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How to summarize or even begin to touch the over 2-decade spanning (and still going strong) career of one Kelly Clarkson. It is hard to put into words, the cultural impact she has had and how she gives a whole new meaning to the term “household name”. Kelly is, for sure, a living legend and I believe she will go down in history as one of the greatest of a generation. Let’s dive into some of the highlights of her career thus far– & SORRY THIS IS A LONGER ONE.
The OG Idol-
Way back in 2002, the world of music would be forever changed with the release of a new singing competition show called “American Idol”. At the open call auditions, in Dallas, sporting a jean skirt as a top, a young Kelly Clarkson entered. After some banter with Ryan (and Brain), the 20-year-old served up a powerful vocal with her rendition of “At Last” and she dazzled the (soon-to-be iconic) judging panel with her personality as well. In her other song, she continued to display her vocal prowess with her rendition of “Express Yourself” which would land her in Hollywood Week. After a successful week, it was her performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” that would send her to the top 10 live shows and America’s vote.
Here’s a short list of her remaining performances:
Top 10: You’re All I Need to Get By by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Top 8: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
Top 7: Don’t Play That Song (You Lied) by Aretha Franklin
Top 6: Stuff Like That There by Bette Midler
Top 5: Walk on By by Dionne Warwick
Top 4: It’s Raining Men by Geri Halliwell & I Surrender by Céline Dion
Top 3: Think Twice by Céline Dion & Without You by Mariah Carey
Top 2: A Moment Like This & Respect by Aretha Franklin
& Before Your Love by Kelly Clarkson
Winning song: A Moment Like This
KIREN DIM THE LIGHTS— THE WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL 2002 IS…..
KELLY CLARKSON!!!
Giving her fans a victory lap, a clearly gob-smacked Kelly gave one hell of a moment. It was emotional, it was powerful, and it was just the beginning.
Albums—
Early Work
Releasing an impressive 10 full studio albums over her 20+ years (and counting) in the music industry. We have really seen her life and struggles played out across the decades of her work. In her first album, “Thankful, released in 2003, she was only 21 years old and coming off her Idol success. Aside from her anthem “A Moment Like This” (which was her debut and first #1)—her breakout song was “Miss Independent”. This song was a glimpse into what Kelly would come to be known for—songs you just wanna sing at the top of your lungs.
She topped her debut album with her sophomore masterpiece “Breakaway”. This album includes some of the biggest bops of the early 2000’s with “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes”. She broke our hearts with the haunting “Because of You”, and her title track “Breakaway” was even featured at the Geneovian Independence Day Parade.
She ended the decade with her 4th Album featuring more massive hits including her second #1 “My Life Would Suck Without You”. The album also included more songs to scream in the car (shocker) “Already Gone “and “Cry”.
A New Decade
She gained her third #1 with her 5th studio album “Stronger” with the title track rocketing to the top of the charts in 2011 (it was inescapable that year). She continued her pop royalty status by adding hits like “Dark Side” (brilliantly covered by The Warblers) and “Mr. Know it All”. Also in this album, she topped the country world with her duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay” alongside Jason Aldean.
Returning to the American Idol stage, in 2016, Kelly Clarkson gave us her most raw song and delivery to date with “Piece by Piece”. The lead single, for which the album was named, is joined by other hits “Heartbeat Song” and “Invincible”. This whole era came 5 years after her last (non-holiday) album and really displayed her growth as a person.
I would be doing a grave disservice if I did not mention Kelly Clarkson’s holiday albums. “Wrapped in Red” is THE perfect Christmas album and I dare anyone to claim otherwise (yes even Pentatonix who I adore). Her most recent masterpiece, from 2021, “When Christmas Comes Around” contains the best Christmas duet to ever exist “Santa Can You Hear Me” sung with Ariana Grande. (the princess of Christmas if you will). Kelly has consistently been on the charts every holiday season for MULTIPLE songs— not just one. (Sorry Mariah)
OKAY RAPID ROUNDUP–
10 albums
New Queen of Christmas (and I’ll say it again)
She has charted 31 songs (including 5 Christmas ones)
11 top 10s
3 number ones including her Debut from Idol “A Moment Like This” (2002): My Life Would Suck Without You (2009): and Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) (2011) (Since U Ben Gone snubbed at #2)
7 out of 10 of her albums were nominated in a Best Album category for Grammys.
The Voice—
Joining the STAR-STUDDED judging panel for “The Voice” in its 14th season, Kelly was a natural. Over her 7, consecutive, season stint, in this role, (with an 8th upon her return in Season 24) Kelly Clarkson reminded us all of why we love her. Her reactions to the vocal prowess of the contestants are SO REAL and hilarious. She’s so colorful and interactive, I am always glued to see her reactions (and am usually giving the SAME face). Aside from showing her relatability, Kelly SHINED as a coach using her ear and unique personal experience. Being the winner of a singing competition show, she offers her team a shared experience to lean on and a real example of what it can do for their life. Speaking of team Kelly, (who originated coaches giving their artists gifts upon choosing them FYI) has an impressive 4 wins in the 8 participating seasons. Two of her winning acts: Brynn Carteli and Chevell Shepard were only aged 15 for their win. (A tie for youngest winners and dethroning the queen Daniel Brabery winner of Season 4 at age 16) Her latest winner…. or winners I should say, was the first group act to win the show. Girl Named Tom came out on top in a COMPETITIVE season 21. (ARTICLE TO COME ON THAT.) Kelly Clarkson brought laughs, tears, and a 50%-win rate to the stage. She also brought “The Voice” and herself to new heights.
The Kelly Clarkson Show—
In 2019 the talk-show sphere was forever impacted with the arrival of one Ms. Kelly Clarkson. She has always been a super relatable celebrity and often forgets her own star power and the attention she attracts. That combination with her charming personality and candor makes her an engaging and fun show host. The show is now about to celebrate 5 years, in September, and has been filled the amazing guests, Kelly’s laugh, and KELLYOKE. Unless you have been living under a rock (which is valid) it is known that Kelly Clarkson is the ultimate cover queen. She has gifted the world a cover in each of her shows and we have been blessed to hear her sing EVERYTHING. It is now part of her internet lore that artists fear her covering their songs because they know she will sing them better. Now to my knowledge, she has not claimed this, but the people know, and it does not matter the genre, the era, how hard the vocal might be… she will do it.
There’s an EP of a few Kellyoke songs—STREAM IT so we can get more.
Awards Roundup!
Alright all this being said, Kelly Clarkson has accumulated a massive stockpile of accolades and accomplishments for music and television. This is not an exhaustive list, but many of the notable awards and recognitions are here.
4 AMAs
3 Grammys
3 VMAs
1 Kids Choice
6 Teen Choice
3 Peoples Choice
1 Radio Music
2 ACM
1 CMA
7 Daytime Emmy’s
Won Billboards Powerhouse Award in 2017 at Women in Music.
A World Entertainment Award at the Women’s World Awards in 2009
A 4-time voice winning coach
1st ever American idol
I love Kelly Clarkson
The End
