Kelly Clarkson: From ‘American Idol’ Champ to Rival

The first “American Idol” champ is now helping its big competitor, “The Voice,” as well as prepping her own “Duets”

Maybe "American Idol" should have hired Kelly Clarkson as a judge.

The first "Idol" winner, who returned to perform on the show last year, has since moved on to not one but two other singing competitions — including one that has usurped "Idol" has the top-rated show this season, after eight years of "Idol" ratings dominance.

Also read: ABC's Duets to Pair Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie and Others With Contestants

Clarkson only helps mentor contestants on NBC's "The Voice," which is beating "Idol" this season with help from a post-Super Bowl debut. But this summer, she'll be one of four judges on yet another singing competition, ABC's "Duets."

On that show, she'll join Lionel Richie, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, and Robin Thicke by singing along with contestants as well as mentoring them.

Also read: 'Idol' Brushes Off Other Singing Shows

A rep for Clarkson did not immediately return a call for comment on this story.

Fans of Clarkson, the most successful star to come out of "Idol," could make the case that she now transcends any single show — and shouldn't have to turn down opportunities on others.

Fox has expressed a lack of concern in the past about Clarkson appearing on "The Voice." Asked about it in January, Fox president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell said it was a compliment to "Idol."

He quipped, "We're not hiring a lot of people from 'The Voice' to be on our show."

That was before "The Voice" started beating "Idol" in the ratings — with Clarkson's help.

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