Kelly Clarkson - American Idol Season 1 Performances

[@Anna_M96]

Can we just take the slightest second to appreciate the clothing of this era and also how simple the show was? Like not simple I guess, but it looks more like a singing competition than a full blown production.

[@Turnkey_BM]

Was just having this same thought as I fall down my youtube rabbit hole

[@katrabbit]

Yep. Watching American Idol used to feel like you were really watching normal people trying to make something of their lives. Like you could really see yourself in the contestants. Now it feels more like a production you'd see in the Hunger Games world where it's all about marketing and money. Exploiting peoples dreams for profit. Unfortunately I have a feeling that's how it was always supposed to go though.

[@jgweems]

They used to start out with a simple stage and as the competition increased they moved to bigger stages and better production. Now they just start out on a big stage with big production.

[@heatherangel7703]

She is wildly underrated as a vocalist. She's truly one if the best female vocalists of our time. Her pitch, range, vibrato, phrasing, and overall texture and artistry sets her aside. She's magnificent!

[@cathyv3424]

I don’t think she’s underrated- her voice is better today- she’s grown so much as an artist- I love her..

[@heatherangel7703]

@@cathyv3424 If you watch the compilation of all of her American Idol performances, you'll see how incredible her voice was back at the start. Her contract with the "Idol" people forced her to sing songs that they were trying to market but not necessarily the best showcases for her talent. Once she had served her contract and went out in her own is when HER songs, and HER true style came through. She's even become more stellar as the years have gone by, but she (in my opinion) has never been named when the discussion of "great female vocalists" is brought up. Mariah, Adele, Whitney (rest in peace), Ariana, and many more amazing women are always brought up...never is Kelly put in that group even though she shreds! Anyway, thanks for the comment! Much love! Have a great night!

[@helenogbonna3361]

Simon I thought hated her well look how far she’d gone time

[@CrashPrinter]

She is leaps and bounds better than she was back then, and that's not talking bad about her. ​@@cathyv3424

[@XaniaKorinec]

She's been singing a lot on her talk show in the Kellyoke series. Those videos have millions of views and she's been gaining more attention as a perfect vocalist! Someone even made a joke recently 'you don't want Kelly to sing your song better than you in the Kellyoke series' 😄

[@jaclpz]

Back here after watching Simon, Paula, and Randy on Kelly’s show.

[@rudisetyatmaja6650]

Same

[@jaypee0110]

I wasn’t even looking for this. It was just automatically in my related page

[@aliasuser_]

Same here

[@bellapettway2874]

Omg I cried on her winning performance like I did 17 years ago 🤣😪😪

[@HarryJOM]

The same thing I did before getting here...

[@jehrico2088]

As a Black American, the moment she sang “Respect” I knew she was a winner. Aretha’s songs aren’t easy to sing at all. WE/THEY know this, and look how effortless it looked for her 🤩

[@josephpingel2553]

Her first performance, I turned to my wife and said "There's the winner!" I don't think I was alone; America knew something was happening as she rose to power before our eyes that very first season. IMO she's the greatest talent Idol ever discovered.

[@NicholasS4000]

Yes. I agree 100%.

[@austenluvr]

I picked her right out from the beginning also. I am not sure that it was the audition video (cuz I didn't really watch those episodes) but when I saw the first top "whatever" video with her in it... I thought, "there's the one that will win." And throughout all the eliminations, I kept with my judgement... she was clearly the best... and still is...

[@girliejax]

I feel like being annoying just by saying...... This is not your opinion, its not my own opinion, This is fact!!!!!!!! I call B.S to anyone who disagrees!!!! 🤭😘😍🤗

[@Secr8aznman]

She really is!

[@xmichaelwood]

RESPECT yes sir! I remember being like "WHO IS THIS GIRL!?" and she was my favorite from then on! I've met her 3x now. She's phenomenal!

[@troyc333]

That girl was just born to sing!

[@tutoygonzales293]

Oh. I thought that this girl was actually the song.

[@katesands513]

Kelly You're an fabulous and amazing Lady and thee greatest singer We love you. Travis and Katie

[@thewizboy]

Kelly was a bit shaky and pitchy at first....but after she first performed "RESPECT" she really started to take off vocally and become more assure and confident in her vocal power. Amazing vocalist !

