OPEN POST: Kelly Clarkson Became The First "American Idol" 22-Years Ago!
It happened 22 years ago this month. Before she had a talk show, before she divorced the husband-from-hell, and back when cable and network TV could still unite us all, Kelly Clarkson became the first prize winner on "American Idol." Was it a more innocent time? Not necessarily, but Paula Abdul was a loopy, pill-popping delight (allegedly), Simon Cowell hadn't yet undergone a head transplant, and Randy Jackson was the cause of everyone and your grandmother saying, "Sorry, it's not for me, dog." Second prize winner, Justin Guarini, has gone on to enjoy a more than respectable career on Broadway , and the rest of them? My mind has flushed them away. But I'll always remember Kelly's first prize rendition of "A Moment Like This." My eyes misted up when I first saw it, didn't yours? The genuine emotion of it has never been surpassed, I don't think, by any talent competition show since. Photo Credit: Reuters