To celebrate the pop star's 33rd birthday on April 24th, we're taking a look back at the highlights of her career and personal life -- from breakout American Idol star to multiplatinum-selling mom!

Sept. 4, 2002

An emotional Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural American Idol competition, beating runner-up Justin Guarini (with 58 percent of vote to 42 percent). "I had no idea what the show was until the third audition," Clarkson told The Guardian in 2011. "My goal was just to be a backup singer -- I never intended to be in front."