Simon Cowell “Didn’t Realize” Kelly Clarkson Was Talented Enough To Create a $45M Empire after Winning American Idol Season 1

Kelly Clarkson is one of the most established singers of all time. The American actress first rose to fame back in 2002 when she won the first season of American Idol. Since then, the singer made a huge name for herself in the industry and was also awarded at the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony last year. Clarkson also started her own talk show a few years ago and her show even took over The Ellen DeGeneres Show last year.

Although Kelly Clarkson eventually did become a global superstar, things were a bit different in 2002. Simon Cowell who was a judge on the first season of American Idol revealed that Clarkson had warned her on their very first meeting.

Simon Cowell was thankful they found Kelly Clarkson in season 1 of American Idol

Last year at Kelly Clarkson’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony, Simon Cowell shared the story of meeting Clarkson. Cowell revealed that he had first met the Stronger singer on the very first season of American Idol. Cowell remembered the disaster of a day it was when he met Clarkson. He said, “I actually thought I was being punked on the first day. Paula resigned, every singer was out of tune, and I thought, ‘Well this is a joke.’ It got worse, progressively.”

Simon Cowell further explained how the day turned around after they met Clarkson. He said, “And thank God, I remember the day we met you.” Cowell further added that he was not just mesmerized by her singing but by her personality as well. He further added, “I didn’t realize at that point, honestly how good you were. I just liked you. And I was so thankful.”

Kelly Clarkson went on to win that season of the show and became a global sensation later.

The Breakaway singer asked Simon Cowell to stay away from her for the entire season

Simon Cowell further talked about his first meeting with Kelly Clarkson. He said that he later went backstage to meet her and appreciate her for her singing. He said, “I just want to say, that was amazing, Kelly, and I am here“. However, Clarkson was not having any of it. She said, “Simon… Without being rude, I would much rather we do not talk — seriously until the end of the series.”

It was at this point that Clarkson jumped into the interview and revealed why she wanted Simon Cowell to stay from her. She said, “I didn’t wanna talk to anyone involved that was voting us through. I was just trying to be respectful.” This was definitely the first time that Cowell had heard about this reason as he said, “It’s taken her 20 years to get that out, my God. It’s like a therapy session”.

Simon Cowell further appreciated Kelly Clarkson at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony. He even said that Clarkson was the reason they had another season of American Idol or else the show could’ve been canceled after the very first season.

Clarkson has released 10 studio albums and has sold more than 45 million singles all around the world since 2003. According to sources, the Catch My Breath singer also has an estimated net worth of almost $45 million.

Source: People