Vault: Interview With Kelly Clarkson

Summary

---

The Bert Show: Vault - Interview With Kelly Clarkson

Podcast: The Bert Show
Date: October 31, 2025
Episode Theme:
A lively, behind-the-scenes conversation with Kelly Clarkson, focusing on her whirlwind post-American Idol win, newfound fame, personal boundaries, media rumors, and her friendship with fellow contestant RJ Helton. The episode highlights both the fun and challenges of instant celebrity, capturing Clarkson’s animated, candid personality and her easy rapport with the hosts.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life After Winning American Idol

Timestamp: 02:14–03:09

• The hosts congratulate Kelly on being the winner of American Idol and ask about her experiences since the show’s end.
• Kelly reflects on how she is recognized almost everywhere, even for mundane things like grocery shopping:
  • Quote: “Oh, they're really cool. They're just like, ‘Oh, hey, you know, I voted for you on the show. You know, you did a great job.’” (02:44 – Kelly Clarkson)
• She jokes about feeling forever labeled as “the American Idol chick,” but embraces it as part of her journey towards individuality.

2. Public Encounters & Keeping it Real

Timestamp: 02:31–03:09

• Kelly describes positive fan interactions, with people being supportive rather than invasive.
• A spontaneous, lighthearted moment when Kelly says “cool beans”—which the hosts joke should be her album name.
  • Quote: “That should be the name of the first album.” (02:54 – Host)
  • Quote: “No. Why did I just say it? Like, okay, cool. Like, I don't know. I just. I don't know.” (02:56 – Kelly Clarkson)

3. Navigating Pressure & Setting Boundaries

Timestamp: 03:09–03:37

• Kelly recounts being asked to wear revealing outfits that didn’t feel authentic to her:
  • Quote: “I went to this one shoot, and I swear to God, it was like a first aid kit. It was like a... like a band aid to wear on my. Like, a shirt. Like, it was like tiny and little shorts, and I was like, oh, God. Did you watch the show at all? I was like, I don't wear that. I can't. I would feel naked.” (03:09 – Kelly Clarkson)
• She affirms her control over her image: “Nobody can, like, make you wear something.” (03:34 – Kelly Clarkson)

4. Backstage Gossip & Friendship with RJ Helton

Timestamp: 03:37–04:43

• Hosts press Kelly for funny or embarrassing stories about fellow contestant RJ Helton.
• Kelly defends RJ, describing him as genuinely nice and “the golden boy,” resisting efforts to dig up dirt.
• RJ is brought on the call; mutual admiration and teasing ensue. Neither has embarrassing stories to share about the other:
  • Quote: “Hey, dude, I don't get embarrassed. Just go ahead. What happened?” (04:52 – Kelly Clarkson)
  • Quote: “There's nothing about her. Seriously. Honestly.” (04:56 – RJ Helton)

5. Rumors & Tabloid Culture

Timestamp: 05:00–06:08

• Kelly addresses rumors—most notably supposed romantic links with contestant Justin—denying them but expressing playful indifference to the gossip:
  • Quote: “No, we're really good friends, but no, no, nothing like that.” (05:09 – Kelly Clarkson)
  • Quote: “I'm all for it, dude... I was, like, calling on my friends, like, saying how cool it was... I'll give you stuff if you want to have some fun, like. Cause I don't mind.” (05:15 – Kelly Clarkson)
• She laughs off a Us Weekly story about a high school crush, amused by how frivolous stories get exaggerated.

6. Promo Fun: Signature Kelly & RJ Moments

Timestamp: 06:17–06:57

• The hosts have Kelly record a promo shout-out for the upcoming American Idol tour at Phillips Arena, playing with her signature “cool beans” phrase.

  • Quote: “Hi, this is Kelly Clarkson, and I'll see you guys October 21st at Phillips arena with Q100 for the American Idol tour.” (06:40 – Kelly Clarkson)

• RJ follows with his own, self-deprecating, promo recording:

  • Quote: “Hey, this is RJ Heltman. I'll see you October 21st at Phillips arena for the American Idol tour with Q100. Oh. Oh.” (09:10 – RJ Helton)

• Kelly jokes: “We got dirt on him. Finally. Oh, God.” (09:23 – Kelly Clarkson)

