Kelly Clarkson at FOX TV's "American Idol," broadcast live from Television City in Los Angeles. Tuesday, July 16, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2002
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Kelly Clarkson performs at FOX-TV's "American Idol" in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, August 28, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2002
111 Easton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
"American Idol" finalist Kelly Clarkson attends the premiere of "Swimfan" at UCLA's Sunset Canyon Recreation Center on August 19, 2002, in Westwood, California. The film opens in theaters nationwide Friday, September 6, 2002. (Photo by Robert Mora)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2002
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
"American Idol" finalists Jason Guarini, Kelly Clarkson, and RJ Helton with JenStone belts at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California (Photo by Jeff Vespa)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2015
953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Kelly Clarkson visits SiriusXM Studio on March 3, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2015
665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Singer Kelly Clarkson performs 'Heartbeat Song' onstage during the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards which broadcasted live on NBC from The Shrine Auditorium on March 29, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2015
1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, United States
Honoree Reba McEntire (L), holding the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award, and recording artist Kelly Clarkson pose backstage at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Larry Busacca)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States
Recording artist Kelly Clarkson attends the 60th Annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Polk)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
Universal City, CA, United States
Singers/coaches Blake Shelton (L) and Kelly Clarkson attend NBC's "The Voice" Season 14 on April 30, 2018, in Universal City, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
ohn Legend (L) and Kelly Clarkson (R) speak onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States
Kelly Clarkson visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on February 26, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
1755 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood attend the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards at Loews Hollywood Hotel on June 22, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Actress Meryl Streep and singer Kelly Clarkson arrive at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2018. (Photo by Christopher Polk)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Host Kelly Clarkson onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2018
Queens, NY, United States
Kelly Clarkson at the opening night ceremonies for the US Open held at the USTA Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on August 27, 2018, in New York City.
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2019
1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
(L-R) Seth Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, and Brandon Blackstock attend STX Films World Premiere of "UglyDolls" at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2019
The Kelly Clarkson Show, (l-r) John Legend, Kelly Clarkson
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2020
3021 Airport Ave Suite 203, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Kelly Clarkson attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
2020
1201 North, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2020 Hollywood Beauty Awards at The Taglyan Complex on February 06, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson (Photo by Justin Lubin)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Singer Kelly Clarkson and her children, Remington Alexander and River Rose visit with Pixar pals Woody and Jessie at the launch of Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, on Thursday. The first-ever Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks, continues through Sept. 3, 2018. (Photo by Christian Thompson)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson sings after winning the contest at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on September 4, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
(l-r) Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend (Photo by Trae Patton)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
The Kelly Clarkson Show, Annie Murphy, Kelly Clarkson (Photo by Adam Christopher)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
The Kelly Clarkson Show, (l-r) Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson (Photo by Adam Christopher)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
The Voice, (l-r) Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Blake Shelton (Photo by Trae Patton)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
The Voice, (l-r) Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera (Photo by Trae Patton)
Gallery of Kelly Clarkson
Pasadena, CA, United States
(Left to right) Three of FOX's American Idol finalists, Kelly Clarkson, Nikki McKibbin, and Tamyra Gray get together backstage at the FOX 2002 SummerTCA Tour at the Huntington Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, CA on Monday, July 22, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Achievements
Membership
Awards
AOL Moviegoer Award
2003
Kelly Clarkson receives her AOL Moviegoer Award for "Hottest Song" for her hit the "Trouble With Love Is" from the film Love Actually on the set of 'Entertainment Tonight.' Millions of fans voted online in the ninth annual AOL Moviegoer Awards for their favorite films, performances, and movie moments of 2003. (Photo by Jesse Grant)
Teen Choice Awards
2003
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Kelly Clarkson during 2003 Teen Choice Awards - Press Room at Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, United States. (Photo by Chris Polk)
American Music Awards
2004
Dick Clark, Kelly Clarkson & Nick Lachey Announcing The Nominations For The 32nd Annual American Music Awards Show Which Airs On ABC, November 14, 2004 (Photo by Ron Wolfson)
MTV Video Music Awards
2005
601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Kelly Clarkson, winner Best Female Video during 2005 MTV Video Music Awards - Show at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Grammy Awards
2006
Kelly Clarkson, winner of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Since U Been Gone" and Best Pop Vocal Album for "Breakaway".jpg (Photo by Gregg DeGuire)
People's Choice Award
2006
Kelly Clarkson, winner of Favorite Female performer (Photo by SGranitz)
ASCAP Music Awards
2007
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Singer Kelly Clarkson accepts an award onstage during the 24th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on April 18, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci)
Women's World Award
2009
Roland-Rainer-Platz 1, 1150 Wien, Austria
Singer Kelly Clarkson attends the 'Women's World Awards' at the 'Stadthalle' on March 05, 2009, in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by F. Seefried)
Country Music Association Award
2011
Clarkson has received a CMA award out of six nominations.
