Kelly Clarkson Hated the American Idol Movie From Justin to Kelly

Andy Cohen appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss his new seven-part series For Real, which examines the history of the reality show genre, and he somehow wound up interviewing the host about her time on one of the first big reality shows, American Idol. 

Clarkson recalled her doubts about what the show would lead to, saying she thought she'd be "the most famous cocktail waitress in Texas" after she won the inaugural season of the singing competition. She also said she had to lobby to make sure her first single would come out before her contractually-obligated feature film debut in the musical romcom From Justin to Kelly with the runner-up, Justin Guarini.

"I begged [show creator] Simon Fuller," she said. "I was like 'please, let my first single come out before the movie, because I will have NO chance at a career if that frickin' movie comes out before my single.'" That first single was "Miss Independent," which ended up being a huge hit. "If I hadn't had that moment before the movie, I would not be sitting here." 

Cohen tried to gently ask if she was aware that the movie "was not going to win any Oscars," and Clarkson's response was a resounding "Oh my god, Andy, you have no idea how much I cried! I remember, in the closet in the apartment I lived in, I cried so hard to get out of that. Here's the thing. I never wanted to be an actress. I didn't know — when I found out the winner had to do the movie, I was praying to God... because Justin wanted to do it, and I didn't want to do it, and it's just — sometimes I think I have no business doing it. This is not a dream of mine. It's a dream of someone else's, Justin's, as a matter of fact, so, like, let him do it!" 

She did, however, mention that her nanny "actually loves that frickin' film, and I totally judge her on her taste, but it's fine." 

People are talking about The Kelly Clarkson Show in our forums. Join the converasation.

Andy Hunsaker has a head full of sitcom gags and nerd-genre lore, and can be followed @AndyHunsaker if you're into that sort of thing.