Kelly Clarkson Thought “American Idol” Was Going Nowhere | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Plus, Kelly Clarkson reveals that she hates the sound of her speaking voice.
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ABOUT CONAN O’BRIEN NEEDS A FRIEND
Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. Watch highlights of Conan, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley chatting with celebrities and meeting fans, along with special segments like “Review the Reviewers” and “Big Dick History.”
ABOUT TEAM COCO
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[@mrbeans2425]

One thing i appreciate about Kelly is how genuine she is. No fake BS with her.

[@visakanshan2511]

See sea milk w m I tr the🎉 did I’ll MM.

[@jdj830]

What Kelly won’t say out loud is that American Idol succeeded BECAUSE OF HER. Her success validated the show’s concept, which had a domino effect; The Voice wouldn’t have existed without her either. Apparently Simon Fuller understood this on some level which is why he realized it was in his interest to be nice to her, knowing she would find greater success with different management. As for the other Simon, I hope Mr. Cowell realizes that if it weren’t for Ms. Clarkson AI would have been canceled after two seasons and he’d be forgotten by now, at least in the US. You could also argue that she was the one who got American culture out of the doldrums after 9/11. The vibe was so dark and all the big stars were repeating themselves. KC came along like a breath of fresh air and reinvigorated pop music for the new millennium. She is a giant.

[@mariaray4043]

I think I saw an interview that Simon was in and he said something along the lines of because of Kelly Clarkson she validated American idol and if it wasn’t for her his career wouldn’t have been what is it today. I’m pretty sure it was when Kelly got the Hollywood star thing

[@SwaggerChiick1]

@jdj830 strange that you seem to be saying this to Simon Cowell in a critical manner, even stating that you hope he realises... It's strange because Simon ALWAYS sings Kelly's praises......

[@galmanferguson]

@@mariaray4043 I think it is on The Kelly CLarkson show when Simon, Randy, and Paula were guests

[@lukasky03]

Give Kelly credit where credit is due for sure. If anyone else that season won, Idol would have gone nowhere. But The Voice was already a hit before Kelly joined.

[@farisshah6060]

@@lukasky03i don’t think they meant The Voice became successful when Kelly joined as a coach. It’s just the domino effect of Kelly Clarkson’s success that validates talent/singing reality-show genre, which eventually birthed The Voice

[@davidhurtado2725]

Matt cannot ignore talking about malls. Imagine if he gets Kelly to go with him and Mark to "Mallwalk" there 😂

[@janmatise6344]

I’m

[@TheAmericanIdol]

Kelly Clarkson is just a rare gem - so down to earth. But let's be real, the only reason Idol had future seasons is because of Kelly. First winner and she sustained an incredible career and off the bat was a hit. Without Kelly, we'd never have the platform for all the other amazing performers. But Kelly is the best, the original and the greatest.Talented, real. Love me some Kelly Clarkson!!

[@davidbarrett8058]

shew has the scars. She has the talent. She is amazing.

[@jayrock2288]

Kelly is awesome, she looks like she would be super friendly off camera

[@HOTD108_]

Kelly murdered my entire family and overfed my dog.

[@corpsefoot758]

Hear, hear. The anti-Degeneres

[@itsonlysound]

@@HOTD108_ But I bet she was super polite and lovely and funny whilst doing it :D

[@krisfinley6706]

​@@HOTD108_So... you're saying the poor doggo is okay though right? Thank God!

[@Confield]

she has a kindergarten teacher vibe

[@EattheApple666]

She is still the same person when we first saw her on AI. Congrats Kelly on all your success.

[@rachelp4398]

Your name and photo made me lol. You're just down with sin and hell, eh?

[@Teazel_McGillicuddy]

Kelly and Conan together is just delightful!!!

[@JomerTB]

I still remember watching that first season. Hands down she stood out from the rest of the finalists with both her singing talent and her super outgoing personality. And in my opinion that's what set her apart from Justin Guarini.

