Kelly Clarkson Forgot the 22nd Anniversary of Her American Idol Win: ‘Didn’t Even Realize What Day It Was’

Kelly Clarkson has a lot more on her plate these days than when she won American Idol in 2002.

The “Miss Independent” singer, 42, won the hit reality singing competition series’ debut season 22 years ago on Sept. 4, a fact she was reminded of by a staffer named Andy from The Kelly Clarkson Show in a hilarious video.

“Hey Kel, it’s September 4th,” said Clarkson’s colleague in the clip, shared to the NBC talk series’ social media accounts.

“It is September 4th,” the Grammy winner replied nonchalantly.

“On this day 22 years ago…,” Andy continued, before Clarkson erupted in laughter.

“Oh my God,” she said. “When you said that date, I got nervous, like, ‘Did I miss an anniversary?’ I did!”

“22 years since winning American Idol,” reflected Clarkson. “You know what? And I’m back on TV. Who would’ve thought?”

The “Since U Been Gone” performer acknowledged the “exciting” moment before explaining why she “forgot” about the anniversary. “I didn’t even realize what day it was. I’m worried about my kids’ first day of school, which is tomorrow,” she said.

Clarkson previously reflected on her American Idol win at-length around the milestone 20th anniversary in 2022, writing on Instagram that the triumph “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 continued. “The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and tv are priceless to me.”

Clarkson added, “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 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,” she said at the time.