Kelly Clarkson thanks every ‘American Idol’ voter

Kelly Clarkson thanked her friends, family, and fans in an Instagram post to mark the 20th anniversary of her “American Idol” victory.

Her career was launched when Clarkson participated in the reality singing competition show’s inaugural season in 2002.

The singer of “Since U Been Gone” went on to receive numerous honours, including three Grammys, and to host her own talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Clarkson paid tribute to “American Idol” on Sunday, the 20th anniversary of the first season finale, saying it had a profound impact on her life.

In the social media post, she stated, “Twenty years ago today, I won ‘American Idol,’ and it forever changed the course of my life. “I will be forever grateful for that moment because it unlocked doors to a world of access, possibilities, and creative collaborations.

My 20-year career in music and television has given me a family and friends that are priceless to me.”

Clarkson went on to say “We only get so many trips around the sun, so while I am grateful and extremely proud of the successes and failures that I have experienced and learned from, I am most grateful and proud of the friends who have become family.

They have given me their arms to hold when I needed them and their hearts to listen to me when I felt lost.

They are the reason I am where I am today. I most likely wouldn’t be present at all.”

The 40-year-old singer continued by expressing gratitude to her supporters from the beginning of her career.

Thank you so much to everyone who cast a ballot 20 years ago, wrote Clarkson. I hope each of you has people in your lives who make you laugh, give you hope, and make you happy. If not, keep looking because I can assure you that they are also looking for you.

One of the many musicians whose careers were launched on “American Idol” is Clarkson.