[@h3artands0uLL]

I love Kelly. I Will admit I rooted for Justin to win back then. He had the look and skills. I can’t think that far back about their personalities. But she is so successful back then and now, she was clearly a winner I think Justin letting ego take over a little bit with Simon sank him tbh. I remember he apologized for it the next performance but it may have seemed to give it more attention. Don’t know. Hope he’s doing well now. I always remember the girl who sang Whitney’s I Will Always Love You by the urging of her mom.. and the judges were so harsh! They were like “you’re not Whitney” and she was let go that week. Sheesh! Hope she’s well too and the she and mom don’t blame mom for that snafu. Where can we watch the first season again?? I’d like to go back and watch only that season cause I didn’t keep up much after that. And maybe JLo’s stunning outfits when she was judge! It was a healing time for her too to be on there

[@JomerTB]

@@h3artands0uLL Someone created a playlist on KZbin of the whole first season. The quality of course is not HD but hey at least it's on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2LFoGV3iNWVZtE

[@duongho7195]

I must've been like 10 or 11 when it came out. I was actually rooting for Justin Guarini because what the hell do I know, and he was just so smooth lol. Of course later on in the years, I'd rewatch her performances and be like "Oh yea... she is insanely talented and deserved that win"

[@christianjohnsjohns8723]

Kelly actually has pretty good comedic timing she played off Conan well.

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

and she's so so sweet!

[@mjw9310]

It's been well honed from her time with Blake on The Voice. 😄

[@rhettmitchell]

She says she isn’t a good comedian but she’s so naturally funny!

[@kamarpreet]

Please upload the entire episodes. We will watch them and also listen to the podcast!!

[@borntoroam2468]

Kelly has never let the "fame" go to her head! She's always so real and down to earth!

[@bluemoyie8618]

It's what makes her so beautiful, and timeless. ❤

[@thedarkknight2221]

2:56 I absolutely get where Conan is coming from because it’s like when you see someone that is extremely talented, ridiculously good looking, very charismatic, AND incredibly nice find success. On one hand you root for them and on the other you’re upset in a sarcastic way because you think “no one should be all four of those things, maybe 2 or 3 but not all 4”.😂😂😂

[@Ttoby89]

like when you see people with thick hair.... (also kelly is great)

[@galmanferguson]

​@@Ttoby89omg I can relate. Whenever I see a person with very thick bushy hair, I have this unhealthy urge to pull it off their scalp cuz I'm so bitter 😅

[@sunshine3914]

This world needs more Kellys & Conans.

[@Ishai1]

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait 20 years for their next interview...

[@daisyblooms4813]

@@Ishai1 *setting alarm*

[@jumpsuitCD]

I was recently made the host of a PBS show called AHA - and she speaks facts on just being authentic and curious. I had no experience in hosting a show and was flabbergasted they even wanted me to host it. But their judgement ended up paying off! It comes easily if you are just a naturally curious person

[@reev9759]

Sona was simply giddy with glee when she heard Kelly say she was going to pocket the money from Idol. She wore her kleptomania loud and proud.

[@franss7554]

She has so many talents but the one thing that I really love about Kelly Clarkson is that she still got that exact personality that she came in to the American Idol audition singing Etta James with today.

[@Walperion_Music]

9:35 - Sona relates a bit too excitedly to pocketing things! :)

[@nbbim2012]

Why does the love fade? Conan with the classic 1 liners as per usual

[@longlivedemocracy756]

Loving these idol stories! Thanks Conan for asking, thanks Kelly for answering!

[@I_am_Serjohn]

I need to see the full interview. The one and only American Idol (Kelly) and Conan are two worlds I've been a fan of since the 90s. Takes me back.

[@vitrock1]

Kelly's beauty shines inside and out! ❤❤

[@Rockindobbs]

My family & I were sooo into the 1st season of AI. We had a Kelly vs. Justin cake 🎂 for the finale 🤣🤭 I’ve never voted again & only watched until Daughtry. I’ve loved her since. She has stayed so humble! I love how quirky and real she is!

