Kelly Clarkson receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame; united with former “American Idol” judges
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — 20 years ago, Kelly Clarkson made history as the first winner of FOX’s singing competition, “American Idol” in 2002 — beating out runner-up Justin Guarini, and earning a record deal with RCA.
Now, the 40-year-old singer, songwriter, author and television personality, gets to bask in her accomplishments as she was just honored with the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 19.
It was an “American Idol” reunion, with original judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, showing up in attendance.
Cowell said of Clarkson’s Idol achievement, “I remember that moment when your name was called, and I was thinking to myself, ‘Thanks to you, we may have another season,’” he remarked to Clarkson. “I can honestly say, ‘Thanks to you, I’m here today.’”
When accepting the star, Clarkson exclaimed, “This is where I won 20 years ago. I feel very lucky and fortunate because I know a lot of talented people that love singing and are amazing at it and writing songs, and even talk show hosts — a lot of people could do that, and I just feel very fortunate that I get the chance.”
She added, “There are dreams you didn’t know you had and they end up happening and you feel super blessed.”
Clarkson went on to thank her family for being in attendance, including her two children, River and Remington, along with her close friends.
Along with a Hollywood star, Clarkson’s achievements include a Daytime Emmy and three Grammy awards, along with creating nine studio albums, two children’s books and her own talk-show — which is slated to take over Ellen DeGeneres’ morning-show time-slot.
