Kelly Brianne[a] (bornKelly Brianne Clarkson, April 24, 1982), known professionally asKelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality.[2] Rising to fame after winning thefirst season ofAmerican Idol, she has established a multi-decade career in music and television and is credited with having a lasting impact ontelevised talent shows. Known as a vocal powerhouse and versatile performer, she was named one of the greatest singers in history by publications such asRolling Stone andBillboard.
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982,Fort Worth, Texas, to Jeanne Ann (née Rose), a first-grade English teacher, and Stephen Michael Clarkson (1951–2018), a formerengineer.[4][5] She has an older brother, Jason, and an older sister, Alyssa.[4][6] The three have two younger half-brothers from their father's second marriage.[5][7] Stephen and Jeanne divorced when Clarkson was six years old, whereupon her brother went to live with their father, her sister went to live with an aunt, and she stayed with their mother.[4][5] Clarkson's mother later married Jimmy Taylor. Clarkson is ofEnglish,Welsh,Irish, andGreek descent.[8][9] Jeanne is a descendant ofRepublican state senatorIsaiah Rose (Rose's background was discussed on Clarkson's episode ofWho Do You Think You Are? in 2013).[10] Clarkson was raisedSouthern Baptist.[11] She has said, "I always grew up in church. I was the leader of our youth group. I've always grown up pretty close to 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."[12] She later said of her upbringing, "My family was highly conservative; I had to go to church on Sunday and Wednesday."[13]
Clarkson grew up inBurleson, Texas and was educated at Pauline Hughes Middle School. In the seventh grade, the school's choir teacher, Cynthia Glenn, overheard her singing in a hallway and asked her to audition for the school choir. Clarkson told her she had never received any professional vocal training.[2] Clarkson graduated fromBurleson High School in 2000, where she performed in severalmusicals, such asAnnie Get Your Gun,Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, andBrigadoon.[14][15] Clarkson started voice training, hoping to secure a college scholarship in music.[15]
After graduating from high school, Clarkson declined full scholarships to theUniversity of Texas at Austin,University of North Texas, andBerklee College of Music. She declined them saying, "I'd already written so much music and wanted to try on my own... I figured you're never too old to go to college."[16][15] She worked several jobs to finance a demo, recording material and trying to market it to record labels, but she received little response. Clarkson turned down two recording contracts fromJive Records andInterscope Records, saying, "They would have completely pigeonholed me as a bubblegum act. I was confident enough that something better would come along."[4] In 2001, she traveled to Los Angeles, pursuing a career in music. She appeared as anextra in a few television series such asSabrina, the Teenage Witch andDharma & Greg,[17] and briefly worked with musicianGerry Goffin to record five demo tracks in an effort to secure a record deal.[18] According to Clarkson, her early attempts to launch her music career floundered when she was turned down by almost every U.S. record label for sounding "too black".[19] Lack of other career opportunities and a fire incident in her apartment forced Clarkson to return to Burleson, where she worked different jobs.[20][21]
Upon returning to Burleson, Clarkson was encouraged by her friends to audition for the first season of the reality television seriesAmerican Idol: The Search for a Superstar in May 2002. Despite receiving a "golden ticket", a pass to the Hollywood rounds, in the series premiere, Clarkson made her first appearance during the second episode. In an interview in 2012, Clarkson referred to the first season as "ghetto", explaining: "On our season we were like kids in camp. Nobody knew what to do. The show was ever changing every day. They did one season ofPop Idol in the UK, but America is a very different market. They dropped us off in a mall and said 'find some clothes to wear on national television'. I am maybe the closest to white trash you can get. What do I buy? White pants I guess? I definitely looked like a cocktail waitress."[22] Clarkson went on to win the competition on September 4, 2002, at theKodak Theatre (now Dolby), earning 58% of the votes against runner-upJustin Guarini.[23]
Immediately after winningAmerican Idol, Clarkson was signed to a record deal withRCA Records,19 Recordings, andS Records by talent managerSimon Fuller, who createdAmerican Idol, and music mogulClive Davis, who was slated to executive-produce her debut album. On September 17, 2002, her debut double-A-side single, "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This", was released. Both songs were performed by Clarkson during the season finale ofAmerican Idol. After debuting at number 60 on theBillboardHot 100 chart, the single climbed to number 52 the following week, and subsequently ascended to number one. It broke a 38-year-old record set by the British bandThe Beatles for the biggest leap to number one.[24] It eventually went on to become thebest-selling single of 2002 in the United States.[25]
