The singer described Kelly Clarkson as her first musical idol, recalling how the American Idol winner inspired her to pursue a career in music.

Demi Lovato has credited Kelly Clarkson with playing a significant role in shaping her music career, describing the American Idol winner as her first-ever musical idol.

Speaking on Street You Grew Up On with Kerry Washington, the Camp Rock star reflected on how Clarkson inspired her during her childhood.

Lovato recalled watching Clarkson win the first season of American Idol and perform her hit song A Moment Like This, describing the moment as a turning point in her musical journey.

“When Kelly Clarkson won American Idol and she sang ‘A Moment Like This’, that was a game-changer for me,” Lovato said. “That was the first time I really had an idol.”

The singer revealed that she used to watch the talent show with her family and dream of following in Clarkson’s footsteps.

“I want to be her someday,” Lovato recalled thinking at the time.

Meeting Clarkson for the first time was an emotional experience for Lovato, who said she hugged the singer three times to express her gratitude.

“You don’t know what you mean to me and how you’ve shaped my career,” Lovato recalled telling Clarkson. “I am who I am as a singer because of you.”

Lovato also revealed that she practised hitting higher notes by singing along to Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone, highlighting the influence the singer had on her vocal development.

The singer recently concluded her tour in May. Her latest studio album, It’s Not That Deep, was released in October 2025.

Lovato has also returned to one of her best-known roles, reprising her character Mitchie Torres for the third instalment of Disney’s Camp Rock franchise.