This Day in History:, Kelly Clarkson Wins <br />First 'American Idol'.<br />September 4, 2002.<br />Millions of home-viewers cast their <br />vote by phone for the 20-year-old Texan <br />in the first season of the hit singing contest.<br />A former cocktail waitress, Clarkson <br />won a record contract as the first American Idol.<br />She would move on to an extraordinarily <br />successful music career, selling millions of albums.<br />Based on Britain's 'Pop Idol,' 'American Idol' was picked <br />up by Fox after being rejected by several other networks.<br />The show became one of the most popular in the <br />U.S., generating several other popular talent contests.<br />Other 'American Idol' contestants include <br />Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, <br />Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry
