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.