Kelly Clarkson was honored as the Season 1 winner of Fox's American Idol on September 4, 2002.
The three-time Grammy winner took to Instagram on Sunday to reflect on her life-changing victory.
I won American Idol twenty years ago today, and it forever changed my life, according to the actress. That moment was the door that opened up so much opportunity and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for every day. The relationships and connections I have formed over these 20 years in music and television are priceless to me.
She continued, saying, we only get so many trips around the sun, and while I am proud and grateful for all of the lessons I have learned from them, I am most grateful and thankful for my friends who have become family, and for their arms that have stayed with me when I needed it, and hearts that have encouraged me when I was lost. Without them, I would not be where I am today.
Clarkson thanked every single person who voted 20 years ago, before stating, "I hope all of you have people in your lives who inspire you with laughter, hope, and happiness, and if you don't feel like you do, keep looking," and "I promise you they're looking for you as well."
Idols' first champion has gone on to record nine studio albums (including two Christmas albums), which have earned an impressive 11 Billboard Top 10 songs, including A Moment Like This, Miss Independent, Breakaway, Since U Been Gone, Behind Those Hazel Eyes, Because of You, Never Again, and Mr. Know It All.
Clarkson has received five Daytime Emmy Awards. Season 4 of her syndicated talk show will resume on Monday, September 12.
Idol, meanwhile, will debut its 21st season on ABC in early 2023.
In the following video, you can recreate Clarksons American Idol career, and then hit the comments and tell us if you remember watching Clarkson on the night he was crowned.