Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson in a safety briefing prior to taking a ride with the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team the Blue Angels on Joint Reserve Base Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas, May 10, 2006.
Background information
Birth name Kelly Brianne Clarkson
Born April 24, 1982 (1982-04-24) (age 28)
Fort Worth, Texas
Origin Burleson, Texas, United States
Genres Pop, rock, soul
Occupations Singer-songwriter, actress
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2002–present
Labels RCA Records
Website www.KellyOfficial.com www.KellyClarkson.com

Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson made her debut under RCA Records after she won the first season of the television series American Idol in 2002.

Clarkson has released four albums to date: her double-platinum debut album Thankful (2003), her multi-platinum second album Breakaway (2004) (which has won two Grammy Awards), My December (2007), and her latest album All I Ever Wanted (2009). Her albums have sold over 10.5 million copies in the United States.[1] Clarkson is currently the only American Idol contestant to have reached number one in the UK. She claimed number one on March 1, 2009, when "My Life Would Suck Without You" debuted number one on downloads alone.[2] She has sold over 10.2 million albums in the United States, and over 20 million albums worldwide, becoming the highest-selling Idol winner. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Clarkson is also ranked on the top 200 album sellers of the Nielsen SoundScan era at number 187.[3]

Eleven of Clarkson's singles became Top Twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her single, "My Life Would Suck Without You", advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in its first week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the top position in chart history.[4][5]

Clarkson has toured extensively worldwide as a solo act. After Clarkson's appearance on the CMT Crossroads and her duet version of "Because of You" (2007) with Reba McEntire, they co-headlined the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour (2008).[6]

Clarkson held the distinction of having the highest-selling American Idol album in the United States until November 2009, when Carrie Underwood claimed that title by a narrow margin of 100,000 albums. Clarkson, however, remains the highest-selling American Idol alum overall, with around 23 million albums sold worldwide.[7]

In May 2010, Billboard named Clarkson the "most successful 'American Idol' of all time",[8] factoring in album sales, singles sales, and radio plays.[9]

Contents

Early life

Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Burleson, a suburb of Fort Worth. She is the third and youngest child of Jeanne Rose, a first grade teacher, and Stephen Michael Clarkson. Clarkson's siblings include her older brother and sister, Jason and Alyssa. When Clarkson was six years old, her parents divorced after seventeen years of marriage. The family settled in Burleson, where Clarkson's mother married her second husband, Jimmy Taylor.[10]

Clarkson's family struggled financially, and after her parents divorced, music became her refuge. Clarkson attended Pauline G Hughes Middle School and Burleson High School. She wanted to become a marine biologist but changed her mind after seeing the movie Jaws.[11] In seventh grade, a teacher (Mrs. Cynthia Glenn) overheard her singing in a hallway and asked her to audition for the school choir; Clarkson told the teacher that she had never received professional vocal training.

In high school, Clarkson performed in musicals such as Annie Get Your Gun, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Brigadoon. She sang at her high school talent show, after which an audience member shared some inspiring words with her: "God has given you this gift. You've got to sing. You're destined to sing." Clarkson continued singing and soon started classical training, hoping that music would be her ticket to a college scholarship.[12]

Upon high school graduation, Clarkson was offered full scholarships to The University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Berklee, but decided against college because she had "already written so much music and wanted to try it on her own," and she figured "you're never too old to go to college."[12]

Music career

Kelly Clarkson performed at the Washington D.C. Lincoln Memorial on September 11, 2002 following her win on American Idol.

2002–03: American Idol and World Idol

Clarkson won the first season of American Idol on September 4, 2002, earning 58% of the vote to 42% for runner-up Justin Guarini.[13] Choking back tears, Clarkson performed the ballad "A Moment Like This", the song written for the winner of American Idol, which would subsequently appear on her debut album, Thankful. When released as a single in October 2002, it set a record on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart when it rose from number 52 to number one.[14] This achievement was largely due to the impact from Idol as the CD single managed to sell 236,000 copies in its first week of sales in the U.S.;[15] it spent five weeks at number one in Canada.

