This Day in History:, Kelly Clarkson Wins
First 'American Idol'.
September 4, 2002.
Millions of home-viewers cast their
vote by phone for the 20-year-old Texan
in the first season of the hit singing contest.
A former cocktail waitress, Clarkson
won a record contract as the first American Idol.
She would move on to an extraordinarily
successful music career, selling millions of albums.
Based on Britain's 'Pop Idol,' 'American Idol' was picked
up by Fox after being rejected by several other networks.
The show became one of the most popular in the
U.S., generating several other popular talent contests.
Other 'American Idol' contestants include
Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson,
Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry