20 years ago, Kelly Clarkson took a chance on herself when she decided to walk into the American Idol audition room and delivered a performance that would change her life forever. Clarkson would go on to become the first-ever American Idol after winning over the hearts of millions of fans watching at home and voting for her week after week. In the years that have followed, there isn't much Clarkson hasn't done as she's gone on to become one of the most successful vocalists to have ever graced the American Idol stage. Her albums are filled with anthems that have defined a generation and yet she's still one of the most underrated female artists of all time, often overlooked when folks name off their lists of all-time greats. But that's the beauty of Kelly Clarkson, she's never been someone out for fame and fortune, chasing accolades and trying to meet the unrealistic standards placed on women in the entertainment industry. Instead, Clarkson has always stayed true to herself and blazed an amazing trail for artists to pursue the music that moves them and not try to put themselves in any one box. She's mastered every genre, helped to shape new artists as one of the best coaches The Voice has seen, and is dominating the world of daytime TV where she's already taken home five Daytime Emmys for her hosting duties on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Clarkson continues to stand the test of time and is just as relevant today as she was when she first arrived on the scene in 2002. And while she might have started as an Idol, but there's no denying Clarkson has evolved into a true icon.
- Cody Schultz
FanSided Entertainment Director