American Idol season 1 performances and results


Week # Theme Song choice Original artist Order # Result
Audition N/A "Express Yourself
"At Last"		 Madonna
Etta James		 N/A Advanced
Top 121 Hollywood round 1 "Respect" Aretha Franklin
Top 65 Hollywood round 2 "I Say a Little Prayer" Dionne Warwick
Top 45 Hollywood round 3 "Save The Best For Last" Vanessa L. Williams
Top 30 Semifinal/Group 2 "Respect" Aretha Franklin 9
Top 10 Motown "You're All I Need to Get By" Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell 8 Safe
Top 8 1960s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" Aretha Franklin 5
Top 7 1970s "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)"
Top 6 Big Band "Stuff Like That There" Betty Hutton 6
Top 5 Burt Bacharach Love Songs "Walk On By" Dionne Warwick 1
Top 4 1980s
1990s		 "It's Raining Men"
"I Surrender"		 The Weather Girls
Celine Dion		 3
7
Top 3 Judges' Choice
Idol's Choice		 "Without You"
"Think Twice"		 Badfinger
Celine Dion		 3
6
cTop 2 Finale "A Moment Like This"
"Respect"
"Before Your Love"		 Kelly Clarkson
Aretha Franklin
Kelly Clarkson		 2
4
6		 Winner

In December 2003, a competition titled World Idol was held in London, England, gathering the winners of the first seasons of Idol from across the globe. Clarkson was contractually obligated to participate, and placed second behind Norwegian Idol Kurt Nilsen. She performed Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman". She left immediately after the competition, later explaining to fans that she was not feeling well.[16]

2003–04: Thankful

Shortly following the completion of the first season of American Idol, Clarkson was accused of working with a record company. American Idol's rules stated that a contestant was not allowed to compete on the program if they had been linked to a record company. However, she was cleared of all allegations, as she only had a contract in order to conduct demonstration work.[17]

Following the release of "A Moment Like This", Clarkson's full-length debut album Thankful was released in North America by RCA Records on April 15, 2003.[18] It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales of two million copies on December 8, 2003[19] and platinum by the CRIA for sales of 100,000 copies on February 10, 2004.[20] Thankful peaked at number forty-one on the UK albums chart and at number 33 on the Australian albums chart.

Reviews for the album were generally favorable. However, several critics noted that her early achievement was established due to her performances on American Idol. Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album for its vocal ability: "throughout this record, [Clarkson] makes it seem effortless and charming. She can croon, she can belt out a song, she can be sexy and sassy while still being graceful and as wholesome as the girl next door".[21] Rachel Kipp of JS Online criticized Clarkson for not having the same personality on Thankful that she had on American Idol, and wrote: "on American Idol, Clarkson showcased a great voice and an endearing, 'aw-shucks' personality. That personality is missing on Thankful, and there lies the album's greatest fault". Kipp blamed the producers behind the album for not allowing Clarkson to be herself.[22] Clarkson covered Danielle Brisebois' "Just Missed the Train" on the album.

"Miss Independent" was released as the second single from Thankful. It reached the top ten of the U.S. and Canadian singles charts, and earned Clarkson a 2004 Grammy Award nomination for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance".[23] When the single was released in the United Kingdom and Australia, it reached the top ten of the charts. "Low", the third single from Thankful, reached number two in Canada, but it was unable to make the top 40 of the U.S. chart. The final single, "The Trouble with Love Is", was not released in Canada, and it failed to chart in the U.S.. Clarkson attributed the under performance of both releases to poor management and relieved her manager Simon Fuller, who she felt was not completely focused on her career.

2004–06: Breakaway

Distancing herself from her American Idol image, Clarkson took more creative control with her second studio album Breakaway, and developed a more rock-oriented image. Clarkson co-wrote six of the songs with songwriters such as former Evanescence band members Ben Moody, David Hodges and producer Max Martin; the title track was co-written by punk-pop singer Avril Lavigne.

Breakaway was released by RCA Records on November 30, 2004.[24] The album debuted within the U.S. top five and Canadian top ten, but sales were initially low in comparison to Thankful.[25] The singles from Breakaway were very successful, and the album become only the fourth album in history to stay in the Billboard 200 top 20 for a consecutive year, as well as being certified six times platinum in the U.S. in late 2007[26] and five times platinum in Canada in May, 2006.[27] In Australia, the album reached number two and spent 52 weeks in the top ten and was certified six times platinum. Breakaway spent 103 weeks on the Billboard 200, and was the tenth best selling album of 2006 in the U.S..

