Kelly Clarkson talks being America’s 'Idol' and sweetheart during a visit to 'SmartLess'

In the latest SmartLess podcast episode, Kelly Clarkson discusses authenticity, audience relationships, and American Idol .

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Kelly Clarkson has long had a unique relationship with her audience, which has seen her grow from a ‘girl next door’ talent competitor to a powerhouse musician, songwriter, and talk show host. Speaking with the SmartLess podcast crew, Clarkson retold the story of her American Idol win and how American audiences voted for her over 20 years ago. This created a sense of investment and connection between the public and Clarkson, who says that the relationship “works for me.”

“I'm from a very small town,” Clarkson said. “I'm kind of used to, like, everyone knowing your name. It's like Cheers. You know, I'm used to that vibe. And I think that's why people are always like, oh, you're so open.”

“I love that Kelly,” Jason Bateman popped in, already quipping a joke. “You're just like, well, it's not really that much of an effort to not be an a**hole.”

“Well, it depends on the person, Jason,” she responded with a chuckle. Joking aside, the singer is able to connect with others easily - and her audience is no different. “I think because I have that small town mentality, it's always been very easy for me.”

And despite her outstanding career since the competition show, the GRAMMY winner maintains that same humble, hometown perspective. “I still at 41, like we'll be at Walmart in Butte, Montana and [fans] will go, ‘ Oh I voted for you’ and I'm like, thank you. That changed my life.”

“I can still be objective and go man, that's incredible that someone made it in that sense,” she continued about her own career. “People relate to that. I think people think, ‘Maybe I can still do that. Or maybe that could be me.’ I think that it has this sense of hope.” Such hope, combined with her infectious positivity and sincerity, has surely led to her audience’s pride. Clarkson was not only the first American Idol but has since become an American sweetheart.

All the while, Clarkson has remained true to herself. She has long been open about her struggles in the industry and her personal life and finds herself proud of it all. “Look, it hasn't been a perfect career” she admitted candidly on the podcast. “But, like, it's been perfect for me in the sense of, like, every decision I've made and everything I've done, it's because I wanted to do it, regardless of the outcome. And I think I'm proud of the fact that I don't let pride or ego or even shame… I don't let that get in the way of it.”

To hear the full SmartLess episode, including why she was terrified to meet co-host Jason Bateman on SNL , listen above and follow SmartLess on the free Audacy app.