KEY POINTS

  • Kelly Clarkson commemorated her "American Idol" win 18 years ago on Twitter
  • Clarkson's success story changed several lives including singer and songwriter Simon Curtis'
  • The "Because of You" singer filled in for Simon Cowell on "America's Got Talent" after his bike accident

Kelly Clarkson is looking back at the moment that changed her life 18 years ago in a post commemorating her 2002 "American Idol" win.

Since winning the inaugural season of "American Idol," Clarkson has won three Grammy Awards, sold over 25 million albums and now has a net worth of $45 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. As she celebrates the 18th anniversary of her "American Idol" victory, the singer said that she is still working hard and loves her "purpose."

"18 years ago today was the finale of the first season of American Idol and it changed my life!" Clarkson wrote on Twitter on Friday, Sept. 4.

"I’m still hustlin 18 years later because I know I am blessed to have the opportunities and I still love my purpose!" she continued. "Find your purpose! Seek out what keeps that fire in you burning."

Clarkson's victory that night may have also changed other lives aside from her own. Some took inspiration from her success and followed in her footsteps.

"Watching you win, from Oklahoma, quite literally showed me that dreams are possible and filled me with a hope that saved me and brought me to California. You really changed my life that night," Simon Curtis commented.

"From that day until today .. you have always improved yourself. This is the exact definition of an idol. You are a source of inspiration for many fans. We Love You Kelly," another fan wrote.

"I was 17 years old and I struggled with friends and social skills and bullying," a third fan wrote. "That night I told myself I had to wait to hear your album before I hunt myself. Obviously, by that time, I realzes [sic] how many good things were in my life including KC. You saved me 18 years ago today."

Clarkson recently temporarily replaced Simon Cowell on "America's Got Talent" after the latter got injured following a bike accident a few weeks ago.

The "Because of You" singer was so happy to fill in for Cowell and even joked that America had "someone far wiser, cooler, and hotter." She also jokingly told the music mogul to take his time in recuperating as she hopes to stay on longer at the show.

"I have waited years for this. I love Simon, but I'm getting really used to this chair, buddy," Clarkson said. "I'm just saying, take your time. I could use another job."

Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. Taylor Hill/Getty Images