Breakaway received different responses from critics; Rolling Stone commented that "on Kelly Clarkson's second album, ... she embraces her rock side rather than the pop pageantry that put her on top of the American Idol heap".[28] TeenInk noted the strength of her vocals on Breakaway, and praised the change from pop music to contemporary rock: "[Clarkson] retains the incredible power and beauty of her voice while switching to rock".[29] Stylus magazine also enjoyed Clarkson's foray into rock music, however, she was called out because of her American Idol image, which reviewer Charles Merwin believed she had yet to lose. He praised the non-singles and wrote that they "maintain a quality high".[30] Allmusic called the album "a nice, low-key relief".[31]

Clarkson performing her 'Hazel Eyes' concert tour – November 10, 2005 – Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

"Breakaway" served as the original song for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) and achieved considerable success across the world; it became Clarkson's third top-ten single in the U.S. and fourth top-ten single in Canada. It reached number ten in Australia, and number 22 in the UK. The second single, "Since U Been Gone", which was produced by Max Martin, became the most successful release from the album. It reached number two in the U.S. and the top five across the world. It also earned Clarkson her first Grammy Award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance"; she won a second award for "Best Pop Vocal Album".[32]

The third and fourth single releases, "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You", also followed with chart success. The video for "Because of You" won the 2006 MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video, her second consecutive win in that category (following "Since U Been Gone"). Clarkson was the most-played artist of 2006 on American radio, despite releasing only one single in the entire year, "Walk Away" (the fifth single from Breakaway).[33] She was also the most radio-broadcasted artist of 2006 in Australia and "Because of You" was the third most broadcast song of the same year, despite being released in 2005.[34]

Clarkson at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas, Joint Reserve Base in 2006

In 2005, Clarkson made a performance during the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend as part of the festivities leading up to the All-Star Game[35] Later that year, she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons She also performed that spring as part of the 2005 NCAA Final Four festivities in St. Louis, Missouri.[36]

Clarkson performed during the festivities of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.[37] In mid 2006, Clarkson lent Ford Motor Co. a song titled "Go", written by Clarkson and Rhett Lawrence ("Miss Independent"). The song was used in the company's advertising campaign in 2006, "Bold Moves" and the song, along with its music video, was made available free at Ford's AddictedtoKelly.com website (now defunct).[38]

2006–08: My December

During her tour in Europe in 2006, Clarkson began writing songs for her third album, My December.[39] The first single from My December was "Never Again", which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number eight. Clarkson released "Sober" as the second single. She returned to American Idol for the season 6 finale, performing "Never Again" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry during a Beatles medley.[40]

Clarkson parted with her management, The Firm, in June 2007, amid low radio airplay for "Never Again" and low ticket sales for her then-upcoming tour.[41] Clarkson would then sign with Starstruck Entertainment, run by Narvel Blackstock — the husband of Reba McEntire – on July 2, 2007.[42] The same month, Live Nation announced that the tour—her first nationwide arena tour—had been canceled due to underwhelming ticket sales, to be rescheduled after the release of the My December album at smaller, more intimate concert environments.[43] Clarkson reinstated plans to tour the U.S. during 2007, with a much smaller tour than the one she canceled in June. She began her My December Tour in October 2007 in venues significantly smaller than those previously booked.[44] The August 2007 issue of Blender included a feature on Clarkson and her new album, as well as her music label woes.[45]

My December was released in the U.S. on June 26, 2007. The album debuted at number two in the U.S. with 291,000 albums sold,[46] a slightly higher debut than Clarkson's previous album, Breakaway, which debuted at number three.[47] In Canada, the album was awarded a platinum certification for shipments of more than 100,000 copies.[48] My December was certified platinum in December 2007 by the RIAA.[49] It has sold more than three million copies worldwide.[50]

In April 2007, Clarkson appeared on Idol Gives Back and performed Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain". After the performance, the audience who watched Clarkson perform live gave her a standing ovation. American Idol judge Simon Cowell described her as "incredible", saying, "When you let her [Clarkson] come back on the show it makes everybody else look like an amateur."[51] On July 7, 2007, Clarkson performed on the American leg of Live Earth.[52] Clarkson was the celebrity coach for Canadian Idol during its Top 5 week of the fifth season, aired on the CTV network on August 20, and she performed on the results show the next night.[53] Clarkson also performed at the 2007 NFL opening kickoff where she sang the national anthem and songs from My December.[54] Clarkson also performed in the halftime show for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets game on Thanksgiving Day.[55][56]

In addition to her roles as spokeswoman for the acne treatment Proactiv as well as Vitaminwater, Clarkson partnered with NASCAR for the 2007 season. She appeared in televised advertising spots, performed at pre-race concerts, promoted NASCAR Day, and appeared at the Champions' Banquet in December.[57] In April 2008, Clarkson participated in a Papal Youth Rally at the campus of St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie in Yonkers, New York performing a mini-concert for those in attendance. This was the Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI. She performed Schubert's "Ave Maria" for the Pope later in the day following the Pope's speech. Clarkson, raised a Baptist, was said to be honored by the invitation and appreciative of the rosary given to her and her band by the Pope, who were invited over by the Pope immediately following the performance for the rosary honor.[58]

2008–present: All I Ever Wanted

Kelly Clarkson at the Women's World Award 2009 (Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria).

