Kelly Clarkson Didn't Know 'American Idol' Was TV Show During Audition

In a recent episode of the 'Not Gonna Lie' podcast, Kelly Clarkson revealed that she was unaware that 'American Idol' would be a televised competition until her third audition during its inaugural season in 2002. At that time, Clarkson and her fellow contestants were focused on making ends meet rather than seeking fame, with Clarkson recalling the struggles of paying bills and affording car repairs. She reflected on the isolating experience of being the first winner, stating that she faced cruelty from some industry figures who later became coaches on 'The Voice.' Clarkson emphasized the unexpected nature of her journey and the challenges that came with it. Despite her success, she described her early days on the show as challenging and noted how the talent show format was initially met with skepticism in the industry. The singer’s candid remarks highlight the contrast between her humble beginnings and her eventual rise to stardom.