Kelly Clarkson & Fantasia Barrino Bond Over This Specific 'American Idol' Experience
When American Idol premiered in 2002, no one knew it would still be a phenomenon over two decades later. Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia Barrino both won their respective seasons and have made a splash in the entertainment industry, but there’s one thing they dislike about their experience on the singing competition show.
On Monday, Dec. 18, Barrino, who is in the middle of a promotional tour for her new movie musical, The Color Purple, visited The Kelly Clarkson Show. While the talented duo loved their time on American Idol, there is one thing they would rather forget. Clarkson opened a can of worms by asking this particular question: “I’m just curious, I was forced to … Have you ever seen you on Idol? Do you ever watch yourself on Idol?”
Barrino was not shy to admit that she does reminisce about her time on the successful series, revealing, “I do. You know, a good glass of wine always sends me back, I kid you not. I don’t know if you’re like me, I hate watching myself with a passion.”
Clarkson chimed in, “I hate watching myself.”
“But if I’ve had a good glass of cab …,” Barrino joked to the talk show host, who admitted that was not be enough to weather another viewing of her young performances.
“There’s not enough wine in the world to [get me through it],” Clarkson laughed. “Like literally I watched it, and I had to … I feel like if I got through that, I could do anything. Anything!” And of course, the women high-fived each other to seal their relatable bond.
Clarkson reflected on her Season 1 win on the reality show when she hit the 20th anniversary of her win. “That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and created partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days. The family and friendships I have created one these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me,” she wrote on Instagram in 2022.
Barrino, who struggled with depression and an overdose after her Season 3 win, explained to Variety how she “didn’t know nothing about nothing, other than I loved to sing. I didn’t know all the things that came with it, the pros and the cons.” With a celebrated comeback and a Golden Globe nomination, Hollywood is happy to see Barrino rise again.
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