Billboard Women in Music
2017
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Honoree Kelly Clarkson (L) accepts the Powerhouse Award from Kelly Rowland onstage during Billboard Women In Music 2017 at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison)
Radio Disney Music Awards
2018
Global superstar Kelly Clarkson was honored with the 2018 RDMA 'Icon' Award in recognition of a career and music that has been loved by generations of Radio Disney fans. (Image Group LA/Disney Channel)
111 Easton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
"American Idol" finalist Kelly Clarkson attends the premiere of "Swimfan" at UCLA's Sunset Canyon Recreation Center on August 19, 2002, in Westwood, California. The film opens in theaters nationwide Friday, September 6, 2002. (Photo by Robert Mora)
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
"American Idol" finalist Kelly Clarkson during The 2002 Teen Choice Awards - Press Room at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California. (Photo by Chris Walter)
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
"American Idol" finalists Jason Guarini, Kelly Clarkson, and RJ Helton with JenStone belts at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California (Photo by Jeff Vespa)
Kelly Clarkson receives her AOL Moviegoer Award for "Hottest Song" for her hit the "Trouble With Love Is" from the film Love Actually on the set of 'Entertainment Tonight.' Millions of fans voted online in the ninth annual AOL Moviegoer Awards for their favorite films, performances, and movie moments of 2003. (Photo by Jesse Grant)
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Kelly Clarkson during 2003 Teen Choice Awards - Press Room at Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, United States. (Photo by Chris Polk)
Dick Clark, Kelly Clarkson & Nick Lachey Announcing The Nominations For The 32nd Annual American Music Awards Show Which Airs On ABC, November 14, 2004 (Photo by Ron Wolfson)
Kelly Clarkson, winner Best Female Video during 2005 MTV Video Music Awards - Show at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Kelly Clarkson, winner of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Since U Been Gone" and Best Pop Vocal Album for "Breakaway".jpg (Photo by Gregg DeGuire)
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Singer Kelly Clarkson accepts an award onstage during the 24th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on April 18, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci)
665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Singer Kelly Clarkson performs 'Heartbeat Song' onstage during the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards which broadcasted live on NBC from The Shrine Auditorium on March 29, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Honoree Reba McEntire (L), holding the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award, and recording artist Kelly Clarkson pose backstage at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Larry Busacca)
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Honoree Kelly Clarkson (L) accepts the Powerhouse Award from Kelly Rowland onstage during Billboard Women In Music 2017 at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison)
Global superstar Kelly Clarkson was honored with the 2018 RDMA 'Icon' Award in recognition of a career and music that has been loved by generations of Radio Disney fans. (Image Group LA/Disney Channel)
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States
Recording artist Kelly Clarkson attends the 60th Annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Polk)
Singers/coaches Blake Shelton (L) and Kelly Clarkson attend NBC's "The Voice" Season 14 on April 30, 2018, in Universal City, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth)
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
ohn Legend (L) and Kelly Clarkson (R) speak onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
1755 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood attend the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards at Loews Hollywood Hotel on June 22, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury)
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Actress Meryl Streep and singer Kelly Clarkson arrive at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2018. (Photo by Christopher Polk)
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Host Kelly Clarkson onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Kelly Clarkson at the opening night ceremonies for the US Open held at the USTA Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on August 27, 2018, in New York City.
1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
(L-R) Seth Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, and Brandon Blackstock attend STX Films World Premiere of "UglyDolls" at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury)
3021 Airport Ave Suite 203, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Kelly Clarkson attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz)
1201 North, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2020 Hollywood Beauty Awards at The Taglyan Complex on February 06, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson)
Singer Kelly Clarkson and her children, Remington Alexander and River Rose visit with Pixar pals Woody and Jessie at the launch of Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, on Thursday. The first-ever Pixar Fest, the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks, continues through Sept. 3, 2018. (Photo by Christian Thompson)
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson sings after winning the contest at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on September 4, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
(Left to right) Three of FOX's American Idol finalists, Kelly Clarkson, Nikki McKibbin, and Tamyra Gray get together backstage at the FOX 2002 SummerTCA Tour at the Huntington Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, CA on Monday, July 22, 2002. (Photo by Kevin Winter)
Connections
colleage: Christina Aguilera
2015
Los Angeles, California, United States
Christina Aguilera at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
colleague: Gwen Stefani
2015
842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States
Gwen Stefani and MasterCard announce a Priceless Surprise Performance at the Orpheum in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 7th, 2015. (Photo by Christopher Polk)
(River Rose and the Magical Lullaby is a children's pictur...)
River Rose and the Magical Lullaby is a children's picture book written by American singer Kelly Clarkson, first published by HarperCollins on October 4, 2016. Illustrated by Laura Hughes, the story centers on a little girl who was too ecstatic to fall asleep on the eve of her first trip to the zoo.
(River Rose and the Magical Christmas is a Christmas child...)
River Rose and the Magical Christmas is a Christmas children's picture book written by American singer Kelly Clarkson and published by HarperCollins on October 24, 2017. Illustrated by Lucy Fleming, it is the second installment of the River Rose series of pictures books written by Clarkson.
(A waitress from Texas and a college student from Pennsylv...)
A waitress from Texas and a college student from Pennsylvania meet during spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and come together through their shared love of singing.
Kelly Clarkson is an American singer-songwriter and actress who rose to prominence in 2002 as the winner of the first season of singing competition series American Idol. She then embarked on a highly successful pop career with 91 hit singles number ones on the Billboard charts and an estimated record sales of more than 20 million units worldwide.
Background
Ethnicity:
Kelly's ancestry includes English, German, Irish and Scottish.
Kelly Clarkson, born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, was born on 24 April in 1982 in Burleson, Texas, United States. Her father, Stephen Michael Clarkson, was an engineer, and her mother Jeanne Ann Clarkson was an English teacher. She has a brother Jason and a sister Alyssa. Clarkson's parents divorced when she was only five. Jeanne married the second time to Jimmy Taylor. Kelly also has two stepbrothers from her father's second marriage. She did not grow up with her siblings as her brother went to live with her father, and her sister was raised by an aunt. They later became closer after they grew up.
Education
Kelly Clarkson studied at Pauline Hughes Middle School. At age 13 she was singing in the halls of her middle school when the choir teacher heard her and asked her to audition. Clarkson was successful as a singer and actor in musicals while in high school. She performed in Annie Get Your Gun, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Brigadoon. In 2000 Clarkson graduated from Burleson High School.
The University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Berklee College of Music, all offered Clarkson full scholarships, but she declined due to her desire to go into music.
As an attempt to reach her dream, following her high school graduation, Kelly relocated to Los Angeles, California. There she worked as an extra on television, appearing on the WB's "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and worked briefly with songwriter Gerry Goffin. After that works, her Los Angeles apartment burned down, and she reluctantly moved back to Texas in desperation but was still intent on pursuing a career in show business. Arriving in Texas, Kelly began her life from nothing, taking some odd jobs, including working as a cocktail waitress, a promo girl for Red Bull, at a movie theater, where the premiere of her movie "From Justin to Kelly" was later held, in a pharmacy, at Chili's, the Fort Worth Zoo, as a telemarketer, sold Kirby vacuum cleaners door to door for a day, and did other jobs as well.
In the middle of her desperation, one of her friends, Jessica, encouraged her to stand still and suggested to her try out for FOX's new show "American Idol," the search for a superstar. And in 2001, along with ten thousand others, Kelly auditioned for the "American Idol," which she said to know nothing about and tried it out just for fun. Chosen as one of the finalists, she performed live every week for ten weeks with an estimated 25 million viewers, singing such songs as "Respect," "Natural Woman," and "Without You." As fate would have it, she was chosen a favorite among voters, mainly because of her powerful voice and sweet personality. And when the final show came, that was on September 4, 2002, Kelly performed "A Moment Like This," a song written especially for American Idol.
Kelly, the only contestant to have never landed in the bottom three, was at the end revealed as the winner, becoming the first "American Idol" with 58 percent of the votes in the final contest against Justin Guarini. Becoming the newly crowned American Idol she automatically received the show's prize of a one million dollar recording contract with RCA Records and also signed a deal with Creative Artists Agency. In succession, Kelly then went on the seven-week national "American Idol" Tour, and on September 11, 2002, she sang the National Anthem in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
Two weeks after winning the title American Idol, Kelly released her first single "A Moment Like This," which quickly reached number one on the Billboard charts in just one week after its release. By and by, this single set an American record, rising on October 5, 2002, from No. 52 to No. 1 on the Billboard chart, a record previously held by The Beatles with "Can't Buy Me Love." Despite the fact that she's becoming a superstar, Kelly decided not to move to Los Angeles or New York. Rather, she remained in Texas.
On April 15, 2003, she had her first full-length album "Thankful" released by RCA Records and was certified as "double platinum," signifying over two million sales in the United States by the RIAA. Along with this attainment, many critics pointed to Kelly's much success as could be accredited to the commerciality of her music, yet "Thankful" still garnered good reviews. Aside from various critics dedicated to her, Kelly's first single "Miss Independent" also received wide notice and acclaim. Furthermore, in April the same year, the singer debuted in her first film with "Idol" runner-up, Justin Guarini. The movie entitled "From Justin to Kelly." Unfortunately, the film received weak reviews and was a box office disaster.
Although the movie was not a blockbuster success, Kelly remains a respected and known artist. As evidence, in 2004 she received a Grammy Nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her Top 10 hit single "Miss Independent."
Moreover, she embarked on the 30 cities "Independent Tour" with fellow "American Idol" contestant, Clay Aiken (2004), and that same year she released her sophomore album, "Breakaway," which debuted at No. 3. Though her first album debuted at No. 1 and sold a few thousand more copies in its first week, industry experts noted this was not too bad of a sophomore slump. "Breakaway" got double platinum, while her singles "Breakaway" and "Since U Been Gone" have both garnered widespread airplay and made it into the United States Top 10.
Beyond her music career, Kelly has also appeared on NBC's "American Dreams" as Brenda Lee and as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" on February 12, 2005. In addition, on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart, dated March 31, 2005, Kelly was placed at No. 2 with "Since U Been Gone". This is the highest peak of a pop song since Ashlee Simpson peaked at No. 5 with "Pieces of Me" in 2004. Last but not least, in 2005 Kelly was ranked No. 92 in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World. Her dominance in pop music was still clearly visible as she won four categories of Best Female Artist, Best Album for "Breakaway," Best Single for "Since U Been Gone," and Best Summer Single for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards held on August 16. It was quickly followed with her achievement to take home two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video through "Since U Been Gone." Known also as a caring person, she participated in ReAct Now: Music & Relief, a live broadcast which aimed to collect fund for the American Red Cross and the victims of Hurricane Katrina by September 10.
Being one among the many winners of the 33rd annual prestigious American Music Awards held November 22, 2005, at the Shrine Auditorium, Kelly furthermore scored nominations at that year's Billboard Music Awards, including that of Artist of the Year and Hot 100 Song of the Year categories. Continuously honing her singing skills, she, at last, picked the fruit of her hard work when she surprisingly won the 48th annual Grammys. Picking the awards of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Since U Been Gone" and Best Pop Vocal Album for "Breakaway," she automatically becomes the first contestant from "American Idol" to win at the prestigious event.
