American Idol's Past Winners

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Clarkson performed in musicals in high school and was encouraged to pursue classical training in hopes of getting a college scholarship. When she did so (to three different schools, no less), she decided to pass on them because she had already written so much music, she felt she was ready to pursue a musical career on her own.

• Judging American Idol