Kelly Clarkson Says Someone Who Bullied Her Over American Idol Win Became A Coach On The Voice!

Kelly Clarkson is spilling some scalding tea on the reality singing competition scene!

On Thursday’s episode of Not Gonna Lie, the singer confessed to host Kylie Kelce that being the first winner of American Idol wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Kelly explained it was tough to be taken seriously in those early days:

“I had no one. I was the first winner. It was hard. Not to sound like, whatever, it was really hard. People were really mean… people were really cruel at first. They didn’t like it. It took the industry kind of by storm, the talent shows. It was a very unlikable thing in the industry concerning the populous.”

The Breakaway singer said it’s “hilarious” to think about now, since there are “so many” talent competition shows out there — but the early ’00s were a different time! We definitely remember when this was all seen as a fad that would pass quicker than that late ’90s swing music revival!

But for them to be mean to Kelly personally? That’s awful!

Innerestingly, the 42-year-old seemed to hint her bullies included some very well-known names, too. But things changed a lot… and now, she claims, some of the pop stars who bashed her went on to become hosts on the other hit singing show, The Voice:

“People that were really mean have been coaches. You know what I’m saying? Like, hated talent shows. And they ended up being on The Voice. It’s like, okay…”

OH SNAP! Not her naming the show! She’s definitely thinking of someone specific, y’all! She could have just said “singing shows” if not. No, she’s holding a grudge! Who was a jerk to Kelly Clarkson back in the day??

Kelly won the first season of American Idol back in 2002, of course. The Voice didn’t premiere until 2011 and has had lots of famous faces on its judge’s panel, including the likes of Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, CeeLo Green, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and many more. So it’s almost impossible to deduce who she’s talking about being “mean” to her! Any guesses, Perezcious readers??