AceShowbiz - Kelly Clarkson recently opened up about the criticisms and challenges she faced following her "American Idol" victory in 2002. Speaking to Kylie Kelce on her podcast, "Not Gonna Lie," Clarkson revealed some of her "cruel" early critics came from fellow musicians.

Reflecting on her journey, Clarkson shared how those who once harshly criticized her later became colleagues on NBC's "The Voice." "People that were really mean have been coaches," she noted, adding a touch of irony to the evolution of her career.

Kelce inquired about Clarkson's experience as a host on the show, where she now acts as a mentor to hopeful singers. Clarkson remarked, "I don't think a lot of artists that sell tons of records would be able to handle (American Idol)."

She went on to describe the initial post-"Idol" period, noting, "It was hard. I had no one."

Clarkson provided listeners with a vivid picture of playing shows in remote areas, including a "cow s***," across the country, highlighting that she didn't immediately secure the glamorous multi-million dollar record deal that many viewers expected.

Clarkson explained that at the start of her career, talent shows like "American Idol" were not well-regarded in the music industry. "It was a very unlikable thing in the industry," she said.

She and Kelce when on to discuss the evolved perception of reality talent shows, with Clarkson laughingly admitting, "Now it's hilarious… how far we've come."

As a mentor to aspiring artists, Clarkson conveyed that she represents "the light at the end of the tunnel," embodying the potential success that can arise from the "gruelling" process of such competitions.

Switching gears to her personal life, Clarkson addressed the struggles of parenthood, candidly sharing her experiences with her children, River Rose and Remington "Remy" Alexander.

She spoke about the challenge of balancing her career as a daytime talk show host with her kids' school events, lamenting the fact that many school activities are scheduled in the middle of the workday.

She and Kelce also discussed the double standard often faced by working mothers. Clarkson commented on the societal expectations placed on mothers, as opposed to fathers.

"Even from a young age, we didn't teach them that just innately he's allowed to be somewhere but you're not…There's a lot that I keep in, because co-parenting is fun," she said. This remark seemed to reference her co-parenting dynamics with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, whom she divorced in 2022.