Kelly Clarkson has opened up on how winning ‘American Idol’ 20 years ago changed her life in a reflective social media post. 

The Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) hitmaker took to Instagram to reflect on the milestone, which saw her become the first-ever winner of the TV talent show two decades ago. 

“20 years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life,” she penned. “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.

“The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me. 

“We only get so many trips around the sun and while I am proud and feel abundantly blessed of the successes and failures that I have learned from, I am most proud and grateful for those friends that have become my family, and for their arms that have held me when I needed it and their hearts that listened to me when I felt lost. Without them I would not be where I am. I would probably not be here at all.”

Since triumphing on the show, Kelly has released nine studio albums, won three Grammy Awards, and landed her own Daytime Emmy-winning TV talk show. 

Concluding her post, she wrote, “Thank you so much to every single person that voted 20 years ago! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”