American Idol season 1 performances and results[26]
Clarkson's debut album,Thankful, was released on April 15, 2003. The album contained aspects ofpop,contemporary R&B, andgospel music,[27][28] with several established musicians such asRhett Lawrence,Diane Warren,The Underdogs, andBabyface contributing on to the tracks. Released during a time of urban-R&B dominance, the album was well received by several critics.AllMusic criticStephen 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."[29] Henry Goldblatt ofEntertainment Weekly remarked: "Clarkson glides through octaves with the masterful control of someone who's been doing this for decades."[28]Thankful was a commercial success, debuting at number one on theBillboard 200 chart and went on to sell over 4.5 million copies worldwide.[27] It was later certified double platinum by the RIAA, platinum in Canada, and gold in Japan and Australia.[30]Billboard ranked Clarkson 10th in their Top Pop Artist (female) list of 2003.[31]
Clarkson made her film debut with Guarini with the release of the musical romantic comedy filmFrom Justin to Kelly in June 2003. The film was poorly received by critics[34] and was unsuccessful at the box office, with Clarkson explaining that she was "contractually obligated" to do the film and didn't like it.[35][36] In 2002, Clarkson, along withAmerican Idol judgesPaula Abdul andRandy Jackson and hostsBrian Dunkleman andRyan Seacrest, participated in the season premiere of theeighth season of the television comedy seriesMADtv. She also portrayedBrenda Lee in two episodes of the television dramaAmerican Dreams between 2003 and 2004. On December 25, 2003, Clarkson participated in the television special competitionWorld Idol inLondon, along with the first winners of the severalIdol television series around the world. Clarkson was contractually obligated to participate, and she performedAretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She ended up as the runner-up with 97 points, behind the firstNorwegian IdolKurt Nilsen.[37]
Trying to distance herself from herAmerican Idol image, Clarkson decided to leave Fuller and19 Management and hired the services of talent managerJeff Kwatinetz ofThe Firm. She reinvented herself to some extent, developing a more rock-oriented sound with her second studio album,Breakaway. Davis served as the executive producer for the record, while Clarkson co-wrote six of the tracks with pop and rock songwriters such as formerEvanescence band membersBen Moody andDavid Hodges,Kara DioGuardi,Dr. Luke andMax Martin.Breakaway received critical acclaim, with Erlewine ofAllMusic remarking: "What givesBreakaway its spine are the driving, anthemic pop tunes, numbers that sound simultaneously mainstream and youthful, which is a hard trick to pull off, and they are the tracks that illustrate Clarkson is a rare thing in the 2000s: a pop singer who's neither hip nor square, just solidly and enjoyably in the mainstream."[38]
Breakaway was released on November 30, 2004, and became Clarkson's most commercially successful album. After debuting at number three on theBillboard 200,[39] its longevity allowed it to become the third-best-selling album of 2005 in the US and was certified sextuple platinum by the RIAA.[30][40] The album also enjoyed success throughout the world; it topped the charts in the Netherlands and Ireland, became the world's seventh-best-selling album of 2005 and went on to sell more than twelve million copies worldwide.[41][42] Clarkson was named theTop Female Artist of the Year byBillboard.[43] She promoted the album with theBreakaway Tour,Hazel Eyes Tour, andAddicted Tour which took place from 2005 to 2006.[44]
Five singles were released to promoteBreakaway. Its title track, "Breakaway", was originally released in July 2004, as the soundtrack forDisney filmThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and was later re-released as the album's fifth single in May 2006. It became Clarkson's third top-ten single on theBillboard Hot 100 with a peak of number six. It was a major success onadult contemporary radio, topping theBillboard Adult Contemporary for 21 weeks and the Adult Contemporary Audience chart for 28 weeks (her longest number one on any charts).[45] "Since U Been Gone" was released as the album'slead single in November 2004 and became Clarkson's most successful single on the Hot 100 despite peaking at number two.[45] The second and third singles, "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You", also followed suit—peaking at number six and number seven on the Hot 100, respectively. "Because of You" became Clarkson's biggest single worldwide, reaching number one on theEuropean Hot 100 Singles chart and the national charts in Brazil, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.[46] The fourth single, "Walk Away", peaked at number twelve on the Hot 100. According toMediabase, Clarkson was the most-played artist of 2006 in the U.S.[47]