Done with the second album, she geared up the production of the third, "My December." The album that arrived on July 26, 2007, was claimed to show another side of Kelly and was in line with her belief that every record of her will never be the same. Employing a more mature model, Kelly hinted at her "metamorphosis" as an angry woman in a single "Never Again." The song quickly became a hit and entered Billboard 100 at No. 8 based solely on the airplay. However, unlike her previous "more-radio friendly" singles, "Never Again" quickly fell off the chart and was the beginning of a series of unfortunate events for her. With the production of the darker "My December," Kelly had refused to work with people behind "Thankful" and "Breakaway," thus creating a rift between her and RCA president Clive Davis. She was also in trouble when her longtime manager Jeff Kwatinetz left her due to "artistic differences" which mainly was triggered by the latest album. Not only that, but fans also saw Kelly's new direction as "unfamiliar" that the singer's summer tour was scrapped off due to poor ticket sales. This matter was explained by Kelly's management team as not a result of a dying flame but because the schedule was too soon for a tour to start.
Personal matters clouding over "My December" were soon put aside when the album entered at No. 2 in Billboard Hot 200 chart. In the first week of its release, the record was sold 291,000 copies, only 30,000 units short of the frontrunner "Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus." Just a few days before the charting, Kelly had also said hi to her new manager. She moved to Starstruck managing company and hired Reba McEntire's husband slash manager, Narvel Blackstock. Meanwhile, not falling for the controversy surrounding "My December," Kelly said that she would like to experiment on the country, along with blues and rock on her next album.
Following the success of "My December," Kelly released her fourth studio album entitled "All I Ever Wanted" on March 10, 2009. The lead track off the album, "My Life Would Suck Without You," broke the record of the largest leap to the top spot as the track jumped from No. 97 to No. 1 in its second week on Billboard Hot 100. The record was formerly held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer."
In 2011, she released her next album "Stronger." The second track off the album, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You," which was released in January 2012, topped sixteen Billboard charts, including Hot 100. The track soon became Kelly's best-selling song with 4.7 million units sold in the United States alone.
Shortly after getting married, Kelly released her first Christmas record, "Wrapped in Red." She co-wrote all the songs in the album with Greg Kurstin. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums and number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
Although Kelly didn't release any new album in 2014, she collaborated with several musicians, including Josh Groban. The duo released a rendition of "All I Ask of You," which is included in Josh's seventh studio album "Stages." Two years later, Kelly released her seventh studio album as well as the final studio album under her recording contract with RCA Records, "Piece by Piece." The album, which was released in February 2015, debuted atop Billboard 200 chart. Promoting her album, she made a comeback to the "American Idol" stage, delivering an emotional performance on the final season of the show.
On April 12, 2016, Kelly made her debut as an author. She released her first children's book entitled "River Rose and the Magical Lullaby" after signing a book deal with HarperCollins in February. The book, which was released on October 4, features an original lullaby written and performed by the singer. In the following year, she published the sequel of her first book entitled "River Rose and the Magical Christmas," which included an original song written and sung by Kelly, titled "Christmas Eve."
In the same year, Kelly joined the fourteenth season of "The Voice" as a judge. She also released her eighth studio album "Meaning of Life" on October 27. The album arrived at No. 2 on Billboard 200 chart.
On September 19, 2018, Clarkson announced she would be hosting her own variety talk show. The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered one year later, on September 9, 2019, with Dwayne Johnson serving as her first guest.
Clarkson was raised a strict Southern Baptist. She explains her religious upbringing: "I come from a conservative family. My family was highly conservative; I had to go to church on Sunday and Wednesday."
And while acknowledging the importance of religion during her childhood, Clarkson confirmed in 2004 that it’s become even more important to her in adulthood: "I always grew up in the church. I was the leader of our youth group. I’ve always grown up pretty close to the church and with God. But I think I've just gotten a lot closer just because He's the only One I can lean on."
It would seem that Christianity is a big deal for Clarkson, though she insists that she's not a "fundamentalist."
Politics
Politically, Kelly Clarkson seems to be a bit all over the place. She has indicated an independent or moderate stand when on politics. For instance, she married a Republican who had earlier showed support for Mitt Romney in the year 2012. However, she voted for Barrack Obama, and has declared herself severally as an "Obama Girl."
Kelly Clarkson's political stand is not easily predictable. She once said that she cannot support Mitt Romney as she has a lot of gay friends and she doesn't feel it is fair that they cannot get married. Surprisingly, Clarkson had expressed support for Ron Paul, a Republican candidate. She said that she loved him and if he would manage to win the nominations, she would vote for him.
Kelly Clarkson once shared a tweet on her thoughts about Donald Trump's comments back in 2016, during his campaigns. President Trump had said that he would shoot someone and still not lose any votes. Clarkson responded to this saying that she was worried for the nation.
