Kelly Clarkson Honors 'Friends That Have Become Family' 20 Years After American Idol Win

Marking two decades since her win at the first "American Idol" on September 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson is beyond grateful for the opportunity that rose her to prominence over the years.

She recently expressed her thanks on Instagram with a beautiful message to her family, friends, and fans for their love and support and for making it possible for her to be where she is now.

"20 years ago today, I won American Idol," the "Thankful" star began her tribute, "and it forever changed the course of my life." She noted that her winning moment "was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships," which she will be thankful for "all my days."

The family and friends Clarkson has created within two decades in music and television are undoubtedly "priceless" to her, and she admitted so. She added:

"We only get so many trips around the sun, and while I am proud and feel abundantly blessed of the successes and failures that I have learned from, I am most proud and grateful for those friends that have become family."

Those she spoke of had their arms holding her when she needed it, and their hearts listened to her when she felt lost. Without them, she would not be where she is or "would probably not be here at all." To conclude the message, the 40-year-old TV personality penned words of hope after appreciating, with multiple thanks, everyone who voted and contributed to her win twenty years ago. The concluding part of the lengthy message read:

"I hope all of you have people in your lives that fill you with laughter, and hope, and happiness, and if you don't feel like you have that, then keep searching because I promise you they're looking for you too."

In honor of Clarkson's anniversary, History recounted her success at the 2002 "American Idol" and listed the opportunities she was presented following the triumph. As was reported, she was a 20-year-old cocktail waitress from Texas when she won the contest, broadcasted live from Hollywood's Kodak Center.

Coming out at the top in the amateur singing battle, she defeated runner-up 23-year-old Justin Guarini after numerous viewers voted for her via phone. This led to her getting awarded a recording contract and selling millions of albums, thereby establishing an outstanding music career.

In addition, she and runner-up Guarini co-starred in the 2003 box-office hit "From Justin to Kelly." It was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for that year's worst film but lost to "Gigli."

As for "American Idol," with its first season, it soon became one of the most widely regarded TV shows in the United States' history and produced a collection of talent-contest programs. It was based on Britain's "Pop Idol" show, developed by the English-born entertainment executive Simon Fuller and introduced in the U.K. in 2001.

Although the "American Idol" concept was "shopped around" in the States and rejected severally by TV networks, Fox eventually picked it up, leading it to premiere on June 11, 2002. Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman co-hosted the premiere. Also, it featured three judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, who were in charge of selecting and evaluating contestants.

After Clarkson's season one success, ensuing winners on the show included Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook, who all have been well-off in their music careers.

Back in June, Clarkson got candid about her divorce from her ex, Brandon Blackstock, on her TV show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show." The Blast detailed the exposé, noting that she was interviewing 'The Chicks' who have all experienced divorce, and asked them what made them cope with the challenging period.

This led her to confess that working through the difficulties using music was therapeutic; however, there were other helpful factors, like her female friendships. Separating from Blackstock was admittedly no easy feat which the Grammy winner explained during the premiere of her show in September 2020.

She acknowledged that the year brought many changes to her life, and dealing with the split involved much more than her heart. And since the ex-couple were both from divorced families, they were aware that the "best thing" was to protect the kids and their "little hearts."