Kelly Clarkson shares how she 'got in trouble' with 'American Idol' producer for refusing to wear makeup

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Kelly Clarkson was shot to fame when she was a contestant in the first season of 'American Idol', which she eventually won. However, it was not all smooth for her in the show during the time almost, two decades ago. 

The former 'American Idol' contestant recently revealed that she clashed with one of the producers who wanted her to constantly wear a full face of makeup and how she "got in trouble."

Kelly Clarkson opens up about clash with 'American Idol' producer

During an episode of the Smartless podcast, Kelly Clarkson opened up about the clash when the producers insisted she needed to wear makeup constantly, despite Kelly not feeling comfortable doing so, as per The Tab.

Clarkson explained on the podcast, "They were like, 'We’re about to be on camera,' and I was like, 'I know.' And they said it again, but I just didn’t care. I didn’t see why I needed to be all dolled up to hang out in the house or film something casual."

She revealed that wearing that much makeup constantly didn’t feel like she was being authentic to herself, and admitted, "The other girls were really into that stuff, but I wasn’t. It wasn’t me, and I wasn’t going to fake it."

Moreover, it didn’t help as she was also very allergic to the eye makeup used whilst filming, meaning she felt very uncomfortable whilst wearing it, per the outlet.

However, Clarkson clarified to them that she has nothing against makeup but refused to alter who she was just to "please someone else."

She said, "I am not anti-makeup. I enjoy the art of it. But in my real life, or even in off-duty time on Idol, I didn’t feel the need to put it on, and I wasn’t going to alter who I was to please someone else."

Kelly Clarkson reflects on winning first season of 'American Idol'

Kelly Clarkson reflected on winning the first season of 'American Idol' as the show completed 22 years in September 2024. Talking with one of her team members from ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, she candidly admitted that she didn't remember the special day, as per Deadline.

Clarkson said, "Is it 22 years? 22 years since winning American Idol. You know what? And I’m back on TV. Who would have thought?"

She said, "No, that’s so exciting" admitting it has been an incredible journey.

A few years ago, she reminisced the special moment, while celebrating the milestone 20 years since winning the crown, per the outlet.

She took to Instagram and wrote, "20 years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life. That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days."

She added, "The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and tv are priceless to me."