[@kettyspikes]

Matt's quips are so legendary that even Conan busts a gutt laughing

[@cleverusername9369]

He's no Andy Richter, a God amongst mortals, but he's pretty damn hilarious

[@IliasLiako]

2 of my favorite people . Fantastic

[@sarahlee9106]

4:38 i think those things worked in her favor. she came into the talk show just being her… and i think her authenticity is where people connect with her.

[@Gran_Ove]

Without a doubt Kelly one of the best voices to come out of the AI ​​show... But I really think what has made her so successful in music and more than anything in other television shows is her personality and her authenticity and the fact that he treats other people with respect and dignity...

[@Coco21212]

At the time of their first interview, Conan was the age Kelly is now. It’s funny hearing him say he was “so young”.

[@rydbthatsme]

I love how honest she always is🤣💀

[@looney1023]

It really was super unplanned, figure it out as you go. Kelly's audition wasn't even in the first episode originally. It was only when they went back and "remixed" the first season that they actually showed that. Really fascinating stuff

[@Prederick]

Kelly is 100% right. There's "rich" and then there's "Superyacht rich". IYKYK.

[@lachauntiswashington231]

this is a great interview😄😄😄

[@ashjax44]

Haha this is so good 😂 Loved this conversation.

[@valued_mussel0349]

Team Coco: loving this format. I re watch the one with Bill Burr absolutely losing it over and over again. Having Sona AND Matt for these is golden.

[@idosera8800]

Hearing that Simon let her out of the contract and went out of his way helping her made me think of Conan's quote that I think sums up Kelly very accuratly: "work hard, be nice, and great things will happen".

[@Dira091998]

Yessss my favs!!! Conan and Kelly 😍

[@incunemusic]

She's awesome

[@lockelamorra9375]

She's so much better than fallon.

[@inappropriate_comments]

Everyone's better than him even beetlejuice

[@mylucidlife495]

He does set a low bar. Other than Tariq always buying recalled stuff, the rest of his jokes he repurposes are pretty lame at this point. I understand keeping a familiar style, but it doesn't always have to be repeats of same jokes over and over.

[@tatianamendoza8800]

​@@inappropriate_comments🤣🤣🤣🤣💀

[@bradenstanyer184]

That's why Fallon didn't win American Idol

[@traceybee1409]

Trump is funnier than Fallon 😂😂😂

[@440Nichole7.2]

she still so beautiful

[@TeemuSintonen]

Kelly is a national treasure!

[@lufflyness]

Kelly could totally have a 3rd (or 4th? 5th?) career as a comedian.

[@tyleru7094]

She's something special So is Coney ❤

[@edeclark]

For people that don't want to read the novel I just typed (just give it a try. Some good points) but I just have to say that this woman tdidn't change all that much in 20 years. Just like she did in 2002 I think she's legit SHOCKED when things work out so well for her. I really like that about her. If she just retired we would all be saying/thinking "well.....Since U Been Gone, our lives have Sucked W/O U but it probably makes us Stronger and we'll pick things up Piece By Piece and realize that People Like Us can still have fun and even though it was Because Of You that we ........" Awww crap. That was kind of fun and it (almost) made sense. Can someone else pick it up and keep going/adding on to it?

[@galmanferguson]

Okay jokes aside, Conan ia actually a pretty good singer and can play guitar really well.

[@christopherweise438]

And Gourley is even better than Conan.

[@bbcbbc1717]

I knew Kelly’s show would be great: she is warm, down to earth, empathetic and like to talk, lol.

[@iamsam8446]

Clarkson is the single biggest and most successful talent to come from American Idol.

[@analuizajardim4858]

Where’s the whole episode?

[@DissyK]

Even tho it's a wide shot. I can't be the only one that think that Gourlz looks extra handsome in this one? (sorry if my grammar is lacking)

[@sidharthdeb8364]

I peaked when Matt suddenly lit up during the mall talk!!

[@TheyCallMeNewb]

Conan and Kelly go day-drinking (wherein Seth just happens to show up by serendipity).

[@njb7209]

When i need sleep, i listen to Conan!

[@reev9759]

Is that a compliment?