7. RJ & Kelly’s Ongoing Friendship

Timestamp: 07:00–08:41

• RJ shares anecdotes about their post-show friendship, including watching show episodes together and laughing over castmate quirks.
• They discuss contestants they didn’t vibe with (notably a fellow singer from Miami).
• RJ praises Kelly’s performance style and lack of stage nerves:
  • Quote: “She is just so phenomenal. Like, her voice is just phenomenal, you know?... And she's in her element when she's on stage, you know, and she. She's never nervous. Never, ever nervous.” (07:12 – RJ Helton)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Oh, they're really cool. They're just like, ‘Oh, hey, you know, I voted for you on the show. You know, you did a great job.’”
  Kelly Clarkson (02:44)
• “I went to this one shoot... it was like a first aid kit...like a band aid to wear on my... like, a shirt. Like, it was like tiny and, like, little shorts, and I was like, oh, God. Did you watch the show at all? I was like, I don't wear that. I can't. I would feel naked.”
  Kelly Clarkson (03:09)
• “No, we're really good friends, but no, no, nothing like that.”
  Kelly Clarkson (05:09) – On rumors about Justin
• “She is just so phenomenal. Like, her voice is just phenomenal, you know?... And she's in her element when she's on stage, you know, and she. She's never nervous. Never, ever nervous.”
  RJ Helton (07:12)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Topic | |---------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:14 | Start of Kelly Clarkson interview | | 02:31 | Kelly on fan reactions | | 03:09 | Pressure to dress a certain way; Kelly's boundaries | | 03:43 | Friendship with RJ; refusing to dish dirt | | 05:00 | Addressing rumors about Justin; tabloid stories | | 06:22 | Kelly records a promo shout-out | | 06:57 | RJ joins and continues with anecdotes | | 07:12 | RJ praises Kelly's talent and composure | | 09:10 | RJ records his shout-out | | 09:28 | End of main content |

---

Summary & Takeaways

This episode offers a fun, candid portrait of Kelly Clarkson just after her American Idol breakthrough. She’s warm, witty, and honest about the excitement (and weirdness) of overnight fame, establishing healthy boundaries, and maintaining real friendships amid a frenzy of rumors and public interest. Her chemistry with both the Bert Show crew and RJ Helton makes the interview a genuinely enjoyable listen, capturing the down-to-earth spirit that endeared her to millions.

Ideal for: Fans of American Idol, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in how celebrities navigate new fame with authenticity and humor.

Transcript

[Jeff Bridges]

Morning Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me.

[Dana]

So Dana oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Podcast Host 1]

Nice.

[Dana]

J free.

[Podcast Host 2]

You heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Commercial Voice]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Jeff Bridges]

So what are we having for lunch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Commercial Voice]

The 24 month bill credits on experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and 35 device connection charge credit same and balance due if you pay off earlier Cancel Finance Agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs 1099.99 and new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Oklahoma Speed Test Intelligence Data 1H 2025 Visit t mobile.com.

[Podcast Host 1]

So the other day I was in this group chat. Of course the topic turned to weight loss medications because it kind of seems like everybody's on one. One friend is already on one, another is researching every option on Tick tock and someone else was like I don't even know where to start. It feels like everybody is talking about it right now, but nobody really knows if it's right for them. That's why hers can be a great option for you because they take all the confusion out of it. You connect with a real medical provider who helps you figure out what's actually best for your body and your goals without the guesswork. If it's prescribed, you'll get medication as a part of a doctor develop developed weight loss program with ongoing check ins, dosage adjustments and 24. 7 online support. They've got affordable options from oral medication kits to GLP1 injectables starting at 69amonth. So if you've been trying to figure out what works for you, it might be time to check out hers. Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, hers has you covered. Visit for hers.combert to get a personalized affordable plan that gets you that's F O R h e r s.com Bert for hers.com Bert weight loss by hers is not available everywhere. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality by the fda. Prescription required. See website for full details, important safety information and restrictions. Actual price depends on product and plan purchased.

[Podcast Host 3]

The Burt show, one of the biggest shows on television. Of course, American Idol. We had a chance to sit down and talk with Kelly Clarkson, the eventual winner of the whole thing, and rj, who, of course, is from here in Atlanta. We're talking to Kelly Clarkson, of course. She is the American Idol. And congratulations.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Podcast Host 3]

You think there's gonna be a time where you're like, okay, I'm not the American Idol chick anymore?

[Kelly Clarkson]

No, yeah, of course. I mean, all of us want to, you know, our individuality.

[Podcast Host 1]

How are people reacting to you now?

[Dana]

Like, when you go into a shopping.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Mall or if you even just go.

[Dana]

Down to the grocery store to pick.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Something up, oh, they're really cool. They're just like, oh, hey, you know, I voted for you on the show. You know, you did a great job.

[Podcast Host 2]

You're like, all right, cool beans.

[Kelly Clarkson]

I'm sorry.

[Podcast Host 3]

That should be the name of the first album.

[Kelly Clarkson]

No. Why did I just say it? Like, okay, cool. Like, I don't know. I just. I don't know.

[Podcast Host 3]

Kelly Clarkson from American Idol. The American Idol, I should say. Hanging out with the Burt show today. Has anybody asked you to do something that was so un. Kelly Clarkson like that?

