Simon Cowell recalls the day he first met Kelly Clarkson as singer receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Simon Cowell has claimed that he “wouldn’t be here today” if it wasn’t for the success of Kelly Clarkson.

The music mogul, 62, from London, spoke highly about the American singer as she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday.

He was invited to speak at the Los Angeles ceremony, where he gushed about the day he met Kelly.

Simon, who has his own star, said: “I remember the day we met you. I remember not just your voice but your personality.

“I didn’t realise at that point how good you were, I just liked you, and I’m so thankful.

“I can honestly say thanks to you I’m here today, genuinely, I swear to God.

“Because you validated what we did – if we didn’t find a star there’s no point in doing these shows. And I could never predict what was going to happen.

“The Kelly you see in front of the camera is the Kelly you see behind the camera, she is one of the nicest, most loyal, talented people I have had the great, great fortune to help.”

Simon was part of the Idol franchise for 10 years - hosting Pop Idol from 2001 to 2003, and American Idol from 2002 to 2010.

The TV personality, who was notorious for his critical reputation, also hosted the one off World Idol in 2003.

Kelly, 40, rose to fame after winning the first series of American Idol in 2002, while Simon was a judge - alongside Randy Jackson and Paula Adbul.

Fellow judge Paula, who has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, also spoke before Kelly’s star was unveiled.

The Because Of You singer then accepted the honour and said she was glad not to “just have yes people” around her to help support her career.

She was awarded a star in the category of Recording. It is located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Ovation Hollywood.

The pop artist’s star is the 2,733rd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - and sits closely to the likes of Sandra Bullock, Matthew Broderick, Celine Dion, Pink, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ryan Reynolds, Brittany Spears and Simon Cowell himself.

Kelly has nine studio albums, including Breakaway (2004), Stronger (2011), Piece by Piece (2015) and her most recent album When Christmas Comes Around (2021).

She has been nominated for 180 awards, 79 of which she has won, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2013.

Some of these awards are also for her award winning Kelly Clarkson Show - which offers personal stories, live performances, games and prizes.

It is currently on its fourth season, which saw her embark on a road trip to New York.