Kelly Clarkson has always been candid about her journey, from winning the first season of American Idol in 2002 to coaching on The Voice and navigating personal challenges. Now, she’s pulling back the curtain on some of the industry’s less glamorous realities.

Reflecting on Early Career

During a conversation on the Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce podcast, Clarkson reflected on her early career, recalling how she had no idea American Idol was even a television show until her third audition.

At the time, no one—including her—realized how massive the competition would become. “Nobody knew it was going to amount to anything,” she admitted, laughing at how fans now view her win as a perfect stroke of fate.

After her breakthrough victory, Clarkson went on to carve out a highly successful music career, delivering hits like Since U Been Gone and Breakaway, winning three Grammys, and eventually...