Kelly Clarkson celebrates 20th anniversary of 'American Idol' win and thanks 'every single person' who voted for her

• Kelly Clarkson celebrated her 20th anniversary of winning "American Idol" with an Instagram post.
• Clarkson's career was launched after winning the first season of the singing competition.

Kelly Clarkson celebrated the 20th anniversary of her "American Idol" victory with an Instagram post thanking her friends, family, and fans.

Clarkson competed in the first season of the reality singing competition show in 2002, which launched her career.

The "Since U Been Gone" singer has since gone on to win a number of accolades, including three Grammys, and host her own talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

On Sunday, the 20th anniversary of the first season finale, Clarkson paid homage to "American Idol," saying it changed her life.

"Twenty years ago today I won 'American Idol' and it forever changed the course of my life," she wrote in the social media post. "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. The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me."

Clarkson continued: "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."

The 40-year-old singer then went on to thank the fans that have supported her from the start of her career.

"Thank you so much to every single person that voted 20 years ago," Clarkson wrote. "I hope all of you have people in your lives that fill you with laughter, and hope, and happiness, and if you don't feel like you have that, then keep searching because I promise you they're looking for you too."

Clarkson is one of many music stars whose careers started on "American Idol."