Immediately after winning '' American Idol '' on September 4 , 2002 , Kelly Clarkson was arranged to sing " The Star-Spangled Banner " by her then management company , 19 Entertainment , at a special commemoration the following week for the first anniversary of September 11 attacks at the Lincoln Memorial . It drew criticisms that the producers of '' American Idol '' were turning a somber occasion of national mourning into a " giant promotional opportunity " . Clarkson considered withdrawing from the commemoration , saying that " I think it is a bad idea ... If anybody thinks I 'm trying to market anything , well , that 's awful " and added , " I am not going to do it . " However , she was unable to withdraw from the event
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
American Idol controversies