It's been 20 years since US singer Kelly Clarkson (40) celebrated her big breakthrough on stage by winning "American Idol". To mark this special anniversary, she posted a few emotional lines of gratitude to her fan base on Instagram.

"20 years ago today I won 'American Idol' and it changed the course of my life forever. That moment was the door that opened so many avenues, opportunities and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all my days." , writes Clarkson. Her family and all the friendships she has made since then are "priceless" to her. "Without her, I wouldn't be where I am. I probably wouldn't be here," says the singer.

She also thanks everyone who voted for her 20 years ago when she gave her outstanding voice on the US equivalent of "Deutschland sucht den Superstar". "I hope you all have people in your life who fill you with laughter and hope and if you don't have that, then keep looking because I promise you, they're looking for you too," she concludes.

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of "American Idol" on September 4, 2002. Today, the music business would be unimaginable without the multiple Grammy award winner. The singer celebrated great success with songs like "Breakaway", "Since U Been Gone" or "Because of You". From 2018 to 2021 she sat in the red chair of "The Voice USA". Since 2019 she has had her own talk show on NBC with "The Kelly Clarkson Show".