[@lolaispure4296]

I agree

[@MahmoudHAhmad]

Totally Agreed

[@lisarorrer216]

Love her ❤️ what a powerful Voice 🙌🙂😙

[@lilyr6755]

Indeed.

[@BrendanMacMusic]

She’s also said they were SO vocally tired from all the stress, performances and interviews...they were the first “guinea pigs” for the show. idol worked them hard, but it was all worth it!

[@Volvican]

Wow I forgot just what massive confidence she had. Supernatural for that age.

[@chriscoyne9717]

Volvican Her singing talent was effortless, Everyone else on the show had to really try hard to do well each week. She didn't

[@janethenigman2230]

How old was she?

[@hunterkallio2517]

@@janethenigman2230 20y

[@hannitta9able]

She has the vocals to back it.

[@zacharyfritzsche]

that's what happens when youre that talented - she makes it look easy

[@Markolious]

She was so great back then, but boy has she grown so much as an artist since then. She's the real deal. She's probably one of the greatest cover artists out there too. Literally anything she covers is gold. This was incredible to watch. I was pretty young when this first season came out, and I thought I watched it all, but I don't think I saw some of those first performances before. Just her growth during her time on the show from beginning to end was so cool to watch. It's like she leveled up during the show, and then catapulted. I couldn't imagine being against her in that season, haha.

[@BonnieBolinPeterson]

Kelly Clarkson is the G.O.AT. ( greatest of all time, bar none!)

[@jgunther3398]

a lot of this, she's slightly raw in places like a great amateur. nowadays, she's flawless and legendary. she's very intelligent and i'm sure she works hard and intelligently

[@coppersly]

And that folks is why she is THE American Idol!! Nuff said!

[@bereagmtz7339]

indeed she is!

[@rein2430]

Original ❤💯🔥😁

[@trailee3197]

The one and only!

[@mrsmack5808]

Her highlights are iconically 2000s

[@thesovgc]

The best thing about Kelly's victory is that she was so far down the list of production faves that her audition wasn't even originally aired. Not sure that ever happened in all of the subsequent seasons. Legend.

[@xabrinamorph]

I watched her religiously when I was 11 and knew she would win. My mom had to drive me to Walmart when her first album dropped. I also sang Breakaway years later in my high-school talent show. Now, as a mom, I enjoy her show. The grip this girl has on me!

[@writerchick2002]

When her voice breaks when she sings “Oh I can’t believe it’s happening to me…” it makes me tear up every time.

[@helenogbonna3361]

I think she had body issues but great singer love her

[@reneeR3nee233]

Same. Every dam time.

[@anabelleesilva8111]

Wow

[@nicholebeith6077]

back when shows like this were actually real and showed people with real talent... there was no autotune in these preformances(how it should be) Damn kelly you killed it

[@rein2430]

Yup yup, that's all her voice 💯😁🔥 frfr

[@trashtvinternational]

Nichole Beith I’m pretty sure there’s no autotune in none of the singing talent shows

[@amandasifuentes266]

Nichole Beith it’s not called auto tune lol when the other perform it’s called reverb lol

[@kiakaha110]

Max Powell They’re “supposed” to be authentic but they’re just reality tv shows at the end of the day. That’s why there’s always heartfelt stories and cuts to the judges/audience emotions so often. They create unnecessary drama and suspense to provide entertainment. Most of the time the winner is predetermined anyway.

[@ljb5163]

subwaysurfer They do use light autotune

[@rogeliovazquez6968]

Her winning performance of "A moment like this", from her initial "wooo" to the moment she gets overcome by emotion and contains her tears, to the impeccable control she demonstrates throughout the performance and the insurmountable amount of emotion she transmits, to the tender ending moment when her fellow contestants join her and sing the last line with her, is one of the iconic TV moments of all time! I watched the live finale and cried during that performance, just as I'm crying now 18 years later. Kelly is THE AMERICAN IDOL!

[@survivrs]

Kelly will always be the original American Idol, and rightfully so. Damn it, I still get goosebumps when she sings "A moment like this".

[@eulee3146]

Survivrs NEVER FAILS TO MAKE ME CRY

[@trailee3197]

She did raise a really high bar for the next idols after her. When she hit that high whistle note I was like 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@survivrs]

@@trailee3197 She was sick when she did it. People have criticized her for not sounding great at the end of the show, but it was a miracle she even had a voice that night.

