Kelly Clarkson, 2002 News

singer, was named America's newest idol in September on FOX's talent-search show, American Idol. In each episode, a parade of young crooners performed in front of a live audience, and viewers whittled the group down to two finalists, Clarkson and Justin Guarini. With the title, the 20-year-old Clarkson won a CD deal, a short spurt of media saturation, and fame, however fleeting.