[Podcast Host 2]

You.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, God, yeah. Like, I went to this one shoe, and I swear to God, it was like a first aid kit. It was like a. Like a band aid to wear on my. Like, a shirt. Like, it was like tiny and, like, little shorts, and I was like, oh, God. Did you watch the show at all? I was like, I don't wear that. I can't. I would feel naked. So, yeah, like, people, you know, trying ask me to do something like that, and I'm like, oh, no.

[Podcast Host 3]

So you still have. I mean, you have control enough to say, look, that's something I don't want to do right now.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, of course. I mean, nobody can, like, make you wear something.

[Podcast Host 3]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

You know, during the whole competition, Kelly, we talk to RJ and RJ's family.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, I love RJ, like, every other week.

[Podcast Host 2]

But you got to give us, like, some dirt or some gossip or something about RJ that he wouldn't have shared with us. Like, an embarrassing. Like, we know about him falling off the stage.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Like, but that's not funny at all, though. That was really scary.

[Podcast Host 3]

Did he cry like a little three year old or something? I mean, you got to give us something.

[Kelly Clarkson]

There's got no he wasn't crying at all, actually. We were all bawling. We all look like retards.

[Podcast Host 2]

But there's got. I mean, there's gotta be some story about RJ that he would be too embarrassed to tell us, that you would have no problem.

[Podcast Host 3]

You gotta give us some scoop on it.

[Podcast Host 2]

It's gotta be his tooth.

[Podcast Host 3]

Oh, my God.

[Kelly Clarkson]

I cannot even think of anything.

[Dana]

Nothing. We need nothing to hold over him.

[Podcast Host 2]

Does he talk in his sleep? Is he a sloppy eater? Does he cuss a lot?

[Kelly Clarkson]

No, nothing. Nothing. He's, like, the golden boy. He's really nice.

[Dana]

He is so nice.

[Podcast Host 3]

He doesn't have, like, uncontrollable gas. Nothing.

[Podcast Host 4]

Yeah, we don't. Yeah, we don't trust it. Yeah, nobody's the golden boy.

[Kelly Clarkson]

I'm telling you, though, he's really just a great guy.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey, Kelly.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Yeah?

[Podcast Host 2]

Say hi to rj.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Hi, rj. What's up? All right.

[Podcast Host 2]

Kelly.

[Kelly Clarkson]

So cool. I didn't even know you were on the line, man.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey, Kelly, hold on a second. Hey, rj, while we're talking to Kelly, are there any stories that you know about her? Really embarrassing.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Hey, dude, I don't get embarrassed. Just go ahead. What happened?

[RJ Helton]

You know what? That's funny, too. There's nothing about her. Seriously. Honestly.

[Podcast Host 3]

Okay, well, you can do this. You can either confirm this for us. We hear that you're going out with Justin.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, everybody says that.

[Podcast Host 3]

No, that's not true.

[Kelly Clarkson]

No, we're really good friends, but no, no, nothing like that.

[Podcast Host 3]

Is that the craziest rumor you've heard about yourself? That's just not true.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Yeah, I guess. I mean, nobody's really said anything. I'm all for it, dude. When we were in the inquiry and, like, the Globe, I was, like, calling on my friends, like, saying how cool it was. I mean, kudos to y'. All. I'll give you stuff if you want to have some fun, like. Cause I don't mind.

[Podcast Host 4]

I thought it was funny. I guess. It was People magazine and on the COVID where they had, first of all, your school picture. I don't know if you saw that, and I can't remember which issue it was. And then inside, they were talking about a guy in school.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, yeah, Us.

[Podcast Host 4]

Oh, it was us.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Podcast Host 4]

Us Weekly. Yeah. And there was an article in there about a guy that you had a crush on and had his school picture. And then they asked him what he feels about it, how he feels about it now.

[Kelly Clarkson]

I thought it was really funny how they, like, put, like, heartbroken or whatever. Like, I just had A crush on this guy. Like, it wasn't, like, this huge. And they, like, called him and everything. And we still talk, so he, like, called me, saying some magazine just called me about our relationship, and I was like, what?

[Podcast Host 3]

Kelly, we know you got a lot of these to do, so we'll let you go. But we're gonna keep RJ on with us.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Oh, cool beans. Y' all have a great time with us.

[Podcast Host 2]

There it is again.

[Podcast Host 3]

Cool beans again.

[Kelly Clarkson]

I'm sorry.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey, Kelly, can you do us a favor before? We usually do this stuff off the air, but we know you got limited time, so can you do us something real quick before you hang up?

[Kelly Clarkson]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey, this is Kelly Clarkson, and I'll see you October 21st at Phillips arena with Q100 for the American Idol.

[Podcast Host 3]

Oh, Lord, Jack, come on, man. Have it like a couple words.

[Podcast Host 2]

I'll bet she can do it.

[Podcast Host 1]

That's a par.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Okay, what was right after. October 21st at Phillips arena with Q100.

