Graced Kelly

 

Simon Cowell rarely dishes out compliments. But when it comes to original American Idol champ Kelly Clarkson, the British judge is full of praise. "Kelly will be here for 30 years," he predicted. "She has one of the best pop voices in the world right now. What she sold in the UK, Europe, Asia had nothing to do with American Idol. It had everything to do with the fact that she's got an incredible voice. She's not a girl who got lucky in a talent competition; we got lucky to find her."

 

Since winning American Idol in 2002, Clarkson has sold over 18million albums worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards and produced a string of Top 10 hits. She reflects on her Idol win and the show's pitch-perfect run.

 

Has the show has changed over the years?

 

Our season was so different from any other. We were the first ones and nobody knew [how big Idol would be]. We were all so tired and living in a bubble. We worked night and day, doing interviews and photo shoots. We were up at 4am and went to bed after 10pm. We lived in a bubble so we didn't even know it was that successful. I remember [at the final] peeking out from behind the curtain at the Kodak Theater and thinking, 'Man there are just a lot of people here! People must really like this show!' (Laughs) We didn't realize it had blown up so fast; we didn't get a chance to think about it. Now all these kids who audition for Idol have seen what can happen and what the show is. They know what to do. For us, though, it was very different.

 

Do you think the show is more about popularity than talent?

 

No, I think it really recognizes talent. I think it's a great way for unsigned singers to be heard. Chris Daughtry didn't even win, but he's doing phenomenally well right now and selling millions. And Carrie Underwood is the biggest thing in country music. And why? Because she's talented.

 

Have you watched every season?

 

I watched the season when Jordin won [season Six]. Every other year I've been touring overseas so I haven't [had a chance to] see the show.

 

What did you learn from American Idol?

Not to read any press about you! I learned that hard lesson on American Idol. We were complete nobodies and all of a sudden people were taking an interest in us. You'd go onto the internet, excited to read about what people thought of your performance, and they would just rip you to shreds. 'What's wrong with her hair?' 'What's wrong with her ears?' 'Why did she do that in the song?' No, thank you. I don't read it.

 

Are the judges fair?

 

They are. People tend to criticize Simon or Randy for being too harsh, but they are tame compared to music critics. And they are nothing compared to what people say about you in magazines (laughs). People might say the judges are being too mean, but they are just setting us up for what the real industry is like. Not everybody is going to like everything that you do. You've got to have thick armor if you're going to do this job.

 

Are you still in touch with any of the judges?

 

I'm not in touch with them on a daily basis, but we always run into each other at different events.

 

Paula Abdul has been ridiculed for her critiques. Fair?

 

I know she comes off like she's loopy, but when you talk to her she's perfectly normal. I guess some people read differently on camera and in interviews.

 

Performers like Britney Spears have buckled under the pressures of fame. How do you stay so grounded?

 

I think it's very different when you grow up in this industry. I had a normal upbringing. I went to proms and through that awkward junior-high stage. I've had some normalcy and stability in my life [whereas Britney] has lived her life under a microscope. I think it's really hard for her. I think the key to staying grounded in this industry is to surround yourself with good people.

 

Do you have any other tips to keep your ego in check?

 

I don't live in LA, I live in Texas and I have the same friends that I've had since I was a kid. I work so much that there's not a lot of time to do a lot of damage or stupid stuff. I'm not really into the fame thing, either. I just want to focus on my singing, writing and performing.

 

http://world.startv.com/rde/world/1948.htm

Aaww... She's so amazing :lol:

Fantastic interview.