[@joangelaparker2845]

No fake on Kelly , she is totally real , she doesn’t allow people to talk about her life problems , she doesn’t hide from reality of her life , like most of them that made it from American idol

[@JudyRichards-u4o]

I watched her win and she is very talented, obviously, but I really like that she seems like a down to earth person.

[@candycoatedoom]

Her vocals are so effortless. She can easily outsing every other Idol contestant after this season.

[@outcastriley]

This season's contestants honestly suck

[@mkrosalieereadings]

I think the only one who could touch her in vocal talent would be carrie Underwood. Kelly has a bigger range though

[@kekebarrett8997]

Not Jennifer Hudson, fantasia ! Carrie underwood!!

[@TheBobbyfresh09]

@mkrosealieereadings That’s a stretttttch I r-e-s-p-e-c-t her talent but that’s a long big stretch.

[@cutable6908]

That moment when she hits that whistle note DAMN GIRL

[@doryswithay4570]

If I was a competitor going up against her, I would have been quaking

[@trailee3197]

I KNOW RIGHT!!! Daaaaaaaamn Kelly!

[@pklynn9887]

I didn’t notice that she could sing whistle note as she doesn’t use it during her career.

[@nelsonquarles4675]

@@pklynn9887 listen to her song heat she uses a whistle note in the background

[@pklynn9887]

@@nelsonquarles4675 thanks for your information

[@destinypratt7761]

The first American Idol is the most humble. Man, that voice!

[@saracornish360]

When she sang "a moment like this" it was game over. She made it a done deal and winner! She is absolutely a beautiful singer and beautiful human. Not many can sing like her that's forsure. As well as Carrie Underwood. Carrie is another that's unbelievable good

[@laurentrout3181]

I hope one day they’ll collab

[@geriklein935]

Kelly Clarkson the best

[@jacobdunagan7792]

She don't need to take anyone's throne cuz she's got her own. The queen of American Idol

[@firasharb1454]

She truly is the Queen of American idol .

[@YvonneMichelleAutry]

✨ BLESSED! Amazing talent ✨

[@deborah2834]

I'm watching this wonderful video of Kelly Clarkson in March 2024 and am just as blown away as I was as I was when this first American Idol Season 1 came on TV! 🎉 ❤ WOW!

[@brendabroadaway5431]

She is really the best now days to me. Beautiful inside and out too. So cute and funny too. You go Girl!!!

[@annabonee4476]

Anyone here in 2019?! So proud of her and how far she’s come! She will always be THE American Idol!❤️

[@thedarknessluciano]

Yup! Still my favorite!

[@jilldurham5498]

Anna Bonee what about Carrie Underwood??

[@annabonee4476]

Jill durham I like Carrie too, but I prefer Kelly👍

[@annabonee4476]

The Stinger she’s amazing though isn’t she?!!! I’ve seen her in concert a few times and she blew my mind!!! The woman can sing!❤️

[@coisasdanice9425]

❤❤❤

[@ImmortalBroken]

I was OBSESSED with "Stuff Like That There"! One of the most underrated performances not just for Kelly but for the whole run of the show. Should make every "best of" list. Flawless vocals and sooooo much personality. Spunky and vampy and classy and just plain adorable.

[@frankathl1]

ImmortalBroken In total agreement. Her versatility is extraordinary.

[@matthewbritton7278]

Totally agree. It was my favorite performance on the show!!

[@lolaispure4296]

@@matthewbritton7278 me too!!!

[@kararodriguez7601]

I thought that same thing! She has so much personality when performing! That was an amazing performance!👏🏽

[@cnelsonlv999]

That is the song that won her the show! When she did that performance it was just obvious she was miles ahead of everyone else... it was literally a TKO at that point of the show... the rest of it was just formality.

[@isabelmacasieb7257]

I remember my jaw dropped when she hit that whistle note in "Natural Woman." I was like 12 years old. I tried the note so many times I think I annoyed my whole family LOL. There wasn't even KZbin back then so I just had her performance in my memory!

[@brianvallejo2799]

It’s crazy how Kelly is still so relevant but the quality of how video was back then makes me feel so old 😭

[@carolynboddy3394]

Briian Vallejoo what’s really scary it’s not ages ago.l can only imagine another 10 years from now

[@Adeoca2]

I was 13 when she won, now im 31. Its werid to look back based on the quality of the video.