Clarkson's fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, was released on March 10, 2009. During recording of the album, Clarkson worked closely with producer-songwriters Ryan Tedder, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Howard Benson, among others. In its first week of sales, it sold 255,000 copies in the U.S., debuting at number one on the Billboard 200; it stayed at number one for two weeks.[59] All I Ever Wanted received a Grammy Award nomination for "Best Pop Vocal Album".[60] Clarkson was placed eighth on Billboard Magazine's Top Female Artists of 2009 and ninth on Billboard Magazine's Top Hot Artists of 2000s.[61] She was ranked second on Billboard Magazine's Best of 2000s: Pop Song Artist, behind Pink.[62]

The first single from All I Ever Wanted, "My Life Would Suck Without You", entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 97 and rose to number one the following week; this broke the record for the largest leap to the top spot, formerly held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer". It was Clarkson's first number one on the UK singles chart. The album's second single, "I Do Not Hook Up", peaked at number 20 in the U.S., and the third single, "Already Gone", reached number thirteen. The fourth single was "All I Ever Wanted". Clarkson performed as one of many guests for the return of VH1 Divas in September 2009.[63]

Clarkson was announced as one of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation ambassadors for 2009–2010.[64] She began her 32-date All I Ever Wanted tour in October, following a string of summer concerts around the U.S.. Her Indonesia show was initially sponsored by tobacco company Djarum, but after complaints from some fans and anti-tobacco groups, the promoter removed the sponsor.[65] The tour ended in May 2010 in China.[66]

In November 2009, Clarkson gave an interview to MTV.com saying that she is currently writing songs for her fifth studio album, and hopes for a late 2010 release.[67] It has been confirmed by Clarkson herself through her official Twitter account that in June 2010 she had completed officially recording the first song for the 5th album. The song is a duet. Clarkson will reveal who the other artist is in a vlog on her website on an unknown date.

Collaborations

Clarkson performed "What Hurts the Most" with Rascal Flatts at the ACM Awards in 2006 and returned again to sing a duet with Reba McEntire in 2007. This was her second performance on a country music award show, even though she is in the pop/rock genre. Along with her performance with Rascal Flatts, Clarkson also performed "Cigarettes", with the country duo The Wreckers during one of their shows in Texas.[68]

Building on her country music status, Clarkson and Reba McEntire, who first met after Clarkson won the first season of American Idol,[69] recorded an hour-long CMT Crossroads special at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium on February 22, 2007. It aired on CMT and Palladia (then known as MHD) on June 24, 2007. Previously, Clarkson was a performer on CMT's Giants: Reba McEntire. where she sang McEntire's hit song "Why Haven't I Heard From You", introduced Dolly Parton, and later also sang Reba's hit "Does He Love You" with Martina McBride. Clarkson also appeared on an episode of McEntire's sitcom Reba, that aired on January 14, 2007.[70]

At the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16, 2007, Clarkson and McEntire sang a duet of Clarkson's own 2005 single, "Because of You", which also became the lead single from McEntire's album of all-star duets.[71] The music video for this version of the song later debuted on June 20, 2007. This collaboration with McEntire earned Clarkson a CMA Award nomination for "Musical Event of the Year" in 2007 and a Grammy Award nomination for "Best Country Collaboration With Vocal" in 2008. Additionally, the song was featured on Now That's What I Call Country, which was released in August 2008.

Clarkson was a surprise guest at the 2007 CMA Music Festival in Nashville on June 7, 2007, where she performed "Does He Love You" and "Because of You" with Reba McEntire during the internationally-renowned annual event. The performance of "Because of You" was taped and aired as part of the "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock" television special that aired on ABC on July 23, 2007.[72]

On January 17, 2008, Clarkson embarked on the 2 Worlds, 2 Voices Tour 2008, a co-headlining tour with Reba McEntire.[6] Reba and Clarkson have since stayed in touch and Clarkson is now managed by McEntire's husband Narvel Blackstock.[73]

On May 18, 2008, Clarkson performed on stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards All-Star Jam with Reba McEntire and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn.[74] The All-Star jam is the final event of the week taking place immediately after the awards show. Clarkson was not announced ahead of time for an appearance.

