Simon Cowell Reflects on Kelly Clarkson’s American Idol Win 23 Years Later

It has been 23 years since American Idol first changed pop culture by introducing the world to a young Kelly Clarkson. And after all this time, original judge Simon Cowell still remembers her victory as a turning point — not just for the show, but for his belief in the format itself.

Speaking recently on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Cowell said Clarkson’s win in 2002 felt unreal. He explained that even before auditions began, he believed there was a hidden star somewhere — someone talented but overlooked by the music industry.

At first, his confidence was shaken. Cowell admitted that early auditions in the first few cities were rough. “Everyone was terrible,” he said, adding that he briefly feared the show could fail before it even got started.

That changed once the semifinalists were selected. Clarkson quickly stood out, and her success only grew after she won. Since then, she has become one of the most successful winners in reality TV history, with chart-topping albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and a long-running daytime talk show.

“You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect winner,” Cowell said. He praised Clarkson not just for her powerful voice, but also for her personality and professionalism. “We’re still friends today,” he added.

True to form, Cowell also shared a critique. Clarkson beat fellow finalist Justin Guarini in the season one finale, but Cowell believes another contestant deserved that spot. He said Tamyra Gray should have been in the final instead, calling her “phenomenal.”

Asked if Guarini ever posed a real threat to Clarkson’s win, Cowell was blunt. “No way,” he said.

Clarkson’s victory aired on Sept. 4, 2002, after 12 weeks of competition. Unlike many reality show winners, she didn’t fade from the spotlight. She went on to release several platinum albums, win three Grammy Awards, return to American Idol as a judge, and earn seven Emmy Awards for The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Cowell and Clarkson’s bond has remained strong over the years. In 2022, he honored her at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, praising her humility and connection with fans. He credited her win with proving that American Idol worked — and with making the show’s long legacy possible.

“If we didn’t find a star, there was no point in doing these shows,” Cowell said. “Thanks to you, we had another season.”