Clarkson's third studio album,My December, was released on June 22, 2007. The album relied on darker themes and heavier rock music.[54][55] She replaced Davis as the executive producer and co-wrote all the tracks.[56] She opted to collaborate with her band members rather than her previous producers and collaborators.[54][57] Its production and release became a subject of a dispute with RCA, particularly with Davis. He noted the album's lack of professional production input and wanted her to re-record tracks with a more mainstream appeal, which she refused.[54] Clarkson defended herself saying, "I've sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and still nobody listens to what I have to say. I couldn't give a crap about being a star. I've always just wanted to sing and write."[58] The album received positive response, but lack of promotion due to reluctance of RCA led Clarkson to dismiss Kwatinetz andLive Nation to cancel its accompanying tour, theMy December Tour, and reschedule it into a smaller scale with supporting actsJon McLaughlin,Sean Kingston andMandy Moore.[54][59][60] Clarkson later hired talent manager Narvel Blackstock of Starstruck Management. Blackstock was the husband of country artistReba McEntire, of whom Clarkson is a close friend. Clarkson later issued an apology to Davis, citing him as "a key advisor" in her success.[61]
My December debuted at number two on theBillboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.[30] The album went on to sell over 2.5 million copies worldwide.[62] It featured only one major hit single, "Never Again", which debuted and peaked at number eight on theBillboard Hot 100—her highest debut on the chart ever. On July 7, 2007, Clarkson performed on theAmerican leg ofLive Earth concert.[63] Clarkson partnered withNASCAR during their 2007 season, appearing in televised advertisements, performed at pre-race concerts, promoted NASCAR Day, and appeared at the Champions' Banquet in December.[64]
Clarkson at the Women's World Awards 2009 inVienna
Clarkson's fourth album,All I Ever Wanted, was released on March 6, 2009. Clarkson continued to co-write her own material, but this time she returned to a mainstream-oriented sound by reuniting with previous collaborators Dr. Luke, Martin, and DioGuardi, and new collaboratorsHoward Benson,Claude Kelly,Ryan Tedder,Glen Ballard,Matt Thiessen andKaty Perry in contributing tracks for the album. The release ofAll I Ever Wanted was met with positive acclaim from music critics for its lighter themes.[67] The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on theBillboard 200 and remaining there for two weeks.[68] The album has sold over a million copies in the U.S. and garnered Clarkson a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the52nd Grammy Awards.[69][70]
Its first single, "My Life Would Suck Without You", became an international hit. It entered theBillboard Hot 100 at number 97 and rose to the top position the following week, breaking the record for the biggest jump to number one in a single week previously held byBritney Spears' "Womanizer".[71] It also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hungary. It was followed with two more top-twenty singles, "I Do Not Hook Up" and "Already Gone". The release of "Already Gone" became a subject of another dispute between Clarkson and RCA, after she realized its similarities withBeyoncé's song "Halo", both of which were produced by Tedder.[72] Further promotion for the album was abruptly ended with the limited success of its fourth and final singles, "All I Ever Wanted" and "Cry". Clarkson supportedAll I Ever Wanted with theAll I Ever Wanted Tour from 2009 to 2010. She also performed as one of many main artists for the return ofVH1 Divas in September 2009.[73] Clarkson became a guest mentor on the Dutch television seriesX Factor in November 2009.[74]
2010–2012:Stronger,Duets, andGreatest Hits – Chapter One
Stronger's lead single, "Mr. Know It All", was released in September 2011. It reached number one in Australia and South Korea and attained a top-ten position in seven countries, including the U.S., where it became her ninth top-ten hit on theBillboard Hot 100 chart. It also became acrossover hit to the country charts, prompting RCA to reissue a country version. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" served as the second single in January 2012, and topped sixteenBillboard charts, becoming her third number one on the Hot 100.[79] It also reached number one in Poland and Slovakia and reached the top ten in many other charts worldwide. It remains Clarkson's best-selling single, with 4.9 million copies sold in the U.S. alone.[69] The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards—Record of the Year,Song of the Year, andBest Pop Solo Performance.[78] "Dark Side" was released as the third and final single in June 2012, and it achieved a modest success. It became her eleventh top-ten hit on theBillboard Adult Pop Songs chart, and she surpassed Sheryl Crow and Katy Perry as the female artist with the most top-ten songs on the chart.[80]
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of her career in music, Clarkson released her firstgreatest hits album,Greatest Hits – Chapter One, on November 19, 2012. Three new songs were recorded for the compilation—"Catch My Breath", "Don't Rush" (featuring country musicianVince Gill) and "People Like Us"—were all released as singles. "Catch My Breath" became her 14th top-twenty hit on the Hot 100 chart as well as her 13th million-selling single in the United States.[69] According toBillboard, it was the third biggestadult contemporary song of 2013.[87] However, its follow-up singles performed moderately well on the charts. Clarkson earned more nominations from the country music industry, includingBest Country Duo/Group Performance for "Don't Rush" at the56th Annual Grammy Awards and Female Vocalist of the Year at the2012 Country Music Association Awards.[88]Chapter One was eventually certified gold in Australia, the UK and the U.S.[30]