On August 23, 2010, it became known that Clarkson will be singing a duet with country star Jason Aldean for Aldean's upcoming album, My Kinda Party. The song is called "Don't You Wanna Stay" and is track number 12 on the album.[75]

Film career

Soon after the first season of American Idol ended, Clarkson starred with Idol runner-up Justin Guarini in the movie From Justin to Kelly (2003). The film was poorly received by critics[76] and grossed only $5 million at the North American box office, less than half its reported budget.[77] Clarkson has mentioned in interviews that she is shocked when people send her scripts after From Justin to Kelly, often citing contractual obligation as her sole reason for involvement in the film.[78] Clarkson was quoted telling People "I knew when I read the script it was going to be real, real bad, but when I won, I signed that piece of paper and I could not get out of it."[79] The script was written by Kim Fuller, Simon Fuller's brother.[80]

She played Brenda Lee in the television drama American Dreams and appeared in the sitcom Reba. She also participated in sketch comedy on MADtv (2002) and Saturday Night Live (2005).[81]

Musicianship and artistry

Clarkson's vocal talents and abilities have been met with praise from critics and celebrities alike. On an interview with Good Morning America, Simon Cowell was asked of the six American Idol winners, who he thought had the best voice. Cowell immediately answered that Clarkson did "by a mile", noting that she was "up there" with other great singers such as Celine Dion.[82]

Reflecting back on Clarkson's performance during the Idol Gives Back special, Jeff Beck described Clarkson as having a "soul voice" that "demands attention"."[83]

After attending a rehearsal for American Idol's season six finale (in which Clarkson was scheduled to perform), Blender magazine described Clarkson's voice as follows:[84]

"The Texas native has one of the great voices in pop music, a powerful and versatile instrument that's steeped in the rhythm and blues and country music she grew up with in the South. If Mariah Carey's five-octave voice is the equivalent of an expensively bred poodle, then Clarkson's is a bloodhound: friendly, earthy, but fierce just the same."

Arion Berger of Rolling Stone has said of Clarkson that "her high notes are sweet and pillowy, her growl is bone-shaking and sexy, and her midrange is amazingly confident for a pop posy whose career is tied for eternity to the whims of her American Idol overlords."[85]

Dr. Luke, a songwriter and producer of some Clarkson's hits stated that "She has powerful lungs. She's like the Lance Armstrong of vocal cords."[86]

Discography

Filmography

(acting roles only)[81]

Year Title Role Episode
2002 Sabrina the Teenage Witch as an extra (uncredited) "The Whole Ball Of Wax"
That '80s Show "Valentine's Day" (S1, Ep2)
Issues 101 Crystal (as an extra) Theatrical Film
MADtv Herself / Skits Season 8, Ep 1
2003 From Justin to Kelly Kelly Taylor Theatrical Film
American Dreams Brenda Lee "And Promises To Keep"
2004 "Tidings of Comfort and Joy"
King of the Hill Herself / Dawn "Stressed For Success"
2005 Saturday Night Live Herself / Skits / Musical Guest Host – Jason Bateman
Damage Control Herself Season 1, Ep. 1
2007 Reba Kelly "As We Forgive Those"
2009 Saturday Night Live Herself / Musical Guest Host – Tracy Morgan

