20 Years Later, Kelly Clarkson & American Idol Judges Reunite For Her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

The Season 1 winner of American Idol was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 19, 20 years after she won the singing competition show.

Since her win in 2002, Clarkson has sold millions of albums and won numerous awards, including three Grammys. Her songs became instant classics and fan-favorite karaoke go-to's since their release in 2004.

In addition to her music career, Clarkson is now the host of a daytime talk show called The Kelly Clarkson Show, for which she won a Daytime Emmy in 2022.

Clarkson referenced her stint on American Idol in her acceptance speech saying, “This is where I won 20 years ago. I feel very lucky and fortunate ... There are dreams you didn't know you had and they end up happening and you feel super blessed.”

The original judges of American Idol — Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Paula Abdul — reunited at Clarkson’s Hollywood Star ceremony.

During the ceremony, Cowell recalled how he was unsure about the fate of Idol before meeting Clarkson. “I actually thought I was being punked on the first day,” he said. “Paula resigned. Every singer was out of tune and it got worse, progressively.”

Luckily, Clarkson gave him hope. “Thank God, I remember the day we met you and I remember not just your voice, but your personality.”

It’s not the first time Cowell spoke about Clarkson on Idol; as a guest on her talk show in September, he sang her praises. “Unlike the majority, you’re the same person off-camera as you are on-camera. You’re very loyal and a great friend,” he said at the time.

In his speech, Cowell also added, “I can honestly say, thanks to you, I'm here today, genuinely, because you validated what we did. Because if we didn't find a star, there's no point in doing these shows.”

An unplanned speaker at the event, American Idol judge and fellow Walk of Fame recipient Paula Abdul said she changed her travel plans so she could attend.

“You’ve changed the trajectory of not just your life, but everyone’s lives. Your talent, your tenacity, your grace, your dignity...made Season 1 all worth it,” Abdul said before making a playful dig at Cowell’s grumpy show persona.

Clarkson thanked the three judges for being her cheerleaders from day one. “From the beginning, with Idol, all three of you were very honest with me...I just wanted to say thank you. I think that is why I'm here today.”

Clarkson celebrated the milestone with her children River Rose, 8, and Remington Alexander, 6, and her mother.