In February 2015, Clarkson releasedPiece by Piece, her seventh and final studio album under her recording contract with RCA Records.[103] Musically, it is anelectropop and dance album, featuring collaborations with Kurstin,Jesse Shatkin,Sia,John Legend, andShane McAnally, among others.Piece by Piece received a reasonably positive response from music critics[104] and became her third album to debut at the top of theBillboard 200 chart.[105] To promote the album, Clarkson appeared in several televised performances, including thefourteenth season ofAmerican Idol, where she became the only alumnus ever to be dedicated with a competing week featuring her discography.[106] She also supported thePiece by Piece Tour throughout 2015, which was cut short of its worldwide visits following medical recommendations for a vocal rest during the year.[107]
Piece by Piece spawned three singles. The first one, "Heartbeat Song", peaked at number 21 on theBillboard Hot 100 chart and became a top-ten hit in the UK, Austria, Poland, and South Africa. However, Clarkson failed to achieve a similar success with the second single, "Invincible". The third and final single, "Piece by Piece", debuted and peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 chart, following Clarkson's emotional performance on thefifteenth season ofAmerican Idol. It became her eleventh U.S. top-ten hit and matched "Never Again" as her highest debut on the chart.[108][109] At the58th Annual Grammy Awards, the album and "Heartbeat Song" were nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance, respectively. At thefollowing year, the title track also received a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.[110]
2016–2018: Children's books,Meaning of Life, andThe Voice
In February 2016, it was announced that Clarkson had signed a book deal withHarperCollins. Her first children's book,River Rose and the Magical Lullaby was released on October 4, 2016. The book features an originallullaby written and performed by Clarkson.[111] On the possibility of writing any more books in the future, Clarkson toldPublishers Weekly, "I've got a few ideas – there could be a lullaby for each book. We've got a plethora of stories, and I've already written seven songs, full out, so we'll just have to see which ones might pan out to be a book. But yes, there will definitely be more."[112] The second book featuring River Rose,River Rose and the Magical Christmas, was released on October 24, 2017, and included an original song written and sung by Clarkson, "Christmas Eve".[113]
Clarkson performing at the 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony
On March 15, 2016, First LadyMichelle Obama released "This Is for My Girls", a collaborative track featuring vocals from Clarkson,Janelle Monáe,Kelly Rowland,Lea Michele,Zendaya, andMissy Elliott to coincide with Barack Obama's SXSW speech and to promote the First Lady's third-world educational initiativeLet Girls Learn.[114] Clarkson recorded a solo version of "It's Quiet Uptown" forThe Hamilton Mixtape. Her version was released on November 3, 2016, as a promotional single for the album.[115] She also recorded a duet called "Love Goes On" withAloe Blacc for the original soundtrack ofThe Shack, which was released in the United States on March 3, 2017.[116] On May 11, 2017, it was announced that Clarkson would joinThe Voice as a coach for the series'fourteenth season.[117]
On June 24, 2016, Clarkson announced she had signed a long-term worldwide deal withAtlantic Records, with the intentions of releasing a soul-influenced eighth studio album in 2017.[118] Her lead single "Love So Soft", was released on September 7, 2017, along with the song "Move You".[119] On September 6, 2017, Clarkson announced that her album,Meaning of Life, would be released on October 27, 2017. The album went on to debut and peak at number 2 on theBillboard 200 chart, selling 79,000album-equivalent units.[120] With the release ofMeaning of Life, Clarkson revealed that she had discussions with Atlantic Records about the sound of the follow-up record and has expressed interest in venturing deeper into R&B and soulful pop music.
On February 28, 2019, it was announced that she would return to host the2019Billboard Music Awards, which aired on May 1, 2019.[128] Clarkson voiced Moxy and provided original songs in the animated musical comedy filmUglyDolls, which was released on May 3, 2019.[129] On March 27, 2019, she released "Broken & Beautiful", the lead single from theUglyDolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.[130] Clarkson also began hosting the daytime variety talk show,The Kelly Clarkson Show, which premiered on September 9, 2019.[131] In December 2019,Jake Hoot was crowned the winner of theseventeenth season ofThe Voice, giving Clarkson her third victory as a coach in four seasons.