Tours

Awards

References

  1. ↑ Bonus numbers! Kelly Clarkson, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, more USA Today, Idol Chatter 3/04/10. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You". http://www.last.fm/music/Kelly+Clarkson/_/My+Life+Would+Suck+Without+You. 
  3. ↑ Chart Watch Extra: The American Idol Alumni Association – Chart Watch
  4. ↑ Pietroluongo, Silvio; Jonathan Cohen (January 29, 2009). "Kelly Clarkson Breaks Record For Hot 100 Jump". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/kelly-clarkson-breaks-record-for-hot-100-1003935142.story. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  5. ↑ Pietroluongo, Silvio (January 28, 2009). "Clarkson single's long leap sets chart record". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSTRE50R7LV20090128. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson Team Up For Tour" starpulse.com. Retrieved July 27, 2009
  7. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Moves Past Kelly Clarkson In Top US Album Sales By An American Idol Artist". http://top40.about.com/b/2009/12/04/carrie-underwood-moves-past-kelly-clarkson-in-top-us-album-sales-by-an-american-idol-artist.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson Most Successful Idol - Beats Carrie Underwood, Billboard". National Ledger. May 7, 2010. http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerpop/article_272631662.shtml. Retrieved May 12, 2010. 
  9. ↑ American Idol's All Time Top 24 Billboard Magazine Retrieved 2010-05-06
  10. ↑ "Burleson is already 'Idol'-izing homegrown hopeful". The Dallas Morning News. August 20, 2002. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F58E41C2E004A41&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved February 2, 2009. "[...] while Ms. Taylor has remained in Texas with her second husband, contractor Jimmy Taylor" 
  11. ↑ Snierson, Dan.Stupid Questions with Kelly Clarkson ew.com. August 26, 2005 (issue #837 September 02, 2005). Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Kelly Clarkson – Single-Minded: Cords of Steel | Artists | Reader's Digest
  13. ↑ The Amazing Kelly Clarkson. Angelfire.com. Retrieved February 12, 2006.
  14. ↑ KELLY CLARKSON BIOGRAPHY on sing365.com
  15. ↑ Kelly Clarkson—Timeline. information. Rock on the Net. Retrieved February 12, 2006.
  16. ↑ Kaplan, Don. The New York Post. January 3, 2004. "Where was Kelly when Kurt won?". Retrieved March 30, 2006.
  17. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson's record label and songwriters deny she had a recording deal before American Idol". RealityTVWorld.com. Retrieved February 25, 2006.
  18. ↑ SonyMusicStore.com. Thankful: 04/15/03. Retrieved February 23, 2006.
  19. ↑ Paulsen, Wade. Kelly Clarkson's Thankful certified double platinum in U.S. December 29, 2003. Retrieved February 23, 2006.
  20. ↑ CRIA certification. Album certifications for week ending February 10, 2004. Retrieved February 23, 2006.
  21. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Allmusic review. ["Anybody older than 18..."]. Retrieved February 23, 2006.
  22. ↑ Kipp, Rachel. JS Online. "Associated Press". Archived from the original on October 6, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071006045713/http://www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/music/apr03/134198.asp. . Retrieved February 23, 2005.
  23. ↑ Hollywood.com. Nominations for the 46th annual Grammy Awards. Retrieved February 24, 2006.
  24. ↑ SonyMusicStore.com. Breakaway: 11/30/04, yielded five U.S. top ten singles and won two Grammy Awards.
  25. ↑ Graham, Adam. Big comebacks, small triumphs. DetroitNews.com. Retrieved March 4, 2006.
  26. ↑ KellyClarkson.ca. Breakaway is 5x platinum. January 11, 2006. Retrieved March 4, 2006.
  27. ↑ CRIA certification. Album certifications for week ending September 29, 2005. Retrieved March 4, 2006.
  28. ↑ Rolling Stone. Kelly Clarkson—Breakaway. Retrieved March 3, 2006.
  29. ↑ S., Ryan. TeenInk. Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson. Retrieved March 3, 2006.
  30. ↑ Merwin, Charles. Stylus. February 17, 2005. Retrieved April 21, 2006.
  31. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Allmusic review. ["Clarkson may be a fine ballad singer..."]. Retrieved March 4, 2006.
  32. ↑ 48th annual Grammy Award winners. Grammy.com. Retrieved March 4, 2006.
  33. ↑ Premiere Radio Networks, Inc (December 21, 2006). "Mediabase Announces 2006 Radio Airplay Leaders". Press release. Archived from the original on March 19, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070319151546/http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061221/lath017.html?.v=86. 
  34. ↑ Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (January 16, 2006). "Phonographic Performance Company of Australia announces most played artists". Press release. http://www.ppca.com.au/news-2006mostbroadcast.htm. 
  35. ↑ Lamb, Bill (June 9, 2005). "Will Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette, Stevie Wonder Entertain At NBA Finals". About.com. http://top40.about.com/b/2005/06/09/will-smith-kelly-clarkson-alanis-morissette-stevie-wonder-entertain-at-nba-finals.htm. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  36. ↑ Desens, Krista Desens. "Kelly Clarkson To Final Four Fest". Mix 103 FM. http://www.mix103fm.com/nmc/news/7585.htm. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  37. ↑ Lamb, Bill (January 30, 2006). "Winter Olympics Concerts: Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Avril Lavigne, and More". About.com. http://top40.about.com/b/2006/01/30/winter-olympics-concerts-kelly-clarkson-whitney-houston-avril-lavigne-and-more.htm. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  38. ↑ "Addicted to Kelly" Fordvehicles.com. Retrieved July 27, 2009 (article archived).
  39. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson // Journal". Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071211094946/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/main.php?content=journal. 
  40. ↑ Burriel, Raul (May 24, 2007). "A Dose of Reality: American Idol 6: Finale Results". The Trades. http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=5578. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  41. ↑ Finn, Natalie (June 12, 2007). "Kelly Clarkson's Management Breakaway". E! Online. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b55379_Kelly_Clarksons_Management_Breakaway.html. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  42. ↑ "Clarkson signs with Starstruck Entertainment". Billboard. July 2, 2007. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/genre/e3i3e0073a4a0b853546c4e40e3a4c3f9ae. Retrieved July 2, 2007. 
