who won the first season of american idol

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol, defeating runner-up Justin Guarini in the finale in September 2002.

Quick Scoop

• Winner: Kelly Clarkson, a then–20-year-old singer from Texas who later became a multi–Grammy- and Emmy-winning star.

• Runner-up: Justin Guarini, who lost to Clarkson in the final vote.

• Season aired: June 11, 2002 to September 4, 2002, under the title “American Idol: The Search for a Superstar.”

Kelly Clarkson’s coronation single “A Moment Like This” broke a long- standing Billboard Hot 100 record by leaping to number one, cementing her status as the franchise’s breakout success.

A Tiny Bit of Context

• The first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, with Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson as judges.

• Kelly Clarkson remains widely referenced in lists of American Idol champions as the show’s original winner and one of its most successful alumni.

TL;DR: Kelly Clarkson is the answer to “who won the first season of American Idol,” and her win in 2002 kicked off both the franchise and her long-running pop and TV career.

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