[@AshleyAshida]

You ain’t lyin. I feel like I’m watching the original Wizard of Oz lol. Time is weird.

[@safersephiroth943]

but it looked so much better when we saw it live back then

[@Pnils1979]

How is she still relavent😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 dont eat just big macs

[@Redservasian]

Who knew she would have her own talk show today. She has accomplished milestones since this show!

[@rachelbrown5807]

the amount she improved was so amazing, went from a little nervous and pitchy to literally hitting every damn note in amazing fashion in the last several songs. i love seeing artists grow like that. i’m watching this in 2024 after a viral video of her singing NOW made me realize kelly clarkson is SEVERELY underrated and she’s one of the greats vocal wise

[@sarahmill6963]

I've done it again..... I've fallen into the Kelly trap and lost 2hrs! 😅🌟💜

[@user-sp9dz2zo2n]

😅😅😂😂 same girl same

[@annelisemarier2588]

with you on that one

[@ronaldmiddlebrooksjr517]

Me too. Lol😢😢😢😢

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

All ranges of singing perfect, not one song did She fail in. Certain people were born to be a singer and performer. And Kelly Clarkson has perfected her art. What a voice.

[@corynm92]

Hands down the best American Idol. High school me never though I'd be blasting her 8th album in the car to drown out my kids in the back seat.

[@jilldurham5498]

Coryn M what about Carrie Underwood

[@corynm92]

@@jilldurham5498 She's fantastic too! I always forget she was from AI. I forget Kelly started on AI too. 🤣

[@lisarymer7480]

It's been fun watching this girl grow up. Her talent is surreal. It was fun to see her confidence explode during the season. The finale brings tears...even now in 2023 ❤

[@joceamber]

Love her natural confidence. Her stage presence is unreal 👌🏼

[@AniciaPerez-tc2ds]

Love her she is so sweet 😅❤

[@AESutton09]

They are lucky they found Kelly on the first go around of this show to kick things off. I remember seeing promos for this show and thinking how stupid it seemed (it was before there were sooooooooo many copy cats) and then I ended up watching every episode. She built this show.

[@pattimills9285]

You what's awesome is that Simon, Paula and Randy just sat on the couch on the Kelly Clarkson show and said the same thing. They made her get all teary, it was so sweet.

[@DJTiger-tp2kc]

And the judges all know, and have said it too, that if Kelly had not been on the first season, the show would not have succeeded like it did.

[@tamyragraypromotions1678]

@@DJTiger-tp2kc I disagree. The show itself blew up and while they weren't going to the let the first winner fail, Kelly's sucess as just the winner of Idol was very small. They rushed the second season, gave them twice as many episodes and said F**K the first season pretty much. Hell, Clive would have had Ruben and Clays CDs out at the same time as Justin and Tamyra's...which makes ZERO sense. 90% of Kelly's success has NOTHING to do with idol. Her being marketed and signed as an International artist is why she is the superstar she is. People who never saw her on idol (including her best selling album with a completely different fan base) is what kept her career. Had it been just Idol as her sole promotional vehicle (like they did with Tamyra briefly for the second half of S3 ..even putting her on that seasons tour and starting a label for her release) and then NOTHING.

[@nehamaw]

​@@pattimills9285 omg that so sweet!

[@karennewton796]

I Love Kelly ❤Now she is the judge💥on the The Voice ❤ I love her💥❤️and her talk show 💥❤️

[@inhuman_human6790]

Dude I did not know Kelly could sing like this. I always knew her, but I never really heard her. But she is amazing! My goodness she is so talented

[@Jaedub86]

Kelly, Fantasia, and Carrie were the first 3 female idols. Those 3 have not been matched yet. So different but all talented, entertaining, and transcend their specified genres of music.

[@rocknchick4nayeli]

Don’t forget about Jordin Sparks now

[@sj5493]

And Jennifer Hudson

[@SelenaGomezSupremacy]

@@sj5493JenniFLOP Scremson did not even win bitchh

[@JetSetta245]

💯💯💯 agree along with JHud

[@runningwithscissors2468]

Fantasia screamed more than sang.

