Kelly Clarkson has been a celebrated figure in pop music since her triumphant win on American Idol back in 2002. However, the Grammy-winning artist surprised even Jenna Bush Hager by revealing the extent of the negative remarks and unsolicited opinions she’s faced regarding her looks over the years.

During a recent appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, the “Since You’ve Been Gone” singer candidly discussed how her bold new music video for the single “Where Have You Been” was in part a response to the comments she’s encountered throughout her career.

Today guest host Matt Rogers pointed out the noticeably sexier creative direction hen he and Bush Hager sat down with Clarkson Tuesday (May 6).

“Ma’am, this is your sexiest video you’ve ever done!” he said.

With evident pride, Clarkson shared her innovative vision for the video with Bush Hager and Rogers. “After shedding some weight, I thought, ‘Put me in something form-fitting because who knows how long this will last!’” she remarked.

When Rogers asked if it was “a conscious decision” on her part to take the music video in that direction, Clarkson candidly responded, “In all honesty, I’ve had a lot of people always in my career be very cruel [and say], ‘Oh, you look slutty if you wear this.’”

Bush Hager gasped out loud in disbelief. “What?!” she said.

Clarkson continued, “Oh, I’ve had people be very cruel.”

She added, “And so it’s like, I’ve never been able to just be what I want for that moment, for that song, what that character calls for, because they’re all different characters. So, this was a very sexy moment.”

Clarkson previously revealed that she used to refuse to wear makeup when she was competing on American Idol, earning herself some enemies behind the scenes.

“One producer in particular, very high up, was not a fan of me just because I didn’t play that game,” she said. “And it wasn’t even playing a game. The other four girls that season were very into that stuff. They were very into it.”

Today with Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.