Clarkson was also mentioned by Hillary Clinton in her new memoir, "What Happened."
And when asked about her views on the death penalty, she seemed to qualify her statement from the frame of being a Republican, in a sort of 'this is how I'm different from my fellow Republicans' way. She said: "I don't believe in the death penalty. Most Republicans do but not me."
Views
Clarkson has been a vocal advocate for equality, body positivity, and respect in the workspace. She has spoken out against sexism in the music industry and volunteers with Musicians on Call, an organization that facilitates music performances for hospital patients.
Kelly also supported causes like HIV/AIDS charities, Save the Children, and UNICEF. In addition, for a while, Clarkson maintained an animal sanctuary in Texas. She has partnered with organizations to promote fair trade and early childhood education, and she has helped provide food for underserved children. In 2014, alongside Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and Garth Brooks, Clarkson raised more than $400,000 for Tennessee charities.
Philanthropy and advocacy are important to Kelly - she sees her fame as a platform for her to be able to speak out about her beliefs and a platform she feels she had a duty to use. "It's weird, but I actually came with a brain, not just vocal cords, and it would be silly not to have an opinion," she said. "It would be a disgrace if I didn't have an opinion. It would be a cruel irony to all these people who live in different countries who don't have an opinion, and don't count, for me not to take full advantage of all the opportunities that are laid before us here in this nation."
Kelly Clarkson serves as a celebrity ambassador for the March of Dimes youth leadership initiatives. As National Team Youth Ambassador, Kelly uses her voice to generate awareness of the mission and volunteer opportunities for the March of Dimes. She also makes significant donations of her time and talent and has been recognized as top March for Babies walker. "Team Kelly" has raised tens of thousands of dollars through March for Babies, and her fan message board also donates to the March of Dimes each year in honor of Kelly Clarkson's birthday.
Kelly and her own team of friends have walked in March for Babies in Nashville, Tennessee. She also has personally recognized March of Dimes' top youth volunteers at her concerts and backstage events. Of all her contributions, March of Dimes youth leaders appreciate Kelly Clarkson's personal commitment to volunteer service.
Quotations:
"Everyone says I'm like the girl next door... Y'all must have really weird neighbors!"
"I still watch 'Idol,' and it's still the No. 1 show, so obviously I'm not the only one who loves to sit at home and be entertained."
"If I can wake up every day before I die and know that I don't have to serve anyone food or drinks, I will be happy!"
"I have a big fear of change, or negative change, anyway. I'm basically the same person I was when I won 'Idol,' or when I was 10."
"I just had my 30th birthday and we went turkey shooting. It's what I wanted to do, so we went."
"I'm cute - and God I hate that. Because that's not cool. I'm like your niece, and nobody wants to date their niece. It's the chubby cheeks. The whole reason people voted for me on American Idol is that I'm an everyday, normal girl."
"I'm actually not a big fan of the word hope. I think it's a depressing word. I don't want to hope - I want to know. Like I don't hope there's a God, I know there's a God."
"The hardest thing about being in this business is just being able to be yourself. People act like there's this one set of rules to follow to be a pop star and I think, 'Well, you say I'm a pop star, so maybe that's not true.'"
"There is no greater feeling than hanging out with my dogs, or just walking around the land with our horses. My rescue ranch is where I feel the most at peace and where I'm reminded of the simple things in life and let the chaos of my crazy work life fade away."
"I'm so happy now. I love that I'm in a relationship right now... I want a life... The past five years or so I've found my groove and my balance.
I've always been about less government."
"God will never give you anything you can't handle, so don't stress."
"I love my body. I'm very much OK with it. I don't think artists are ever the ones who have the problem with their weight, it is other people."
"Really, what I try to instill in my fans is to be healthy and happy. I have no desire to be super-skinny."
"Everybody always says that I'm the girl next door, which makes me think that y'all must have a lot of weird next-door neighbors."
"When I went to Los Angeles right after high school, I got some acting jobs, and I never ever wanted to be an actress! Public speaking and acting make me want to vomit. But I have never been nervous about singing. When it comes to public speaking, I stumble on my words, sweat, and pull at my clothes."