  43. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson Pulls Plug On Summer Tour as Ticket Sales Fall Flat". Rolling Stone. June 14, 2007. http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/06/14/kelly-clarkson-pulls-plug-on-summer-tour-as-ticket-sales-fall-flat/. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  44. ↑ Cohen, Jonathan (September 4, 2007). "Kelly Clarkson Unveils Fall Tour Plans". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071211073323/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003634356. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  45. ↑ Marks, Craig (2007-08). "Kelly Clarkson and the Bubble Gum Machine". Blender. http://www.blender.com/guide/68780/kelly-clarkson-bubble-gum-machine.html?src=ad169. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  46. ↑ Cohen, Jonathan (July 4, 2007). "Cyrus Sidesteps Clarkson To Debut At No. 1". Billboard.. Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071211073222/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003607217. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  47. ↑ "Billboard.com — Artist Chart History — Kelly Clarkson". Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071211073411/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=498064&model.vnuAlbumId=952230. 
  48. ↑ "8-21-07 Canadian Idol Results Performances". http://kckellyville.com/media/details.php?image_id=1033. 
  49. ↑ RIAA
  50. ↑ Fulton, Rick (February 27, 2009). "I'm not as controversial as the media portrays me, says original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson". Daily Record. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/showbiz-news/celebrity-interviews/2009/02/27/i-m-not-as-controversial-as-the-media-portrays-me-says-original-american-idol-winner-kelly-clarkson-86908-21156403/. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  51. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson — ELLE". Archived from the original on January 6, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080106220746/http://www.elle.com/coverstory/11273/kelly-clarkson-page8.html. 
  52. ↑ Live Earth on MSN: The Concerts For A Climate In Crisis
  53. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson to appear on Top 5's 'My Own Idol' theme week". CTV.ca. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070801/CI5_Kelly_Clarkson_070801/20070801?s_name=idol2007. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  54. ↑ "IndyStar.com". Archived from the original on December 12, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071212014055/http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070907/LOCAL18/709070431. 
  55. ↑ "CBS Sports Releases: Kelly Clarkson to Perform at Halftime". CBS Sports. November 21, 2007. http://www.cbspressexpress.com/div.php/cbs_sports/release?id=17314. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  56. ↑ MacMahon, Tim (November 23, 2007). "Pride of Burleson has had better performances". Dallas News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/112307dnspomacmahon.2c5e029.html. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  57. ↑ "NASCAR and Kelly Clarkson Announce Unprecedented Partnership". Modern Guitars.com. January 18, 2007. http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/002778.html. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  58. ↑ "Pop meets pope: US readies rock star welcome for Benedict XVI". AFP. April 10, 2008. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hccYa9P0AZ8VNCBmVgyXaoi8PKdg. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  59. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (March 18, 2009). "Kelly Clarkson Tops Billboard 200". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/kelly-clarkson-tops-billboard-200-1003952562.story. Retrieved March 20, 2009. 
  60. ↑ The 52nd Grammy Award Nominees List
  61. ↑ "Taylor Swift, Kanye West Named Top Female and Male Artists of 2009". http://www.billboard.com/news/taylor-swift-kanye-west-named-top-female-1004052679.story#/news/taylor-swift-kanye-west-named-top-female-1004052679.story. 
  62. ↑ "Billboard Best of the 2000's Chart". http://www.billboard.com/charts-decade-end/pop-songs-artists?year=2009#/charts-decade-end/pop-songs-artists?year=2009. 
  63. ↑ 'VH1 Divas' Returns After a Four-Year Hiatus With Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, and Miley Cyrus Press release. July 21, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
  64. ↑ "THE VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ITS 2009-2010 AMBASSADOR CLASS AND CELEBRATES THE 2008-2009 “ALUMNI” AMBASSADORS". http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/node/5067. 
  65. ↑ Associated Press sponsor pulled from Kelly Clarkson show. Retrieved 22-04-10.
  66. ↑ www.kellyclarkson.com
  67. ↑ Kelly Clarkson Says Next Album Will Be 'Really Different MTV.com
  68. ↑ Kelly Clarkson surprises crowd, jumps on stage with The Wreckers shoutmouth.com. March 10, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  69. ↑ Clarkson Duets With Reba On 'idol' Reunion
  70. ↑ "Reba" As We Forgive Those... (2007) imdb.com. January 14, 2007 (Season 6, Episode 8). Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  71. ↑ Kelly and Reba to Duet at Academy of Country Music Awards
  72. ↑ "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" on ABC July 23 americancronicle.com. July 23, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  73. ↑ Former 'Idol' Kelly Clarkson has all she ever wanted
  74. ↑ Performers Announced for the Academy of Country Music Awards Telecast movieweb.com. April 13, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
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  77. ↑ "From Justin to Kelly (2003)". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fromjustintokelly.htm. Retrieved August 19, 2006. 
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  79. ↑ Beach Bummer people.com. (2003) Retrieved August 23, 2009.
  80. ↑ Kim Fuller at IMDB IMDB. Retrieved August 24, 2009.
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  82. ↑ Simon Cowell: The Full Interview – ABC News abcnews.go.com.(video) Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  83. ↑ Rocchio, Christopher. Original 'Idol' Kelly Clarkson "could give a crap about being a star" Reality TV World. June 11, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
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  85. ↑ Kelly Clarkson: Thankful : Music Reviews Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  86. ↑ Kaufman, Gil Kelly Clarkson's New Single Could Recapture Her 'Since U Been Gone' Glory, Producer Says VH1.com. Retrieved August 13, 2009.