[@hunterhudson194]

She gets a 10/10 for sure!! Most versatile singer out there, by far! With a beautiful vibrato, unreal range and so much power it's no wonder the judges compare her to Mariah and the rest. Saddest part is she didn't get the same recognition throughout her career, even though she proved shes an absolutely outstanding vocalist. 2 Best Pop Vocal Grammy's is something quite impressive though. Team Kelly

[@cazpk6840]

+William H She should have 20 grammys by now - something is not right.

[@dannydark1452]

Caz PK she didn't play the game right and fully sell her soul obviously.

[@chriscoyne9717]

William H Kelly did pop/rock music, not always taken seriously. Had she been a r&b singer, she would have racked up the Grammys, the Grammys are dumb and rigged anyway

[@chriscoyne9717]

William H Taylor swift and Beyoncé have more than Mariah and Whitney ever did! That alone tells you that grammys must be bought lol because that is just stupid

[@rahmathidayatk9330]

@@chriscoyne9717 not all Worldwide knows Grammy's but almost the all people know Kelly Clarkson😎♥️

[@bobabo]

I'm most impressed by how you can tell that she worked her ass off between performances to polish her craft. The improvement from the first performance to the last is fantastic.

[@holisticmaya]

you can really see the early 2000s fashion style even in her hair and accessories, gotta love it!!!

[@scottw6704]

LOL it's all relative...seems to me the fashions have been about the same since the 90s. 70s and 80s, noticeably different from each other (and every other decade) but after that...meh all about the same.

[@Adri_Unsung]

@@scottw6704me when I’m oblivious

[@malcolmlim4597]

Kelly is the idol who has the voice, talent, looks and, most importantly a great and down to earth personality

[@tawanaavery9840]

Her personality is A1+

[@JoanaKathleen]

So true!!

[@michelewilliams87]

From the moment she stepped in the room for her audition, I knew Kelly was special. She performed beautifully each time. To this day, she is one of my idols. Few can compare to her.

[@hux2000]

5:14 is the moment for me. It's not "just" that she has an amazing voice, with a freaking perfect whistle register. It's not "just" that she has an engaging personality. It's not "just" that she was - and is - hella cute. It's not "just" that when she gets on a stage she sings like she's as comfortable there as she is in her own living room. It's all those things, along with a seemingly supernatural ability to express the song through every part of herself: she makes you believe every single word. That's the x factor right there and it proves so powerfully that a vocal *performance* is about so much more than just the voice.

[@brendajarrell6277]

Kelly Clarkson was the ONLY singer I ever watched on AI who truly was a SINGER - AND - had PERSONALITY.... Truly wears her heart and voice on her sleeve!

[@stephieirene1]

She was good during Idol, but she's gotten better since then.

[@divagirl10]

voice lessons

[@uhuhuh1966]

DivaGirl10 experience

[@graysang5386]

@@uhuhuh1966 she gotten even better through vocal lessons and training

[@lilyr6755]

Indeed. Voice lessons & experience, but that Respect song she really hit high notes.

[@alissalee7519]

@r0bz _ and thats bad? why? shes gorgeous, talented, and more than you will ever be if you keep going in life with that attitude

[@danamurphy3653]

Kelly is just in a league of her own. Not just her voice but how she presents herself. Always classy not trashy.

[@lauriegialone5757]

I agree and I would put Carrey underwood in the same category

[@victoriaetor931]

​@@lauriegialone5757I think 💬 🤔 Kelly may be a little bit higher I guess considering she came first I guess 😅😅😊 no offense not a big fan of both of them so no offense to her just saying....

[@SheilaGunter-x1k]

​@@victoriaetor931😅

[@SheilaGunter-x1k]

​@@lauriegialone5757🎉

[@laurencallahan9019]

Definitely 💯 ❤

[@jamiewiesner135]

I've never seen her Idol performances and I can see why she won. She is awesome. I've been a fan of Kelly Clarkson since 2012.

[@mingu2636]

I'm crying over her winning performance in 2023.. It gave me chills just like when I watched it that year. 'A Moment Like This' is such a perfect song for the finale.

[@mr.m.7357]

Kelly was great here but current Kelly is fire!!!

