Kelly Clarkson Fan Site

As the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has the sort of insight on the show that no one else has.

And when she sat down with Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos on the set of her new NASCAR commercial, Clarkson said that taking your lumps from the judges is all part of the process — and she understands it makes for good TV.

”It’s the best part, obviously. It’s the beginning shows, and people are just horrible,” she said.

Just like the rest of America, Kelly is getting a good laugh out of this year’s early Idol rounds.

‘You feel bad for laughing but at the same time, it’s like, `Are you joking?’ ” she added.

”A lot of people are giving Randy [Jackson], Paula [Abdul] and Simon [Cowell] some flak saying they’re too mean,” Menounos told Clarkson. “What do you think?”

”A little harsh,” Clarkson said. “They are nothing compared to what critics are going to say about you. If you think that’s mean, just stop now because it gets a lot worse.”

Of course, it’s nothing two Grammys and seven million albums sold can’t cure — just ask Clarkson.

Pop star Kelly Clarkson is teaming up with the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) for a series of events in 2007.

The Walk Away singer will perform a concert before one race meeting, appear in TV spots and she’ll also get involved with NASCAR’s charitable efforts.

It’s the first season-long marketing deal NASCAR officials have entered into with a music artist.

The Grammy Award winner will perform on 18 February (07) on a live Tribute to America special prior to the Daytona 500 race.

She will also serve as spokeswoman for the fourth annual NASCAR Day on 18 May (07) and she’ll wrap up the racing season by performing at the Nextel Cup’s Champions banquet on 3 December (07).

Pop star Kelly Clarkson’s new album will have a punk edge - thanks to rock legend Mike Watt, who is playing bass on the record.

Watt - currently performing with Iggy and the Stooges - agreed to the collaboration after hearing Clarkson’s powerful vocals.

And he wasn’t put off by her resume - because he hasn’t even heard of American Idol.

Watt says, “I heard that Kelly won some game show, but I was really impressed how she sang her a** off.”