now at the Dolby Theater, so we’ve literally come full circle,” he said. . “Twenty years later, she gets the star.”

Lori Bashian is an entertainment production assistant for Fox News Digital.