[@r0na]

She KILLS it when she sings Without You!!!! Omggggggggggg

[@gyrl7]

And she was sick when she was performing those two songs

[@daphnebeloved]

She is so good!Naturally talented, and she has the mic so far away, unlike lots of the recent american idol contestants, that if they have mic not glued to their lips, you wouldnt hear anything.....her voice is so free, so naturally well placed , and she is very versatile!

[@wnd2845]

When America Idol first came out it was very much a capella. No big bands playing behind them so we really were just hearing the contestants vocals. Now all these singing shows have too much background music playing so it’s hard to hear the contestants and they’re also extremely nervous. But Kelly Clarkson has always been really great at projecting her voice. Not many contestants can do that while at the same time being nervous.

[@ItzRhyan]

Watching the progression of her voice it’s absolutely stunning. She already had a voice during her audition but this show turn her into an absolute star. Wow!

[@Adeoca2]

So weird watching this in 2020 and realizing that it has been 18 years since the first season. Kelly Clarkson was destined to be a star and be one of the most successful Idol winners of all times

[@joannmannn7006]

I’m watching this in 2023 and it’s now been 21 years since her first audition I wasn’t even alive during her Time on the show but of course I’ve always known who she was she made that show

[@BearsRule777]

22 years... time flies guys.. enjoy it.

[@xmichaelwood]

How to win a singing competition! How to become the most successful winner of ALL AND ANY REALITY SHOW EVER! The most incredible singer on this planet. She was never in the bottom 3 or 2 on Idol. And the worst critique she got on the show was "Maybe not the best song choice but you nailed it anyway. You could sing the phone book and make it amazing."

[@thechaoticboa2976]

Michael Wood damn straight

[@dannydark1452]

Michael Wood right on... #fuckTheVoice! lmao :-p

[@pdoylemi]

I don't know about "most incredible singer on the planet". I think that American Idol showed us anything it was that singing well is common. But she sang FAR better than most, and put a heart and soul into it that is rare, and later expressed that in her career.

[@abarzua21able]

Michael Wood best part is her voice is all natural, not like other singers where they have to add effects to it.

[@pdoylemi]

+Marie Wallace This is what I love about the show in general. I have never heard someone who went far on this show use auto-tune or other BS. Even Bucky and Kellie Pickler (love her) are better singers than a lot of the "Pop Tarts" that the record companies promote. I was really impressed with the final season also. Season 1 I felt sure it had to be Kelly. Season 2 I thought Clay, or maybe Ruben, Season 3 was Fantasia all the way - season four, definitely Carrie, season 5 Daughtrey and Mcphee (got a surprise that year) But each year there were 3 or four or less who really stood head and shoulders above the rest. But that last season was actually frustrating because I hated to see any of the finalists go. Olivia, Sonika, etc. they were all amazing vocalists.

[@altheamurphy427]

With every song she sang, rising up to number one, she sang and performed as if she was a professional already! Her voice, her inflections, everything about her was a SINGER on her way up! My daughter and I knew it from her first audition, she was a winner.

[@layshalay7410]

You can tell she was so nervous but when she sang RESPECT she started to really feel herself and I love that she found herself

[@bridgev6652]

Kelly Clarkson is one the greatest singers of all time! The best American idol to date

[@ellhavila]

the winning performance is so emotional dude 😭💜

[@choosehope8729]

She was the perfect first winner. Loved her since the beginning ❤❤

[@divogalindra9821]

Back to when the only singing competition was AMERICAN IDOL

[@rahmadefendi]

Damn your pic tho 🔥🔥

[@ubergamer2010]

Damn Divo! 😍

[@donniechiappinelli7519]

True

[@donniechiappinelli7519]

To me its still the only 1

[@linglai9670]

in the USA..

[@coll4455]

She just kept getting better and better!!! Best thing to ever come out of America idol

[@jessicanorene3458]

This was the best finale Idol has ever had. Kelly is still the best winner they've ever found, as she continues to thrive. Honestly, I miss some of that older format. The seasons are too short now!

[@MelodicDragon97]

She has such precise control of her voice!

[@shirleygiordano7627]

Kelly will be a legend. She has serious pipes. She just has that voice.

[@rexbitten]

She had my votes right from the start but when she sang Don't play that song (you lied) and I Surrender I was blown away and I knew she'd win!

[@immortaloshun]

32:13 It's as if she's praying, rejoicing. She takes it to another level. And her mom in the audience crying tears of pride and joy. I teared up too!

