Vanessa Hudgens says she almost auditioned for 'American Idol' because of Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson broke into the limelight in 2002 when she became the first winner of "American Idol," and Vanessa Hudgens says watching her rise to stardom is what inspired her own career.

Appearing Tuesday on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Hudgens revealed she wanted to follow in the "Breakaway" singer's footsteps and compete on "American Idol" to be just like her. She said she "grew up doing theater" and performing had "always been a passion" -- just like Clarkson. But it turns out life had other plans when she was ready to try out.

"That next week I got an audition for 'High School Musical' and booked it. So then I was like, never mind," she laughed. "But I was like, 'I'm doing it,' and you were the catalyst."

Clarkson and Hudgens then bonded over the audition process, with the "Since U Been Gone" singer disclosing, "People don't know that, but there were many auditions before you even got to the TV part."

As for the "Tick, Tick... Boom!" star, she said she "remember[s] all the auditions" she had to go through to play Gabriella Montez in the "High School Musical" franchise. Noting that the hit Disney Channel movie turns 16 this year, Hudgens said, "It's wild, the time just keeps flying."

Marveling on "American Idol" turning 20, Kelly agreed it "feels weird" that the show is celebrating its platinum two-decade anniversary this year, because she was "so young" when it became a part of her life.

Disney is the parent company of "Good Morning America" and ABC News.