[@njb7209]

@@reev9759 yes 😃

[@reev9759]

@@njb7209 haha how?

[@njb7209]

@reev9759 calming, relaxing and interesting...but not too interesting.

[@rablanchard981]

I totally get the not leaving a voicemail thing. I'm from southeast Texas. My voice is way more country than I realize, and it's awful to hear it played back.

[@missingbitz9831]

Anyone else look up boat tenders after this? I never knew that's what they were called.

[@supertrooper73]

Omg She's hilarious!

[@timy9197]

Matt Gourley’s humor is underrated

[@JaxLittles]

Conan just can't stop himself from having a talk show

[@randomname3715]

Why isn't this episode on spotify

[@KyleKleef]

SHE KEPT THE MONEY 😂😂😂😂

[@hollywoodrocker69]

Kelly made American Idol what it is. I remember watching the show from the very first episode. As soon as I saw Kelly audition, she was my only pick. I think that first season was the only true innocent and genuine season of American Idol. I voted for Kelly the whole show. She was so true to herself. I remember the day she won and it was amazing. They released her first single which was the song she closed the show with. I went to Walmart first thing in the morning and bought the single. I’m a fan of her and her story, but I’ll admit, I never bought any of her music after that. Just wasn’t my thing. I know of her music, but never had any interest in buying it.

[@David_7171]

I didn’t know Conan had a new show

[@jamesgrantham1930]

Bad Religion shirt in the crowd!

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

I miss the Conan show but think what he does now is way better

[@Ultimita01]

I still think kelly clarkson is the most famous, popular, and successful one of them all. Yeahhhhh theres carrie but I hear of so many more mashups with kellys songs. I think kelly hits more of a wider audience then carry.

[@barrettpickett5603]

I am learning a word to. Tender. Not my world.

[@RockFan89]

I mean, she isn't wrong. If you did a "where are they now" of all the contestants only a handful made it anywhere. 2 of them ended up with a talk show. 🤣

[@theconclave8025]

Cant remember a single person from The Voice...not 1!!! American Idol produced Grammy and Oscar winners

[@RockFan89]

@@theconclave8025 Did they? like who? Kelly and Jennifer have talk shows 🤣

[@a_83567]

@@RockFan89​⁠​⁠Tori Kelly has a Grammy, Carrie Underwood has 8, JHud is a EGOT member. Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Jordan Sparks all have successful careers and were nominated for Grammys as well. 3 actually had talks shows Kellie Pickler had one as well.

[@RockFan89]

@@a_83567 out of HOW many years of contestants? And poor Katherine had to marry a rich older man. LOL

[@lars7282]

In the end she was right: Idol went absolutely nowhere as a program

[@androidaccount7743]

Where's Jordan!

[@MartyD]

yes, not a fan of my recorded voice 😅😢😂

[@douglassgreaux3592]

The election of Kelly Clarkson was the high water mark of American Democracy.

[@jessica.isabelle]

two of my favourite people?!?!?!?

[@jasonjohnson4803]

I don't like my voice, how I sound to myself isn't how I sound when recorded.

[@shawndegroot761]

100% thought Matt was Bill Gates.

[@alexscampone9601]

this isnt a jab on conan, but it really bugs me on podcasts when they wind the mic cable around the stand until it reaches the mic i was always taught in my studio to wrap the cable twice maybe three times to not put strain on the cable

[@Mkartarik01]

That's good advice when you're in an audio recording studio. Doesn't quite look good on camera though.

[@alexscampone9601]

@@Mkartarik01 oh alright yeah I mostly listen to podcast but a lot of people watch them so that is a good point

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

4:16 ad skip

[@jc2333]

The original American idol.

[@h20doctor]

Hey Kelly I'm single, Come meet me, fly up to the PNW... Great food sunsets on the beach in the fresh air coming off of the Olympic mountains

[@daniel1000212]

Is that Matt.

[@YodatheHobbit]

Kelly, know that OTHER people listen to her voicemails, right? Their purpose is not to be sent to herself to be listened to. If she's hearing her own voice on her voicemails something is very wrong.

