The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson called ‘mean’ is ‘revealed to be A-lister’ who didn’t think American Idol star ‘belonged’
KELLY Clarkson left fans curious about which The Voice judge was “mean” to her during the early days of her career.
The Since U Been Gone singer and TV host revealed on Kylie Kelce’s podcast last week that certain stars were rude and dismissive at the beginning of her career, becoming critical of her after she found fame on American Idol season one back in 2002.

6
Kelly shared that stars who became Voice judges were mean to her behind the scenesCredit: YouTube/iHeartRadio

6
Sources claim it was Christina Aguilera behind the nasty commentsCredit: Getty – Contributor

6
Kelly shot to fame on American Idol in 2002 but faced backlash from industry insidersCredit: Getty
She said on Not Gonna Lie, “People were really mean. People that were really mean have been coaches.
“They hated talent shows — and they ended up being on The Voice.”
“People were really cruel at first. They didn’t like it,” she added.
“It took the industry kind of by storm, the talent shows. It was a very unlikable thing in the industry concerning the populous. Now there’s so many.”
While Kelly did not say the name of anyone specifically, or even state if she was referring to a male or female star, new allegations from journalist Rob Shuter claims it was Christina Aguilera.
The gossip writer shared the claims on his Substack, claiming insiders sources told him, “It was Christina. She was openly dismissive of Kelly from day one — she didn’t think a reality show winner belonged in the big leagues.”
The U.S. Sun has contacted representatives for Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera for comment.
KELLY AND CHRISTINA’S HISTORY
Kelly and Christina have a long history together in the industry, with Christina being behind Kelly’s smash-hit 2003 single, Miss Independent.
The song was originally meant to appear on Christina’s album Stripped, but it was later handed over to Kelly, who tweaked it for her own release.
It’s a single Kelly credits for changing the trajectory of her career, telling Today, “Everybody wanted me to do ballads straight off of [American] Idol. I was like, ‘No, I really like this song. I want to set up some kind of precedent.’
Christina Aguilera posts sizzling video showing off side boob as she dances in silver dress
“It was very important to me as an artist, and I got to write on it as well, which was important to me.”
However, the song came with complications – as the switch from Christina to Kelly was reportedly done so without either of their knowledge.
“My label at the time didn’t tell me but I guess the producers and writers started it with her but then it wasn’t finished so I ended up writing the rest and finishing it without even knowing she was on it or ever a part of it,” Clarkson told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live.
“I swear to God, I got my album booklet and I was like, ‘Oh my God, my first album,’ and then I was like, ‘Why is Christina Aguilera on it? That’s weird?’
“And I love her, so I’m like, ‘Cool… but what?’ It was a weird thing.”
SUPPORTIVE STARS
Since then, Christina and Kelly have also appeared on The Voice – although notably not at the same time.
Christina appeared across seasons one to three, and then five, eight and 10, before leaving to focus on her music.
Kelly didn’t join the show until season 14, and remained a regular face until season 22, when she took a year off. She was back for season 23.
The pair have also often praised each other publicly, with Christina making frequent appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and joining Kelly in performing on the show.
Kelly also frequently performed Christina’s track Beautiful on stage during her early career, and during her signature ‘Kellyoke’ performances on the show, she has performed songs including Fighter, Beautiful and Say Something.

6
Christina was a long time member of The Voice teamCredit: Getty

6
Christina was also behind Kelly’s smash-hit single, Miss IndependentCredit: AFP

6
Kelly frequently covers Christina’s songs during ‘Kellyoke’ on her talk showCredit: Getty
News
Kelly Clarkson Reveals She Never Got the $1 Million She Thought She Won on American Idol
A recent comment from American Idol’s first-ever winner has unexpectedly reignited discussion about the show’s early prize promises. Kelly Clarkson, who won the inaugural season of the competition, recently joked during a broadcast that she never actually received the $1…
Hannah Harper’s Heavy Spotlight Sparks Claims American Idol Already Picked Its Winner
Although American Idol Season 26 is still in its early elimination stages, some viewers are already convinced the competition has a frontrunner – and possibly a pre-planned narrative. That contestant, according to growing online discussions, is Hannah Harper. Fans have…
American Idol Fans Furious as Emotional Bryant Thomas Exit Sparks Favoritism Claims
The latest elimination on American Idol has sparked a wave of debate among viewers after contestant Bryant Thomas was sent home following what many considered a heartfelt but flawed performance. Bryant chose a powerful song for the round – Landslide…
American Idol Accused of Hiding Performances Online, Fans Say It’s Unfair to Contestants
A growing number of American Idol viewers are voicing frustration after realizing that the show’s official YouTube channel does not upload every performance from its episodes. What began as a simple attempt to catch up on missed broadcasts has quickly…
Arrest of American Idol’s Dimitrius Graham Sparks Backlash Over the Show American Idol
American Idol is once again facing scrutiny after former contestant Dimitrius Graham was reportedly arrested by Los Angeles police earlier this week. The news has quickly spread online, reigniting debate about the show’s vetting process and long-term responsibility toward its…
American Idol Season 24 Backlash: The Show Feels “Curated,” Over-Produced and Harder to Connect With
For some longtime viewers, American Idol Season 24 doesn’t feel like the show they once rushed home to watch. A growing conversation online suggests that something about this year’s format feels different and not everyone is thrilled about it. One…
End of content
No more pages to load