In November 2019, Clarkson announced aLas Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Invincible. The residency was due to take place at theZappos Theater. It was supposed to run from April to September 2020, but it was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.[132][133] Also in November 2019, Clarkson made an appearance on theApple TV+ drama seriesThe Morning Show as herself, performing her song "Heat" and interacting with the fictional hosts of the show.[134] In February 2020, Clarkson became a brand ambassador forWayfair. In addition, Wayfair released "an 'exclusive' collection of furniture and decor inspired by Clarkson and her Texan roots."[135] On April 10, 2020,Trolls World Tour, which featured a character voiced by Clarkson, was released.[136] On April 16, 2020, Clarkson released the standalone single "I Dare You" in English, as well as duets in five different languages with five native-speaking artists.[137] In May 2020,The Kelly Clarkson Show earned seven Emmy nominations, the most for any talk show,[138] with Clarkson winning in the categoryOutstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.[139]
On September 23, 2021, Clarkson released "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)", the lead single off her ninth studio album and second Christmas album,When Christmas Comes Around...[143] The album was released on October 15, 2021, to positive reviews and earned Clarkson a nomination for theGrammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.[144][145] In November 2021, Clarkson performed at the second annual iHeartRadio Holiday Special.[146] She hosted her secondChristmas special,Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around, which premiered on December 1, 2021.[147] Also in December 2021,Girl Named Tom were crowned winners of thetwenty-first season ofThe Voice. They are the first group act to win an American season & secured Clarkson's final victory as a coach.[148]
In February 2022, Clarkson andSnoop Dogg were named co-hosts of the singing competition seriesAmerican Song Contest. It is an adaptation of the popular international songwriting competitionEurovision Song Contest. The series premiered on March 21, 2022.[149]
On March 26, 2023, she announced her tenth studio album,Chemistry,[158][159][160] which was released on June 23, 2023.[161] The album'sdouble A-side lead singles, "Mine" and "Me" were released on April 14, 2023.[162] On March 27, 2023, Clarkson announced a ten night Las Vegas residency,Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson, which ran from July 28 to August 19, 2023, at theBakkt Theater. Four additional dates were added for December 2023 and February 2024.[163][164] In October 2023, Clarkson relocated and moved production ofThe Kelly Clarkson Show from Los Angeles to New York City to start its fifth season.[165] On November 8, 2023, Clarkson launched her ownSirius XM channel,Kelly Clarkson Connection. The channel features Clarkson's own music, music she loves, and music from artists who inspire her. She also tells stories about her own music.[166] On November 10, 2023, Clarkson's studio albumChemistry earned her a sixth nomination for theGrammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, making her the most nominated performer in the category.[167] On December 15, 2023, Clarkson won two awards at the delayed50th Daytime Emmy Awards, includingOutstanding Daytime Talk Series andOutstanding Daytime Talk Series Host, and she won another award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series at the subsequent51st Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7, 2024.[168]
Clarkson featured on a duet version ofJames Arthur's song "From the Jump", which was released in April 2024.[169] She is featured onTerri Clark's song "If I Were You", from Clark's 2024 albumTake Two.[170] On September 27, 2024, she released "You For Christmas" the lead single from the deluxe reissue ofWhen Christmas Comes Around..., which released on November 1 of the same year.[171] On December 4, 2024, she returned to host and perform on NBC'sChristmas in Rockefeller Center for the second year in a row.[172][173]
In January 2025, Clarkson revealed on her talk show she had launched her own record label, with plans to release her own music independently for the first time in her career.[174] The following month,Live Nation announcedKelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, an eighteen-date residency atthe Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.[175][176] On April 18, she announced her new single, "Where Have You Been".[177] On May 1, 2025, Clarkson premiered the song exclusively on her Sirius XM channel, the day before it was released worldwide.[178]
In July 2025, it was announced that Clarkson would return toThe Voice for its twenty-ninth season in the spring of 2026.[179] In August 2025, Clarkson began hosting a new show,Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, which is based on an occasional segment she has on hertalk show.[180]
