Simon Cowell has said he “wouldn’t be here today” if not for Kelly Clarkson’s success, as the singer was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The music mogul said Clarkson was “one of the most loyal, talented” people he’d helped throughout his career, as he spoke at the ceremony in The Angels on Monday.
Clarkson rose to fame after winning the inaugural series of the popular American singing competition American Idol in 2002, where Cowell was a judge.
He was joined by fellow judges from the original series, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdulthe latter of whom also praised Clarkson before her star was revealed.
‘I remember the day we met you. I remember not only your voice, but also your personality,” Cowell told Clarkson.
“I didn’t realize at the time how good you were, I just liked you and I’m so grateful.
“Thanks to you I can honestly say I’m here today, really, I swear to God.
“Because you’ve confirmed what we’ve been doing – if we haven’t found a star, there’s no point doing these shows. And I could never predict what was going to happen.
“The Kelly you see in front of the camera is the Kelly you see behind the camera, she’s one of the nicest, most loyal, talented people I’ve had the pleasure of helping.”
Clarkson said she was happy to have “not just yes people” around her to help and support her career while accepting the honour.
The singer has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and also hosts the multi-Emmy Kelly Clarkson Show, whose fourth season will soon begin filming.
In 2021, she released her ninth studio album, When Christmas Comes Around…, her first since 2017’s Grammy-nominated Meaning Of Life.
Clarkson is one of the pop artists’ best singles, with 17 hits that have earned multiple platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world.
Awarded in the Inclusion category, her star is the 2,733rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Ovation Hollywood.