[@NHatemN]

You might listen to your own voicemail to review it, especially in a professional space.

[@davidhurtado2725]

She seems so lovely. A shame that talk show producers force the host to be super extra. This is literally the first time I see/hear her actual laugh.

[@shuinful1249]

What you hear on her talk show, that's her real laugh. I love it 😊

[@davidhurtado2725]

@@shuinful1249 yeah, it is not

[@shuinful1249]

@davidhurtado2725 yes it is

[@davidhurtado2725]

@@shuinful1249 sure, bubba.

[@shuinful1249]

@davidhurtado2725 my name is not Bubba. I meant, the funnier she finds something the harder she laughs. She doesn't fake laugh

[@JWPeace_4MyBoys]

BE NICE TO KELLY

[@darrenjohnson3374]

I thought Conan did stand up. I was shocked when he said being a talk show host was all he could do.

[@fitojb]

And he used to be a writer for The Simpsons

[@louannmartin290]

Hi Conan O'Brien my name is Jeff Martin from south bend in happy first day of summer to you my friend Conan O'Brien I'm a big fan of your talk show when it was on nbc and tbs and now I enjoy watching all of your podcast videos of Conan O'Brien needs a friend on KZbin I will your friend Conan O'Brien I enjoyed watching your new podcast video too on KZbin when are coming to hbo max please write me back Conan O'Brien your new friend Jeff Martin from south bend in

[@DABA2024]

Who’s High Pitch?

[@Moekoffee2001]

Watching Conan makes this American idle

[@glenneric1]

I miss the big table.

[@warriors6411]

Who’s high pitch?

[@trisspeaker9572]

A moment like this...😅

[@RockNRollJeezus]

I wanna go camping on Sona Mountains

[@paulsmith9192]

This is in front of an audience? First time

[@marketahoppova8779]

Kelly is one of the real ones in LaLaLand. This setting is somehow flawed as it does not encourage interaction amongst all of them. It is good only for two people.

[@user-mimimc]

I want mimi together you

[@ClaraW_131]

I like my voice.🌼 I like yours too, of course.

[@Max_m]

Conan tried to get away from having an audience, didn’t work. Give it 2 years before he’s back in a studio

[@hayeonkim7838]

1st

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

I love my voice haha. Does that make me weird?

[@thijssie1987]

The T-mobile ads are getting really obnoxious Conan

[@vinoto]

Skip through it mate. It's not hard

[@mach3wgamer]

We're watching this for free. Let them earn their money.

[@101stairborne6]

I get ZERO adds! Maybe don’t be cheap and get the subscription to KZbin 🤷‍♂️ if you can’t afford $20 a month, then you need to fix yourself first and don’t worry about getting on KZbin later

[@thijssie1987]

@@101stairborne6 Listen, army boy edgelord, skip the video to 3:23, which Im sure your short attention span hasn't even reached. And you'll see a piece of pre recorded video where Conan and Sona both advertise T-mobile for almost a full minute. Once again, make sure you sit still and focus on the video and you'll make it to 3:23 and you'll see what I mean.

[@thijssie1987]

@@mach3wgamer they are by getting ad revenue from KZbin. However, these prerecorded sponsorships are unblockable and are still shown even if you have youtube premium.

[@soussansabra3207]

Interview me

[@andyvarte]

The lighting though -- everything looks so washed out. No colour; no vibrance.

[@benediktjostingmeier4519]

This light is unflattering towards conan

[@iamarkhamknight]

old man Conan

[@the_usual_please1533]

Ok pop quiz, how many times did Kelly say 'like' in the past 12 minutes?

[@jasonhare8540]

Does she reinvent herself every 5 years or am I just getting confused . I would swear the last few times I've seen her she looked entirely different every time .... Is she a robot 🤣

[@I_am_Serjohn]

Wouldn't a robot never change?

[@daisyblooms4813]

Maybe you're thinking of Carrie Underwood?

[@nryanmusic]

she looks literally the exact same

[@cullinaaronkress]

Just say "like" a few more times.