Critics have said Clarkson has asoprano voice.[181][182][183][184] Arion Berger ofRolling Stone wrote that "her high notes are sweet and pillowy, her growl is bone-shaking and sexy, and her mid-range is amazingly confident."[185] In reviewing a live performance of Clarkson's, Jon Caramanica ofThe New York Times said she "showed off a voice that moved in all sorts of ways, without ever appearing to strain", continuing "Ms. Clarkson, who has a malleable voice and a boatload of vocal confidence, might be a soul siren in the making". However, in a separate review ofStronger, Caramanica said Clarkson's voice is "too huge, too violent" for warmer and sweeter vocal stylings, stating "she's on a par withTaylor Swift when it comes to vengeance, and she'll do it louder and with more brutality in comparison to her contemporary."[186][187] In a live review as part of herStronger Tour, Sophie Sinclair ofHit The Floor said "Kelly's strong and powerful voice was flawless throughout the night, and some may even say she sounds better live than she does on her albums".[188] Mark Deming fromPhoenix New Times stated that "in an era when pop music means over-singing a song into a bloody pulp, Clarkson has consistently displayed both charisma and a welcome sense of restraint, knowing how to sound passionate and heartfelt without forgetting where the melody and the root note is supposed to go."[189]
Dr. Luke, who produced some of Clarkson's hits, said "She has powerful lungs. She's like theLance Armstrong of vocal cords."[190]In an interview withGood Morning America,Simon Cowell was asked of the then sixAmerican 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 asCeline Dion.[191]Esquire wrote that Clarkson has "the best voice in the history of pop music".[192] ReviewingStronger, Jody Rosen ofRolling Stone states, Clarkson has "one of music's most remarkable voices."[193] Jason Lipshutz fromBillboard considered Clarkson as one of the greatest singers in pop music.[194] Regarding the controversial practice oflip-syncing, Clarkson says she never has and never will lip-sync, elaborating in an interview with Cory Myers, "I've actually never done that because I'm terrified; if I ever did that, something horrible would happen, the track would skip. I have a really unhealthy fear about it. So no, I've never done that".[195] Clarkson has earned the title "Queen of Covers" for her ability to perform songs from artists of various genres.[196]
In terms of songwriting, Clarkson has described herself as "an emotional writer", explaining that, unlike some of her peers and collaborators, she is unable to write music without a personal connection to the material.[197] She stated, "I have to be feeling something, going through something, or inspired by something" in order to create songs,[197] approaching songwriting as an emotional outlet.[198] Following her 2022 divorce from Brandon Blackstock, Clarkson began performing a revised version of "Piece by Piece" during live shows, replacing several references to her ex-husband with lyrics about self-empowerment.[199]
At the same time, she prefers not to write in the same location as other artists, opting for privacy and describing herself as "not a vulnerable writer".[200] When she is credited for songwriting, she has usually contributed to both lyrics and melody.[197] She considers "Miss Independent" to be the first song that helped establish her as a songwriter, setting a precedent for her career and paving the way for other songs she would write or co-write.[198] In 2013, Clarkson published an open letter disputing claims made by Davis in his memoirThe Soundtrack of My Life. Davis had written that Clarkson cried hysterically in his office after being pressured to record "Since U Been Gone".[201] Clarkson countered that she became emotional not over that song, but in response to remarks Davis allegedly made about her songwriting on "Because of You", including criticism that its lyrics did not rhyme and suggesting that she "should just shut up and sing".[201] She also criticized Davis for omitting his role in blaming the underperformance ofMy December on its lack of radio-friendly singles and her involvement in its songwriting.[201]
Clarkson has stated that there have been several instances throughout her career where she declined songwriting credit on songs, despite making changes to them.[202] However, she noted that she will typically request credit if she believes her contributions warrant it.[202] In 2017, Clarkson said that she refused songwriting credit on "My Life Would Suck Without You", one of her biggest hits, as a form of protest against being forced by her record label to work with producerDr. Luke after expressing that she had not enjoyed working with him prior.[203][204] She has suggested that by doing so, she may have forfeited millions of dollars in potentialroyalties,[204] but maintains that she is against recording artists stealing credit from professional songwriters.[202]
Clarkson's music spanspop,rock, andcountry, as well asR&B on 2017'sMeaning of Life.[2]
Soul singerAretha Franklin was a major influence on Clarkson. Franklin herself remarked of Clarkson's potential to be an "enduring pop star" and a prospective broadway singer.[205]
