Kelly Clarkson He might be one of the most respected names in the music industry today, but this was clearly not always the case.

During an interview with Jennifer Love Hewitt On her daily talk show, Clarkson opened up about the cruelty of others in the limelight to her while she was just a contestant on American Idol In 2002. She also took a minute to personally thank the “9-1-1” actress for her supportive words during a chance encounter at the time.

“You might not remember this,” Clarkson told her guest, “but he’s been stuck with me for a long time, nearly 20 years now.” “It was in some kind of MTV Awards or VMAs or something like that, I don’t know what it was up to but you ran towards me. That was true for the last three of ‘Idol,’ we were very criticized and everything was going in a whirlwind and people were really treating us. Because we were from a show of talent and this was the first season. “

Kelly said, “Everyone was so rude with us, like the rug, on the show. It was so bad, it was an awful experience.”

“[But] You came to me, and you ran towards me out of nowhere and said, “Oh my God, I’m really rooting for you,” “Clarkson recalls, before revealing Hewitt’s advice that I took very seriously.

“She told me, ‘Please, keep the people you love very close. You will end up being a few people in your life, unfortunately, but this work can be really difficult. And just remember to keep those people who really love you.'”

She said to Hoyt, “You just gave me this advice which was really nice at such a time as not pleasant for me, personally, so thank you very much.” “It means the world to me, I was so nice and looking forward to interviewing you.”

Clarkson, of course, ended up winning the first season of “Idol” and became one of the show’s most successful stars.