SGranitz/WireImage via Getty Images
On September 4th, 2002, Kelly Clarkson was crowned the very first champion of American Idol, beating out Justin Guarini in the finale episode.
20-Year-Old Kelly Clarkson Auditions For American Idol
After working many jobs in Los Angeles, including at Papa John’s, at a zoo, and at a movie theater, Kelly Clarkson moved back home to Texas because her apartment caught on fire. Not long after returning home, she heard about American Idol‘s audition in Dallas. She walked into her audition in a top made from an old pair of jeans, and she let her confidence take over.
“Well, I had nothing to my name. Like, literally, I had to make that top to go to this audition. I had, like, no clothes, no nothing. I think when you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.” Clarkson giggles, “So you walk in, and you’re like, ‘W’hat do I have to do to get this job?’”
After wowing the judges, Clarkson…