Kelly Clarkson’s star unveiled on Hollywood Walk Of Fame alongside American Idol judges reunion-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Kelly’s ceremony harked back to where it all began for her, on American Idol (Picture: John Salangsang/Shutterstock)

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 – and joined by her original American Idol judges.

The music mogul 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.

Kelly shot to fame after winning the inaugural series of popular US singing competition American Idol 20 years ago in 2002 – on which Simon was a judge.

He was joined by fellow judges from the original series, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, the latter of whom also praised Kelly before her star was unveiled.

‘I remember the day we met you. I remember not just your voice but your personality,’ Simon told Kelly.

‘I didn’t realise at that point how good you were, I just liked you, and I’m so thankful. I can honestly say thanks to you I’m here today, genuinely, I swear to God.

The singer received the 2,733rd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Picture: Getty)

Simon was remarkably humble and effusive in his praise of his first US star (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kelly and Simon posed together for photos (Picture: Reuters)

‘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.

‘The Kelly you see in front of the camera is the Kelly you see behind the camera, she is one of the nicest, most loyal, talented people I have had the great, great fortune to help.’

Kelly said she was pleased to ‘not just have yes people’ around her to help and support her career, as she accepted the honour.

The gang was all there as Randy Jackson (L), Simon and Paula Abdul (R) joined their show’s star Kelly as she received her honour (Picture: John Salangsang/Shutterstock)

Kelly proudly showed off the replica of her star at the ceremony (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

It was a kiss between the reunited Randy and Paula (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

… And a hug for Randy and Simon (Picture: Frederic J Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

The Since You’ve Been Gone chart-topper recently reflected on two decades since she won the show, and how that day – and her sensational performance of A Moment Like This (which became her first number one – ‘forever changed the course of my life’.

The singer has since 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 beamed as she posed with her kids, daughter River, eight, and six-year-old son Remington (Picture: John Salangsang/Shutterstock)

The singer-songwriter was joined by other family members for the ceremony (Picture: Frederic J Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Kelly performing on the American Idol final, ahead of being declared winner, in September 2002 (Picture: AP)

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She is one of pop’s top singles artists, with 17 hits having earned multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world.

Awarded in the category of Recording, Kelly’s 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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