I grew up with three totally different parents that were into different music. My stepfather is intoWillie Nelson andElvis and all that kind of stuff. And my real father is into Whitney and Mariah, and Aretha, all those soulful singers. My mom is into more, like, adult contemporary—Celine Dion,Barbra [Streisand],Bette Midler, all those types of things. And then my brother is a big influence on me. He's like ten years older than me, so you always wanna be around your cool brother and hang out, so I grew up lovingGuns N' Roses. I was all aboutMetallica. I was all about all those bands, and I still am. I loveAerosmith andNo Doubt. I have so many influences on me that are so different. And even country. I love Reba McEntire. I could listen to her all the time.[213]
In 2006, Clarkson said she does not consider herself to be a pop singer, explaining, "Rock is what I love".[214] Clarkson often covers rock songs on her Kellyoke segment of her talk show, such as Metallica's "Sad but True", andHeart's "Crazy on You".[215]
Clarkson has scored over 100 number ones on theBillboard charts and has a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide, including 14 million albums and 35 million digital singles in the United States alone.[69] She became the first artist to top each ofBillboard'spop,adult contemporary,country anddance charts.[216] She was ranked nineteenth onVH1's list of100 Greatest Women in Music. Television channelFuse included Clarkson among "30 Greatest Musicians to Come From Singing Competitions" list.[217]Rolling Stone ranked her 194 on their list of 200 Best Singers of All Time in 2023.[218] In 2025,Billboard ranked Clarkson at number 11 on its "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.[219]
Music executiveSimon Cowell believed that "What [Clarkson] sold in the UK, Europe, Asia had nothing to do withAmerican Idol. It had everything to do with the fact that she made a great record and she's got an incredible voice. She's not a girl who got lucky in a talent competition; we got lucky to find her."[220] According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Clarkson is "the embodiment of the perfect pop star. Her unmistakable pipes are a powerful presence in top 40 and country, with forays into anthemic rock and dance."[221] Nolan Feeney fromTime asserted that Clarkson "has had more of a lasting impact on the pop music landscape than casual listeners might realize."[222]
According toBillboard, Clarkson was a "phenomenon" who "helped legitimize" the impact oftalent shows.[223]The Washington Post wrote that "Clarkson's powerhouse voice and dynamic presence signaled that the music industry should take these reality show contestants seriously: Her first two albums,Thankful andBreakaway, sold about ten million copies combined, and her pop tunes became empowerment anthems across the globe."[224] In 2007, journalistNekesa Mumbi Moody reported that the success ofBreakaway in particular was the true pivotal moment in establishingAmerican Idol's credibility, proving that the show was capable of "finding someone who would have a career with longevity".[225] Glenn Gamboa ofNewsday believed Clarkson "has set the standard for all singing competition contestants with her savvy mix of pop, rock and country."[226]Fox Broadcasting Company said that Clarkson gave "lasting credibility" toAmerican Idol and "in so many ways she cleared a road" for all of the next contestants.[227] George Varga fromThe San Diego Union-Tribune underlined the difference of Clarkson from most other talent show contestants is that she "writes or co-writes a fair number of [her] own songs. She is also the only one whose quest to follow her artistic instincts—the better to rock out and break free from theIdolcookie-cutter pop mold—prompted her to fire her management team and engage in a prolonged public battle with her record company, RCA."[228]
Jon Lisi fromPopMatters named Clarkson as one of the forces of female domination in pop music of the 2000s. He explained that "Clarkson's anti-sexual image appealed to those who were uncomfortable withBritney Spears' overt exhibitionism. When Clarkson performed 'Since U Been Gone' at the2005 MTV Video Music Awards, for instance, she only showed her midriff, and it was clear that she was marketing herself to an alternative group of young females who liked pop music's conventional sound but didn't want to be confronted with sexual imagery."[229] Mickey Rapkin ofBillboard magazine, who called Clarkson a role model and compared her vocals to golden-era Aretha Franklin, stated that Clarkson "has never shied away from speaking her mind, whether in her propulsive pop anthems or on her filter-free Twitter feed."[230] Clarkson has influenced other artists includingVanessa Hudgens,[231]Demi Lovato,[232]Ava Max,[233]Jordin Sparks,[234]Ashley Tisdale,[235]Avril Lavigne,[236]Kelsea Ballerini, andPriscilla Block.[237][238]
In February 2012, Clarkson began dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock, son of her former manager Narvel Blackstock and former stepson ofReba McEntire.[239][240] She married Blackstock on October 20, 2013, atBlackberry Farm inWalland, Tennessee.[241] During their marriage, Brandon was her manager.[242] They had two children.[243][244] In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock, citing irreconcilable differences.[245][246] In March 2022, it was reported their divorce had been finalized.[247] On November 21, 2023, Clarkson was awarded more than $2.6 million from Blackstock for commissions paid to him for business deals he procured as her manager. The California Labor Commissioner ruled that Blackstock violated the state'sTalent Agencies Act by handling these deals, which should have been managed by Clarkson's talent agents atCreative Artists Agency. The ruling included commissions from Clarkson's role onThe Voice and other promotional agreements, but did not require repayment for deals related toThe Kelly Clarkson Show.[248] Blackstock died ofmelanoma on August 7, 2025, aged 48.[249][250]
