Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this, and Kelly Clarkson’s moment happened in 2002 when she became the very first winner of American Idol. Now, more than 13 years later, the chart-topping star, 33, celebrated the 15th and final season of the hit reality show with fans.
“Watching @AmericanIdol & totally crying like a pregnant girl every time some1 makes it ha! Last season, so crazy! Thanks 4 my start Idol :),” the “Stronger” singer — expecting her second child with husband Brandon Blackstock — tweeted during the premiere Wednesday, January 6.
And despite the emotions, Clarkson and her friend did enjoy poking fun at some of the artists auditioning.
“Watching @AmericanIdol with @ashes2lashes and she said they should tell the bad ones they can always audition next year ha! #lastseason,” she tweeted.
The Grammy-winning musician’s tweets were a far cry from another Idol alum, who made headlines for his negative online reactions to the premiere.
Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken tweeted about watching the show for the first time in a decade before slamming the judging panel, which is currently made up of Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban.
“Well… now I know why the ratings are down,” Aiken, 37, wrote. “Oh good Lord… those boring ass responses from the judges!? Where is Simon when you need him!? That guy need a hook to pull him off stage. It’s VERY clear now that @SimonCowell was the reason @AmericanIdol was a hit. I’ve watched root canals more entertaining than these judges.”
(Back in 2003, Aiken and season 2 winner Ruben Studdard were judged by the original panel of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.)
American Idol airs on Fox Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8 p.m. EST.