[@carenspencer-smith2921]

We’re all crying!

[@karenwhittaker4418]

It is fun to go back and watch the humble beginnings of the show- Kelly Clarkson put the show on the map! She's one of the main reasons for season one's success. It showed the potential of this competition. Many other contestants, even though some were very good, sounded like karaoke compared to her, she was in a totally different class of singers. There's a difference from being very good to being star quality great. Every one of her performances was concert quality singing.

[@jeggernautic_]

SHE IS THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN IDOL OF ALL THE WINNERS. ALL THESE YEARS, SHE IS STILL THERE, SINGING HER HEART OUT

[@Maryaliece-o3x]

She has earned everything that has come to her. Kelly is the daughter we would all be so proud of. She’s worked her ass off. Love you girl……

[@nancyweakley12]

I remember all of this from the start to the end of Kelly Clarkson. Back then on the first American idol, those kids had it rough, you don't realize how hard it could've been for them. Back then they didn't get decent music, or back up singers until Kelly song American woman that was when she got the first really little bit of music that was decent, and a couple back up singers. That had to been really hard on those kids to keep the rhythm of that song in their mind as they were singing the songs! Kelly your dream came true! 🎶🎤 🎶🥰 🐾

[@heymikkao]

Came back here to cry some more after seeing her perform on Idol's farewell :'(

[@sergiocabezuela9713]

HA EXACTLY! Same here. Bawling over here.

[@vago2670]

...

[@jodilucia765]

Same 💔😪

[@russellrowland1913]

Her version of respect was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

[@melissa-Ann]

This is why I *love* her performances because she shows she doesn't need auto tuned. What you see, is what you get. The fact she puts emotion behind what she's singing and believes in what she's singing, it comes through in the song. Not just putting lyrics on paper and just singing the song to sing it. #TeamKelly

[@mcross3041]

How could anyone "thumbs down" this? So many fantastic performances...look at like every other season and try to find one performer who was consistently this great.

[@imyell2737]

Her fashion

[@cnew5648]

They're just jealous that they'll never be like her

[@choupapimonyayo3133]

honestly i dont like d way she sung d songs, she is altering d original sound of d music... she has a great voice but i dont like her way of singing.. haha

[@rickinaranjo9982]

Angie Miller, Hayley Reinhardt, LaPorsha Renee? I think that’s how you spell it. These three were always consistent and gave amazing performances, but didn’t win.

[@shannenknudsen7076]

Jealousy!

[@chordsofgratitude2073]

Rewatching in April 2023..... she's still just as awesome as she was back then, vocally much stronger, less shaky in the vocals..... Always on key 🎹🎹🎹💯♥️♥️💪💕👂

[@feliciaasmith]

Kelly is and always has been a powerhouse. Her voice is just incredible. ❤️

[@colleenoneil4461]

Her voice, her delivery, gives me goose bumps. So so so so very talented!

[@judibethgamano2872]

I loved her “stuff like that there “ coz she sounded and looked 50’s ❤ even the musicians seemed to really loved accompanying her 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@layla.williams__]

Yep!! I'd love to hear her with Post Modern Jukebox

[@1966425]

Excellent video! This girl is without a doubt the greatest singer on the planet. She sings pop, rock, country, and R&B better than anyone. I've even heard her sing opera. My personal favorite was "My December" but she's so versatile it's a shame for her to stick to one genre. Her voice is a gift from the heavens. I also love the fact that she never lip syncs.

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

Totally agree!!!

[@Silverstreak7878]

She can sing anything and make it her own.

[@patwillis1893]

She's good but not the best singer on the planet. Some other singers who didn't win any titles on the show turned out to o be even better then the winners. Kelly is one of the greatest singers that came from that show , but in my opinion she is not the number one talent that the show produced. I believe . Jen. H is the best. Miss J . Has a powerful voice. She has the best voice that ever came out of American idol. 😉☺️

[@kathystutzman9570]

Also she is a real, genuine sweet person! Sometimes sounds like a little girl at heart when she speaks, but such maturity as an artist and as a person if character!!

