Why Hailee Steinfeld Might Not Be a Popstar If It Wasn't for Kelly Clarkson

Hailee Steinfeld has managed to forge a successful pop career while also being a bona fide movie star, but she may have never even pursued pop stardom if it wasn’t for the first American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. 

Hailee tells Billboard: “She was a huge influence on me when I was younger.

When Kelly was on American Idol my parents surprised me and my brother with tickets to the show. I just remember looking at my dad and having him tell me that one day I would be on that stage too. It was one of those moments that reinforced my dream of pursuing music."

Some other aspiring singers will begin their pursuit of musical super stardom when American Idol returns Sunday night on ABC.

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