Kelly Clarkson’s life has changed drastically since Sept. 4, 2002. 22 years ago Wednesday, the 20-year-old Burleson, Texas native became the first-ever winner of an up-and-coming reality TV show called American Idol. Both Idol and its inaugural winner are still going strong two decades later. The ABC reality show just wrapped up its 22nd season this May. As for Clarkson, the “Miss Independent” singer has won a few GRAMMY Awards since then. So it makes sense that the now 42-year-old artist needed a gentle reminder on her 22nd Idol anniversary.
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Kelly Clarkson Celebrates 22 Years As an ‘Idol’ Winner With ‘Mean Girls’ Callback
In a video posted to social media Wednesday (Sept. 4,) “Andy” (presumably Andrew Shaw, director of digital for The Kelly Clarkson Show) approaches the TV host. “Hey Kel, it’s Sept. 4,” he says.
“It is Sept. 4,” Clarkson says quizzically, clearly unsure of the date’s significance.
“On this day, 22 years ago,” Shaw begins. That’s all he can get out before comprehension dawns. “Oh my God!” exclaims the “Chemistry” singer. “When you said that date… I got nervous, like, ‘Did I miss an anniversary?’”
“You know what? And I’m back on TV,” she continues with a laugh. “Who would’ve thought?”
Clarkson couldn’t resist another early-2000s throwback in her caption. “On September 4th, he asked me what day it was,” she wrote, alluding to the 2004 hit film Mean Girls. “Cheers to 22 years!”
The official Idol Instagram account left a sweet message in the comments. “22 years Since U Been Crowned,” it read, “We love you, @kellyclarkson!!!”
“A Moment Like This:” Revisiting Kelly’s Crowning Moment
After graduating from Burleson High School in 2000, Kelly Clarkson turned down full scholarships to several prestigious universities in favor of pursuing a music career in Los Angeles. It didn’t go well, and she eventually returned to Texas after her apartment caught fire.
Clarkson’s friends persuaded her to attend the American Idol audition in Dallas. There, she punched her ticket to Hollywood with a stunning cover of Madonna’s “Express Yourself.”
The then 20-year-old delivered strong performances all season, including covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men.” On Sept. 4, 2002, viewers crowned Kelly Clarkson as American Idol’s first-ever winner over runner-up Justin Guarini.
Featured image by Lionel Hahn/ABACA/Shutterstock
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