Personality
Kelly originally wanted to be a Marine Biologist, but after seeing 'Jaws,' she changed her mind.
Along with her impressive voice, Clarkson's friendly, down-to-earth personality was popular with fans of American Idol. She seemed charming and bubbly on camera, as likable for her big personality as her big voice. She drew people into the fun with her performances.
Clarkson's focus on her music and her battles against those who dwell on the physical appearance of pop singers has made her a role model for young women in music.
Many of Kelly Clarkson's songs are about her strained relationship with her estranged father. While initially, the songs were pessimistic in nature, she was eventually able to convey a positive message through the track 'Piece by Piece.'
Clarkson's focus on her music and her battles against those who dwell on the physical appearance of pop singers has made her a role model for young women in music.
Interests
Board games
Philosophers & Thinkers
Friedrich Nietzsche
Politicians
Ron Paul, Barrack Obama
Writers
"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, "The Secret Garden," "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Artists
Candice Lambert
Sport & Clubs
Golf
Music & Bands
Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, No Doubt, U2, Sam Smith, Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift
Connections
Kelly Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock, the son of her manager Narvel Blackstock, on October 20, 2013, at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed daughter River Rose on June 12, 2014. The couple's second child, Remington Alexander, was born on April 12, 2016. Clarkson also is the stepmother to her husband's two children from a previous marriage.
2003 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2005 - "Since U Been Gone" - Choice Music - Single
2005 - Breakaway - Choice Music - Album
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2005 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Choice Music - Summer Song
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2003 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2005 - "Since U Been Gone" - Choice Music - Single
2005 - Breakaway - Choice Music - Album
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2005 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Choice Music - Summer Song
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Choice Music - Female Artist
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Artist of the Year (T-Mobile Text-In Award)
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Artist of the Year (T-Mobile Text-In Award)
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
2006 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Most Performed Song
2007 - "Because of You" - Song of the Year
2007 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Most Performed Song
2007 - "Walk Away" - Most Performed Song
2008 - "Because of You" - Most Performed Song
2010 - "Already Gone" - Most Performed Song
2011 - "Already Gone" - Most Performed Song
2014 - "Catch My Breath" - Most Performed Song
2006 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Most Performed Song
2007 - "Because of You" - Song of the Year
2007 - "Behind These Hazel Eyes" - Most Performed Song
2003 - "Miss Independent" - Best Song to Sing Hairbrush Karaoke
2006 - "Since U Been Gone" - Best Song You've Heard a Million Times and Still Love
2018 - Kelly Clarkson - Icon Award
2003 - "Miss Independent" - Best Song to Sing Hairbrush Karaoke
2006 - "Since U Been Gone" - Best Song You've Heard a Million Times and Still Love
2012 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Single Record of the Year
2012 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Vocal Event of the Year
2012 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Single Record of the Year
2012 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Vocal Event of the Year
American Country Awards,
United States
2011 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
2011 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Video of the Year: Group, Duo or Collaboration
2011 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
2011 - "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Jason Aldean) - Video of the Year: Group, Duo or Collaboration
BDS Certified Spin Awards,
United States
2003 - "A Moment Like This" - 100,000 Spins
2006 - "Walk Away" - 200,000 Spins
2007 -"Because of You" - 500,000 Spins
2006 - "Because of You" - People's Choice: Favorite International Artist
2006 - "Because of You" - People's Choice: Favorite International Artist
OFM Music Awards,
United States
2016 - "Second Hand Heart" - International Song of the Year
2016 - "Second Hand Heart" - International Song of the Year
Radio Music Award,
United States
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Artist of the Year - Mainstream Hit Radio
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Artist of the Year - Mainstream Hit Radio
TMF Awards,
Belgium
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Best New Artist - International
2006 - Kelly ClarksonBest Female Artist - International
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Best Pop - International
2005 - Kelly Clarkson - Best New Artist - International
2006 - Kelly ClarksonBest Female Artist - International
2006 - Kelly Clarkson - Best Pop - International
CMT Online Award
2007 - "Because of You" (with Reba McEntire) (from the CMT Crossroads) - Number One Streamed Live Performance
2007 - "Because of You" (with Reba McEntire) (from the CMT Crossroads) - Number One Streamed Live Performance