ArchivesKelly Clarkson wins American Idol with 58 percent of the vote.
The first American Idol is Kelly Clarkson, who beat Justin Guarini after receiving 58 percent of the vote, compared to Justin’s 42 percent. Host Ryan Seacrest said around 15 million calls were received last night, bringing the series total to more than 100 million voting phone calls. Part of her duties as winner include singing the national anthem on Sept. 11 at the Lincoln Memorial. Backstage, Justin told the AP, “Kelly Clarkson deserves it. I can’t sing those songs nearly as good as she can.” Regarding her win, Kelly said, “I credit God. There are so many talented people and for God to choose me,” according to the Star-Telegram.
+ also: what did Kelly really win?
+ and: Dixie Chick Natalie Manes wants to judge AI2, saying she’d “be more ruthless than Simon.”
American Idol
Kelly Clarkson wins American Idol with 58 percent of the vote.
link to this story + posted Sep. 5, 2002 at 7:00 AM by Andy Dehnart
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