Kelly Clarkson Calls Out Former Critics Who Became The Voice Coaches

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Kelly Clarkson is setting the record straight about her early days in the music industry—and she’s not holding back.

On a recent episode of Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast, the American Idol alum reflected on the skepticism she faced after winning the show’s first season in 2002. She revealed that many in the industry weren’t exactly welcoming to a reality show winner at the time.

“People were really cruel at first. They didn’t like it; it took the industry kind of by storm,” she explained. “It was a very unlikeable thing in the industry.”

And in a surprising twist, she added that some of those critics—who were vocal about their disdain for singing competitions—eventually became coaches on The Voice, the very show she later joined as a judge. “People that were really mean have been coaches,” she said. “You know what I’m saying? Like, hated talent shows, and ended up being on The Voice.”

While Kelly didn’t name names, it’s clear she hasn’t forgotten the way she was treated in her early career. And considering her journey—from a young singer trying to pay her electric bill to a powerhouse in music and television—it’s safe to say she had the last laugh.