In 2002, a 20-year-old Kelly Clarkson walked into the American Idol auditions with nothing but a dream and a heart full of ambition. A cocktail waitress from Burleson, Texas, she had big hopes of making it in the music world. But when she stepped onto that stage in Dallas and belted out Etta James’ “At Last,” something clicked. Her voice was a force—powerful, raw, and dripping with emotion. And her personality? Effortlessly cool. With her laid-back “cool beans” and “score,” she was the epitome of the 90s American girl, so at ease with the judges it felt like they already knew she was a star. It was clear from that moment that Kelly’s authenticity, the real deal she’s always been, was the thing that would carry her all the way to the top.