In October 2019, Clarkson said that she has been managing anautoimmune condition and athyroid condition since 2006,[251][252] which she had previously addressed onToday in 2018.[253]
In February 2022, Clarkson changed her legal name to Kelly Brianne. In an interview, she said she did so due to a strained relationship with her late father, and that her professional name would not change.[1]
Clarkson performing at the 2007Live Earth charity concert
In April 2007, Clarkson took part in "Idol Gives Back", a fundraiser for people in poverty in Africa and the U.S., performing "Up to the Mountain" withJeff Beck.[258] She also performed a five-song set later that year on the American leg ofLive Earth concerts promoting environmentalawareness about climate change. She has served as ambassador for theMarch of Dimes since she was onAmerican Idol, raising money regularly and assisting in volunteer service, having walked for "March for Babies" for the cause of improvement of the health of mothers and babies.[259] Clarkson also got involved in the organization Houses of Hope, which builds orphanages for children inSouth Africa affected byHIV/AIDS, abuse, and poverty.[260] She has visited those children and also participated in "A Night for Hope" fund-raiser concert (held by Clarkson's background vocal singers, Jill and Kate), performing a song she wrote after her trip to South Africa, "You Still Won't Know What It's Like". Clarkson also supports the charitiesSave the Children,UNICEF, "Do Something" and "STOMP Out Bullying", and music causes like theSave the Music Foundation.[261][262]
Clarkson had a ranch in Texas for unwanted animals, which included amputee goats, blind dogs, and horses that survived colic; there are more than 80 animals at the sanctuary. She helped provide veterinary care for them and found them an adoptive family.[citation needed] On March 1, 2013, she performed in a benefit concert supporting theOmaha-based Opportunity Education Foundation, which provides access to education for children around the world, saying, "Education was a key part of my childhood, and I am better for it. Anything for education I am really into and especially for kids. A lot of people don't have computers, and they can't afford them. Without education, you get far behind. As long as they have a chance, you know, I think that's important. I want every kid to have a chance."[263] In 2013, Clarkson teamed withState Farm Insurance to support teen safe driving as a part of Celebrate My Drive program,[264] and supportedFeeding America andThe Ad Council and its Child Hunger PSA Campaign, which provides food for children facing hunger.[265] Also in 2013, she participated inGreen Mountain Coffee's Great Coffee, Good Vibes, Choose Fair Trade campaign, traveling to coffee farms in Peru to draw attention to the importance ofFair Trade certification.[266]
^In February 2022, she removed her "Clarkson"surname from herlegal name in her personal life. She still uses the name Kelly Clarkson for her professional career.[1]
^abByrne, Suzy (March 22, 2022)."Kelly Clarkson sets the record straight on name change to Kelly Brianne". Yahoo!.Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. RetrievedMarch 30, 2022."I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name," Clarkson, 39, explained to People on Monday. Kelly Brianne will just be "for my personal life," she noted, and not a new stage or professional name. "I'm still Kelly Clarkson," she clarified.
^Suzman, Gary (December 8, 2004)."Comfortably 'Numb'".Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc.Archived from the original on June 19, 2013. RetrievedSeptember 14, 2012.
^Maughan, Shannon (September 22, 2016)."Q&A with Kelly Clarkson".Publishers Weekly.Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 26, 2016.
"Kelly Clarkson Drives 'Stronger' to Hot 100 Summit".Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. February 8, 2012. Archived fromthe original on June 23, 2012. RetrievedJune 24, 2012.The uptempo pop anthem becomes the original "American Idol" champion's third leader on the list.
Grossman, Samantha (July 23, 2015)."15 Times Kelly Clarkson Totally Nailed a Cover Song".Time.Archived from the original on June 22, 2016. RetrievedJuly 14, 2016.American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson is the undisputed Queen of Covers. She consistently borrows other artists' songs and puts her signature spin on them, often producing something even better than the original.
Croatto, Pete.From Justin to Kelly. [Watching From Justin to Kelly, one question looms over the entire production: Why was this movie made?] Retrieved May 4, 2006.
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