The music mogul said Clarkson, 40, was ‘one of the most loyal, talented’ people he had helped throughout his career, as he spoke at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday.
Clarkson shot to fame after winning the inaugural series of popular US singing competition American Idol 20 years ago in 2002 – on which Cowell was a judge.
He was joined by fellow judges from the original series, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, the latter of whom also praised Clarkson before her star was unveiled.
‘I remember the day we met you. I remember not just your voice but your personality,’ Cowell told Clarkson.
‘I didn’t realise at that point how good you were, I just liked you, and I’m so thankful. I can honestly say thanks to you I’m here today, genuinely, I swear to God.
‘Because you validated what we did – if we didn’t find a star there’s no point in doing these shows. And I could never predict what was going to happen.
‘The Kelly you see in front of the camera is the Kelly you see behind the camera, she is one of the nicest, most loyal, talented people I have had the great, great fortune to help.’
Clarkson said she was pleased to ‘not just have yes people’ around her to help and support her career, as she accepted the honour.
The Since You’ve Been Gone chart-topper recently reflected on two decades since she won the show, and how that day – and her sensational performance of A Moment Like This (which became her first number one – ‘forever changed the course of my life’.
The singer has since sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and also hosts the multi-Emmy award Kelly Clarkson Show, which is soon to begin filming its fourth season.
In 2021 she released her ninth studio album, When Christmas Comes Around…, her first since 2017’s Grammy-nominated Meaning Of Life.
Clarkson is one of pop’s top singles artists, with 17 hits having earned multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world.
Awarded in the category of Recording, her star is the 2,733rd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Ovation Hollywood.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Hugh Grant is everyone as he chokes up over Emma the pony watching the Queen’s funeral procession
MORE : Adam Levine accused of having affair with Instagram model and asking to name baby after her
For all the latest Entertainment News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
