Kelly Clarkson hosts emotional 'American Idol' reunion with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest, and Randy Jackson

The inaugural winner gets the gang back together, including runner-up Justin Guarini, to reminisce about the singing competition's first season.

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 63 words · Theresa Rodriguez

She then welcomed her former colleagues to the stage.

Jackson claimed that he knew Clarkson would win at her very first audition.

EWwas on set for the reunion and can report the warmth was palpable even when the cameras werent running.

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Credit: Adam Torgerson/NBCUniversal

The group got a little misty saying they would all be willing to work together again.

Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Justin Guarini, Paula Abdul, and Kelly Clarkson

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The Kelly Clarkson Show

Adam Torgerson/NBCUniversal