Kelly Clarkson didn’t really listen to Simon Cowell as she competed for a spot on American Idol.
The musician, who claimed the music contest’s first season triumph in 2002, revealed the reason for her active avoidance of former Judge Cowell throughout her time in the contest when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.
Cowell attended Clarkson’s awards ceremony with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. In a ticklish speech, he remembers being rejected by the “Breakaway” singer during their first meeting.
“I went up to you afterward because, obviously, I was thinking, ‘I think you’re gonna win this show.’ I said, ‘I just want to say, that was amazing, Kelly, and I am here,’” he shared.
“You turned around to me and said, ‘Simon… Without being rude, I would rather we didn’t talk – seriously – until the end of the series.”
Clarkson’s incredible and uncommon gesture confused the judge.
“I’m like, ‘Wow, what does that mean?’” he raised the question while Clarkson started laughing with him. “It means, ‘Stay away from me. I know what I’m doing. I’m focused.’”
Clarkson stepped in and stole Cowell’s microphone to clear things up.
“I didn’t wanna talk to anybody involved that was voting us through. I was just trying to be respectful of the environment,” she set the records straight. “Also, I didn’t want you getting in my head – you mess with all those people. I was like, ‘No, bro, you get out of my head!”
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Clarkson Baffles Cowell
Cowell replied with a joke.
“It’s taken her 20 years to get that out, my God,” Cowell jested. “It’s like a therapy session.”
The X-Factor creator stated that Clarkson deserves her success after the show.
“She’s one of those people who, from day one, was respectful to the people who voted for her, who bought her records, who bought her tickets – and she’s never lost that,” Cowell revealed. “The Kelly you see in front of the camera is that Kelly you see behind the camera.”
Earlier this month, Clarkson took to Instagram to contemplate the 20th anniversary of her American Idol triumph and how it “forever changed the course of my life.”
“That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days,” Clarkson wrote on her post. “The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and tv are priceless to me.”
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