Kelly Clarkson reveals why she wanted nothing to do with Simon Cowell

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Simon Cowell & Kelly Clarkson at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony.

Twenty years ago few people had ever heard of Kelly Clarkson. She’s gone from total obscurity to superstardom, thanks largely to “american idol.” Even though the former “VoiceIf Coach hadn’t won the inaugural season of AI, she was so popular with fans that the show probably would have changed her life anyway.

During the first season of American Idol, the panel of judges consisted of: the sweet and supportive Paula Abdul; the no-nonsense, Randy Jackson; and the often rude and cruel Simon Cowell. According to Cinema Blend“Cowell was notorious for not holding back when commenting on anything from a contestant’s voice to his wardrobe to his song choices.”

Clarkson wanted nothing to do with Cowell

On September 19, 2022, a ceremony was held on Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate Clarkson get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All three original judges appeared to help her enjoy the honor. The event also marked approximately the 20th anniversary of the show’s inception.

During his presence, Cowell revealed some surprising information about when he and Clarkson first met. According to people, Cowell reminded Clarkson, “I went to you after that because obviously I was like, ‘I think you’re going to win this show.’ I said, ‘I just want to say, that was amazing Kelly, and I’m here.’ You turned to me and said, ‘Simon… without being rude, I’d much rather not talk – seriously until the end of the series.’ And I was like, ‘Wow, what does that mean? It means stay away from me. I know what I am doing. I’m concentrated.'”

This was undoubtedly an unusual exchange for an aspiring artist and a successful music producer. But Clarkson had her reasons. As People reported, Clarkson explained, “I didn’t want to speak to anyone who voted through us. I was just trying to be respectful. Also, I didn’t want you getting into my head — you mess with all these people.”

Cowell, who didn’t know what to think of Clarkson at the time, admitted: “It took her 20 years to figure that out, my God. It’s like a therapy session.”

The fences have been repaired

Though Clarkson snubbed Cowell at first, their friendship has grown very strong over the years. Clarkson even filled in for Cowell as a judge on America’s Got Talent when he injured his back in 2021.

The two discussed the occasion on “The Kelly Clarkson Showon May 25, 2021. Clarkson admitted she was nervous, explaining, “I was like, who’s going to step in to screw Simon Cowell?”

Cowell replied, “Well, I have to hand it to you because we had a little bit of a loose end and someone said, you know, do you think Kelly would do it?” Cowell had complete faith in her, “I said, ‘I promise dir, if Kelly is free, she will,'” the 62-year-old recalled. Thankfully, Clarkson was available and, according to Cowell, did a great job — “almost too good,” he joked.

During the Walk of Fame event, Cowell continued to sing Clarkson’s praises, telling her, “I remember the moment your name was called and I was like, ‘Thanks to you, we might have another season.’ I can honestly say thank you. They validated what we did because if we didn’t find a star, there was no point doing these shows,” reports People.

The rest, as they say, is history.

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