Former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has defended fellow songbird Susan Boyle claiming people were ‘especially mean’ to her.

RadarOnline.com revealed last week that the Scottish singer has set her sights on conquering America and Monday, Clarkson told UK talk show GMTV that she has ‘empathy’ for Boyle.

Like The Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, Clarkson rose to fame through a reality show and claimed that the pressures of fame can be hard to prepare for.

Clarkson said: ‘I think every person who goes through this. Right at the beginning it’s very hard, it’s hard on you because people can be so vicious. I mean especially with her I’ve heard nothing but horrible things people say about her. “

The ex-American Idol – who also came from a humble small town before winning Idol – claims adjusting to life afterwards takes time.

“It’s one of those things. She’s from a small town, I’m from a smaller town, it takes time to be like, ‘Wow. Some people are really mean’. But you have to focus on the positive people that are really positive around you.”

“It takes time, it’s like seven years later… and I’m like alright – it’s been alright for seven years – so I’m good.”

Meanwhile, Boyle is recovering at her home in Scotland after being treated at The Priory Clinic in London where she was recovering from exhaustion.

After some more rest, she is going to take her career forward under the guidance of American Idol guru Simon Cowell. (Photo: Splash News)