[Podcast Host 2]

For the American Idol tour.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Hi, this is Kelly Clarkson, and I'll see you guys October 21st at Phillips arena with Q100 for the American Idol tour. Hey, there you go. Colleen.

[Podcast Host 1]

Colleen.

[Podcast Host 3]

See you later, Kelly.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Okay. Bye, rj.

[Podcast Host 3]

Congratulations.

[RJ Helton]

Bye. Sweet.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Bye. Have a good one.

[Podcast Host 3]

Hey, rj.

[RJ Helton]

Hi. What's up?

[Podcast Host 3]

How you doing?

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh, my God. Does she ever slow down?

[RJ Helton]

Dude, she is always talking. I love it, though. She's cool like that.

[Podcast Host 3]

She's really cool. I mean, there are a lot of people in this competition that you really pulled for, and she was just one of them.

[RJ Helton]

She is just so phenomenal. Like, her voice is just phenomenal, you know? And I was watching the show the other night, and she actually came over to watch it with me, and it's just. And it's just so fun to be able to watch her and see her. She's developed.

[Kelly Clarkson]

She just.

[RJ Helton]

She's in her element when she's on stage, you know, and she. She's never nervous. Never, ever nervous.

[Podcast Host 2]

Now, you said you guys hung out together and watched the. Was it the Monday night show?

[RJ Helton]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay, what is that when you're sitting there? Because, I mean, you're up on stage, she's up on stage. Was it just the two of you, or were there other others there from the top 10?

[RJ Helton]

No, just me and her.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay, so you guys are watching that. Is it a type of thing where, you know, she comes on and then you go, you did so great. And then you come on, she goes, you did so great. And then you make fun of the Other eight together.

[RJ Helton]

It was funny just because, you know, somebody would come on from the top 20 that. That we didn't really get along with, and they would. They would say something funny about it or I would say something funny about it. But that's. That's. That's the extent of our, you know, being me.

[Podcast Host 3]

I'll tell you who bugs me out of that top 20. I'll come totally clean. Okay. That girl from Miami.

[RJ Helton]

That's exactly what I'm talking about.

[Podcast Host 3]

Okay. She drives one of the friends. Yeah. Not. Not kind of the lighter. The lighter girl. She looks like she's Hispanic.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Both.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 4]

The friends from Miami Bother.

[Podcast Host 3]

They drive.

[RJ Helton]

Alexandra. Yeah. Alexandra a bit much.

[Podcast Host 3]

I don't know what it is. As soon as she comes on tv, I'm just like, oh, I don't know what it is about that girl. I don't like, but I don't like her, man. I don't know what it is.

[RJ Helton]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host 3]

So what do you got going on now, man? I mean, obviously you're doing the chore here, dude.

[RJ Helton]

I got called three old Navy commercials the other day.

[Podcast Host 4]

Awesome.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yay.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Congratulations.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey. Hey, rj. We normally do this off the air, but we know you're kind of limited.

[RJ Helton]

Oh, my gosh.

[Podcast Host 2]

So can you just. Can you say something for me real quick?

[RJ Helton]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Hey, this is RJ Helton, and I will see you October 21st at Phillips arena with Q100 for the American Idol concert.

[RJ Helton]

Yeah, I'll probably screw this up. And Kelly did so amazing. I'm the one that has to do, like, three takes.

[Podcast Host 3]

Big old breath.

[Jeff Bridges]

Yeah.

[RJ Helton]

Okay. Okay. Here I go. Hey, this is RJ Heltman. I'll see you October 21st at Phillips arena for the American Idol tour with Q100. Oh. Oh.

[Jeff Bridges]

Yay.

[Kelly Clarkson]

We got dirt on him. Finally. Oh, God.

[RJ Helton]

I'll see you guys later.

[Jeff Bridges]

The bird show.

[Podcast Host 3]

When you're a forward thinker, you don't just bring your A game. You bring your AI game. Workday is the AI platform that transforms the way you manage your people, money, and agents so you can transform Tomorrow. Workday, moving business forever forward.

[Jeff Bridges]

Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well, I dig the mattress, and I want to be in a T Mobile commercial like you. Teach me. So, Dana.

[Dana]

Oh, no. I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Podcast Host 3]

Wow.

[Jeff Bridges]

Impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Dana]

Nice Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Commercial Voice]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.

[Kelly Clarkson]

Us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Jeff Bridges]

So what are we having for launch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Commercial Voice]

24 monthly bill credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers + tax and 35 device connection charge credit same and balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel finance agreement an iPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs $1,099.99 a new line minimum $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Ooklib speed test intelligence data 1H 2025 visit t mobile.com banking with capital one helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Ah, really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy what's in your wallet? Term supply See capitalone.com bank Capital One NA member FDIC.