Kelly Clarkson Celebrates 20th Anniversary Winning “American Idol”

Some people wait all their lives for a life-changing moment, such as the one Kelly Clarkson experienced exactly two decades ago.

And on Sunday, the first-ever American Idol winner celebrated a special anniversary with emotional statement shared by Instagram.

“20 years ago I won American Idol and it changed the course of my life forever,” the powerful singer began her post, who went from winning a reality TV vocal contest to winning three Grammy Awards.

“This moment was a door that opened up so many opportunities and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all my days. The family and friendships I have made over the past 20 years in music and television are invaluable to me, ”added 40-year-old host of the Kelly Clarkson Show.

Although the singer “Since U Been Gone” feels “profusely blessed” for the “successes and failures” she has experienced since 2002, she is “the most proud of [of] and grateful for “friends who” became family. “

Recently divorced mother of two children thanked this special “for the arms they held”. [her] when [she] they needed it and their hearts that listened [her] when [she] I felt lost ”.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. I probably wouldn’t be here at all, ”Clarkson remarked.

The Texas native, who managed to win not only America but also the icy judge Simon Cowell, made sure he awarded “everyone who voted 20 years ago!”

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” gushed. “I hope you all have people in your life who fill you with laughter, hope and happiness, and if you don’t feel that you have it, keep looking, because I promise you that they are looking for you too. “

Despite her tremendous success after Idol, Clarkson managed to stay largely out of the spotlight until she filed for divorce from 45-year-old Brandon Blackstock in June 2020, after nearly seven years of marriage.

The two settled their particularly bitter divorce earlier this year, with Clarkson receiving primary custody of their two children: daughter River, age 8, and son Remington, age 6.

The hit author “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”, which has not released any non-Christmas music since 2017, recently promised fans that a new album is on the horizon.

“I’m just navigating what feels comfortable about the release,” she explained in June, adding, “I’ve never had such a difficult project.”