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Kelly Clarkson Guides

Kelly Clarkson's Early Life/Biography

Originally a simple girl from Texas, Kelly Clarkson's life has been a roller coaster of fame and excitement since she won top prize in the first ever American Idol. Today, she's just released her fourth album and has multi-platinum hits under her belt. One of the most successful winners of Idol ever, Clarkson remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of pop music.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Clarkson's family struggled with money issues for much of her childhood. It was during this period that she turned to singing as an escape from her daily problems. Once she reached high school, a teacher overheard her singing in the hallways. Amazed at the quality of her voice, she encouraged her to join the school choir.

She began perusing classical training to help improve her vocal abilities. By the time she had graduated college, Clarkson was ready to take a shot at making it big. Although she had been offered full scholarships to University of Texas – Austin, UNC, and Berklee, Clarkson decided to try her hand at music first. .

Her path led her to audition for the first season of American Idol. A natural talent, the judges quickly sent her on to the next phase of the audition process. Once again, Clarkson was an easy pick to move onto the finals. From there, Clarkson dominated week after week and as the competition dwindled, it seemed more likely every day that she would be the first ever winner of American Idol.

Finally, it was down to just Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. In the end, fans chose Clarkson with a decisive 58% to 42% victory. With the results in, Clarkson performed the first single from her upcoming album “For A Moment Like This.” It wouldn't be until April of 2003 that Clarkson's first full album, Thankful, would be released. The album quickly went double platinum and in addition to “For a Moment Like This” had a second hit single in “Miss independent.”

Clarkson's second album, Breakaway, was released in November 2004. With a new management team backing her, Clarkson was able to take a greater amount of creative control over her work. Although the album started off a bit slower than the original due to not having the Idol winner bump behind it, the scores of great singles that took over the radio airways led to it becoming one of the best selling albums of the decade. With songs like “Since U Been Gone”, “Behind These Hazel Eyes”, and “Because of You” Clarkson took over the radio airwaves and earned her second platinum album.

Since Breakaway, Clarkson has remained a major influence in the world of pop music. Her third album My December and tour. Most recently, she's released her fourth album, All I Ever Wanted. She continues to tour the world and appearing in concerts, specials, and other major events.

Kelly Clarkson Collaborations

Although primarily a solo artist, Kelly Clarkson has forged a number of relationships which have been vital to her continued success as an artist. Whether they have been musical or professional, Clarkson has had excellent support and made wise decisions regarding her career. Here are a few of Kelly Clarkson's collaborations.

American Idol Singers – Clarkson's time on American Idol all but assured her current superstar status. Her most notable team-up between a fellow Idol alum was with her runner-up Justin Guarini. The two would star in the movie musical From Justin 2 Kelly immediately following their time on American Idol. Considered a complete fiasco, Clarkson blames the film on contractual obligations related to her time on the television.

Reba McEntire – An unlikely pairing, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire have become close friends and regular collaborators. In fact, Clarkson would even sign with McEntire's husband's production company. The two performed a duet at the Country Music Awards to much acclaim. Since then, Clarkson has appeared on Reba's self-titled television series.

The two artists would embark on a major tour together in 2008. Called “2 Worlds 2 Voices” it was a unique blend of classic country and pop music. The two remain close and frequently cover one another's music, making their relationship a one of a kind merging of the musical minds.

Album Writing Collaborations – Unlike most pop stars, Clarkson has made it a priority to be heavily involved in the writing and producing of her releases. Starting with her second release, Breakaway, Clarkson began joining with more experienced musicians from multiple genres to help produce the sound for her album.

Among the artists she has worked with when writing her album are pop-punk star Avril Lavigne and band members from the rock group Evanescence. Always needing to stay satisfied with her current direction, Clarkson will frequently seek out new producers and record labels that best fit whatever her particular needs are at the moment.

Kelly Clarkson has remained on the top of the music world due to her uncanny business sense and her admirable ability to control the direction her music takes. She is currently scheduled to perform at a VH1 Diva's concert in Brooklyn, all but assuring some new and exciting duets and collaborations in the near future. In the meantime, keep an eye out for Clarkson's future concert tours. Like any live event, you never know what might happen or what unexpected guest might be joining Kelly on stage!

Kelly Clarkson Discography

In the six years since winning American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has released four albums and had countless hit singles. One of the most played artists on the radio. Here is a run down of Kelly Clarkson's releases since she hit it big.

Kelly Clarkson's Albums

Thankful - Kelly's first major album after winning American Idol, Thankful was a huge hit. A certified double platinum album, Thankful had a number of major singles. As of 2009, the album has managed to sell over ten million copies worldwide. •

Breakaway - What many expected to be a case of the sophomore slump turned out to be Clarkson's biggest hit. Although Breakaway started a bit slower than Thankful, it had the benefit of having four major singles able to bolster the album to top selling status over the course of nearly two years. This was Clarkson's best selling album, selling over 13 million copies since its initial release.

My December - Although My December is a platinum selling album, it was a significant disappointed when compared against the massive sales of her first two albums. Featuring the Top 10 single Never Again, Clarkson's third album managed to sell 2.5 million albums worldwide.

All I Ever Wanted - Clarkson's fourth album has only been out a few months but it has already has some bona fide hits. The first single from All I Ever Wanted, “My Life Would Suck Without You” was yet another number one hit for this young star. The recently released I Do Not Hook Up has been performing well on the charts as well.

Clarkson's career continues to soar and her fans can expect plenty more from her in the future. As one of the hottest names in music, she will continue to tour, record, and perform in movies and television for years to come.

Kelly Clarkson's Awards

Obviously, Kelly Clarkson's most famous and important award was the title of winner of American Idol. However, since her win on the reality show, Clarkson has been recognized for her talent by award shows such as the Grammy Awards. Here are a few of her honorifics over the years.

The Grammy Awards

Nominated – Best Female Pop Vocals (2004) - “Miss Independent” garnered Clarkson her first trip to the Grammy Award red carpet in 2004, but it wouldn't be her last appearance.

Won – Best Pop Vocal Album (2006) – Her best selling album, Breakaway was also Clarkson's most critically successful release. In 2006, it was her ticket to her first Grammy Award.

Won – Best Female Pop Vocal Performance – For Breakaway'shit single Since U Been Gone.

The Grammy Awards wouldn't be the only organization to honor Kelly Clarkson. The American Music Awards (AMA) would provide her a number of awards as well.

American Music Awards

Hot 100 Female Artist

Pop 100 Artist of the Year

Pop 100 Female Artist

Pop 100 Single (Since U Been Gone)

2005: Won - Pop 100 Airplay Single (Since U Been Gone)

All of these awards were accrued during 2005 for the release of Breakaway. Even outside of the united states Kelly Clarkson has earned a number of awards. In 2006 she was nominated for two BRIT awards: Best Pop Artist and Best Female Solo Artist. Other international honours for Clarkson include nominations at the MTV Latin America Awards and the TMF Awards in Belgium.

Other major awards for Clarkson include two consecutive years at the favorite female performer at the People's Choice Awards and regular appearances at the MTV Video Music Awards. The list of Kelly Clarkson's nominations and wins is too large to list in their entirety, but it seems that with every album release her peers are falling head over heels to nominate her latest works.

Kelly Clarkson's career shows no sign of slowing down. Fans will no doubt have plenty of opportunities to see Clarkson back up on the stage receiving a major award. Until then, they can enjoy her as she tours the world.

Kelly Clarkson Videos