Simon Cowell has said he “wouldn’t be here today” if not for the success of Kelly Clarkson, as the singer was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The star got her big break when she won first ever season of American Idol, which launched her into superstardom all the way back in 2002.
The music mogul, 62, said Kelly, 40, was “one of the most loyal, talented” people he had helped throughout his career, as he spoke at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday.
He was joined by fellow his judges from the original series, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, who also praised Kelly before her star was unveiled.
Reminiscing on to the days to when he first met Kelly, Simon told her: "I remember not just your voice but your personality.
“I didn’t realise at that point how good you were, I just liked you, and I’m so thankful," he continued. “I can honestly say thanks to you I’m here today, genuinely, I swear to God.
"Because you validated what we did – if we didn’t find a star there’s no point in doing these shows. And I could never predict what was going to happen."
Simon also praised Kelly for being a genuine soul, saying that the star people know and love is "the same Kelly you would see behind the camera".
"She is one of the nicest, most loyal, talented people I have had the great, great fortune to help," Simon said.
Kelly said she was pleased to “not just have yes people” around her as she accepted the honour.
The mother of two has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and also hosts the multi-Emmy award Kelly Clarkson Show, which is soon to begin filming its fourth season.
In 2021 she released her ninth studio album, When Christmas Comes Around, her first since 2017’s Grammy-nominated Meaning Of Life.
Kelly is one of pop’s top singles artists, with 17 hits having earned multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world.
She's also served as a coach of The Voice, appeared on American Song Contest, and landed a role in The Star.
Awarded in the category of Recording, her star is the 2,733rd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Ovation Hollywood.
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