External links

First American Idol winner
2002		 Succeeded by
Ruben Studdard
Kelly Clarkson
Discography • Awards and nominations
Studio albums
Thankful  • Breakaway  • My December  • All I Ever Wanted
Singles
"A Moment Like This"/"Before Your Love" • "Miss Independent" • "Low" • "The Trouble with Love Is" • "Breakaway" • "Since U Been Gone" • "Behind These Hazel Eyes" • "Because of You" • "Walk Away" • "Never Again" • "Sober" • "One Minute" • "Don't Waste Your Time" • "My Life Would Suck Without You" • "I Do Not Hook Up" • "Already Gone" • "All I Ever Wanted"
Other songs
"Timeless" (Justin Guarini)  • "Respect" (Elle Enchanted Soundtrack)  • "Oh, Holy Night" (AI Holiday)  • "My Grown Up Christmas List" (AI Holiday)  • "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)"  • "Because of You" (duet with Reba McEntire)  • "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean)
Related articles
Tours • American Idol (season 1) • World Idol • From Justin to Kelly
American Idol season 1
Contestants
Kelly Clarkson · Justin Guarini · Nikki McKibbin · Tamyra Gray · R. J. Helton · Christina Christian · Ryan Starr · A. J. Gil · Jim Verraros · EJay Day
Other Sources
Tour · "A Moment Like This" · "Before Your Love"
American Idol
Seasons
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10
Hosts
Ryan Seacrest · Brian Dunkleman (2002)
Judges
Randy Jackson · Paula Abdul (2002–2009) · Simon Cowell (2002–2010) · Kara DioGuardi (2009–2010) · Ellen DeGeneres (2010) · Jennifer Lopez (2011–present) · Steven Tyler (2011–present)
Winners
Kelly Clarkson · Ruben Studdard · Fantasia Barrino · Carrie Underwood · Taylor Hicks · Jordin Sparks · David Cook · Kris Allen · Lee DeWyze
Winners' singles
"A Moment Like This" · "Flying Without Wings" · "I Believe" · "Inside Your Heaven" · "Do I Make You Proud" · "This Is My Now" · "The Time of My Life" · "No Boundaries" · "Beautiful Day"
Runners-up
Justin Guarini · Clay Aiken · Diana DeGarmo · Bo Bice · Katharine McPhee · Blake Lewis · David Archuleta · Adam Lambert · Crystal Bowersox
Other alumni
Josh Gracin · Jennifer Hudson · Elliott Yamin · Chris Daughtry · Kellie Pickler
Spin-offs
From Justin to Kelly · Juniors · Christmas · Extra · Rewind
Related articles
World Idol · Underground · Compilation series · Controversies · Discography · Hot 100 singles · Episodes · Idol series · Magazine · Alumni album sales · Alumni single sales · Alumni awards and nominations · Video game · The American Idol Experience · Idol Gives Back