[@ng7731]

Man Kelly is OUTSTANDING!♥♥

[@lightningshock12]

Agreed, all the way. To this day I've YET to witness another contestant on that show of this woman's natural calibre. There have been great voices after her, yes, but not one exactly like hers. Kelly's voice is out of this world. She can literally do ANYTHING with her voice. EVERYTHING. I mean, who would've ever thought to take Natural Woman to that level? And how many people could've successfully pulled that note off? She displayed virtuoisity on that platform that goes unparalleled to this very day. What a voice. There's no doubt that of the winners she's by far the best. That is of course my opinion, though haha xD

[@ng7731]

***** She's just unbelievable!Her voice is incredible and the emotion she brings out when she sings is sth that cannot be described with words!!

[@junkmonkey29]

She just kept getting better and better

[@brendamj28]

Kelly has always been so real and humble throughout all her performances on idol and all years following. Her voice is so beautiful, pure, and strong, and her vocal control and range is insane.

[@denisenieves1169]

I voted for her every time and I'm glad she won She's the best idol

[@safersephiroth943]

I completely believe she was the top vote-getter every week. The first time anyone even came on the show that compared to her was much later with Carrie. Kelly was simply outclassing everyone and it wasn't close.

[@whatchahowsya8688]

My top 5 American Idol winners: 1. Queen Kelly Clarkson 2. Soulful Fantasia Barrino 3. Vocal perfectionist Candice Glover 4. Country powerhouse Carrie Underwood 5. Versatile rocker David Cook

[@cyberpunksoul773]

My goodness...her singing I Surrender is so amazing!!!!!!!

[@mpa1931]

She really was destined to be a star, and more amazing her personality never changed at all.

[@susanhawkins6318]

The best❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rydbthatsme]

She’s incredible. I remember watching in awe whenI saw the Finale. I was so pissed at myself for not watching the whole season and immediately bought the dvd’s they use to release soon as they came out. I do notice her vocal fatigue setting in around Top 4, she had bronchitis and kept going and even won the whole damn thing. That’s extremely rare ability to possess as a singer. Especially the big ballads she sings. She’s truly always been gifted. She’s very underrated in the industry.

[@smartechick725]

I remember Season 1, I was sooo captivated by her voice and I KNEW she was a STAR! And look at her now, SO AMAZING.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@HereToProcrastinate.]

Throw back to when singing was about talent and not gimmicks, ah the gold old days.. :/

[@mangos2888]

Nah there were definitely gimmics at this time, too.

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

She is so underrated. IMO she’s the best singer that’s ever existed. She’s flawless and makes it look so easy.

[@scottw6704]

One of the most successful singers of this millennium and a household name...I'm not sure you're using "underrated" correctly lol

[@AlizMari23]

The look on Paula's face is always just so relaxed and happy when she watches Kelly.

[@RJ4O4]

Yep. They picked the right one. She looked so pretty singing natural woman. And what is amazing is watching her on her new show...she has not changed one single bit in terms of her down to earth self.

[@4lienat]

Why am I watching this and feeling nostalgic when I’ve never seen an American Idol episode in my life lol just here for Kelly’s amazing vocals :)

[@hayleyam28]

I never really watched it either, but I was 13 when this first season aired and I remember "A Moment Like This" playing constantly on the radio. I bought her first album on CD. I like where she is now, but I also enjoyed her jazzy beginnings.

[@josephtucker8456]

She has such an effortless, genuine presence and her vocals are INSANE while she barely looks like she's trying. She was a star right from the beginning

[@ErinFlatFingers]

Kelly has been my favourite singer since I was 2, (so, since she was on American Idol). She is, in my opinion, one of the best singers of all time. Her voice has an immense amount of power, her songs have so much meaning, and she absolutely deserved to win American Idol. Great video, by the way. Love how it was released on Kelly's birthday.

[@teacupglitterinfested1525]

Her and Mitch Grassi from PTX can do no wrong to me.

[@christianasajar7981]

Where's the lie?

[@kramercapriati]

Kelly is Simon's favorite still to this day! It is easy to see...WOW

[@lauradeichman8316]

"Think Twice" is one on my favorite songs that Kelly Clarkson did on American Idol. I just didn't understand when the judges criticized it. In fact, as I have listened to others singing it - Kelly's performance has been my favorite. I loved it!

[@firewulf1556]

Thanks for posting this. Loving the chance to relive these performances and the entirety of American Idol season 1