KELLY Clarkson left fans curious about which The Voice judge was “mean” to her during the early days of her career.

The Since U Been Gone singer and TV host revealed on Kylie Kelce’s podcast last week that certain stars were rude and dismissive at the beginning of her career, becoming critical of her after she found fame on American Idol season one back in 2002.

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She said on Not Gonna Lie, “People were really mean. People that were really mean have been coaches.

“They hated talent shows — and they ended up being on The Voice.”

“People were really cruel at first. They didn’t like it,” she added.

“It took the industry kind of by storm, the talent shows. It was a very unlikable thing in the industry concerning the populous. Now there’s so many.”

While Kelly did not say the name of anyone specifically, or even state if she was referring to a male or female star, new allegations from journalist Rob Shuter claims it was Christina Aguilera. 

The gossip writer shared the claims on his Substack, claiming insiders sources told him, “It was Christina. She was openly dismissive of Kelly from day one — she didn’t think a reality show winner belonged in the big leagues.”

The U.S. Sun has contacted representatives for Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera for comment.

KELLY AND CHRISTINA’S HISTORY

Kelly and Christina have a long history together in the industry, with Christina being behind Kelly’s smash-hit 2003 single, Miss Independent.

The song was originally meant to appear on Christina’s album Stripped, but it was later handed over to Kelly, who tweaked it for her own release.

It’s a single Kelly credits for changing the trajectory of her career, telling Today, “Everybody wanted me to do ballads straight off of [American] Idol. I was like, ‘No, I really like this song. I want to set up some kind of precedent.’

“It was very important to me as an artist, and I got to write on it as well, which was important to me.”

However, the song came with complications – as the switch from Christina to Kelly was reportedly done so without either of their knowledge.

“My label at the time didn’t tell me but I guess the producers and writers started it with her but then it wasn’t finished so I ended up writing the rest and finishing it without even knowing she was on it or ever a part of it,” Clarkson told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live.

“I swear to God, I got my album booklet and I was like, ‘Oh my God, my first album,’ and then I was like, ‘Why is Christina Aguilera on it? That’s weird?’

“And I love her, so I’m like, ‘Cool… but what?’ It was a weird thing.”

SUPPORTIVE STARS

Since then, Christina and Kelly have also appeared on The Voice – although notably not at the same time.

Christina appeared across seasons one to three, and then five, eight and 10, before leaving to focus on her music.

Kelly didn’t join the show until season 14, and remained a regular face until season 22, when she took a year off. She was back for season 23.

The pair have also often praised each other publicly, with Christina making frequent appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and joining Kelly in performing on the show.

Kelly also frequently performed Christina’s track Beautiful on stage during her early career, and during her signature ‘Kellyoke’ performances on the show, she has performed songs including Fighter, Beautiful and Say Something.

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