Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame in 2002 after winning the first season of the reality television series “American Idol.” Clarkson’s victory on the show launched her music career, and she quickly became one of the most successful pop artists of the 2000s.
Clarkson’s debut single, “A Moment Like This,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and broke a record for the biggest jump to number one. She followed this success with her debut album, “Thankful,” which was certified double platinum. Clarkson continued to release successful albums, including “Breakaway” (2004), which featured the hit singles “Since U Been Gone” and “Because of You.”
Throughout her career, Clarkson has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. She is known for her powerful voice, versatile singing style, and ability to perform a wide range of musical genres, including pop, rock, R&B, and country.
In addition to her music career, Clarkson has also ventured into television. She has served as a coach on the reality singing competition “The Voice” and hosted her own talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Clarkson is known for her down-to-earth personality and candidness, which has endeared her to fans around the world.
1. Since U Been Gone
“Since U Been Gone” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” released in 2004. The song was written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke and is widely considered one of Clarkson’s signature songs.
“Since U Been Gone” is an upbeat pop rock song with empowering lyrics about moving on from a past relationship and finding independence and strength. The song’s catchy chorus and Clarkson’s powerful vocals helped it become a major hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Since U Been Gone” is often praised for its catchy melody, anthemic chorus, and relatable lyrics. The song has been credited with helping to establish Clarkson as a pop rock powerhouse and remains one of her most popular and enduring songs.
2. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her fifth studio album, “Stronger,” released in 2011. The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson, Ali Tamposi, David Gamson, and Greg Kurstin, with Kurstin also handling production.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is an uptempo pop song with a message of empowerment and resilience. The lyrics talk about overcoming adversity and becoming stronger as a result of life’s challenges. The song’s catchy chorus and Clarkson’s powerful vocals helped it become a major hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Clarkson a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is often praised for its positive message and uplifting energy. The song’s success solidified Clarkson’s status as one of pop music’s leading voices and remains one of her most popular songs.
3. Because of You
“Because of You” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” released in 2004. The song was written by Clarkson, David Hodges, and Ben Moody, formerly of Evanescence, and produced by Hodges and Moody.
“Because of You” is a powerful ballad with emotional lyrics that explore the impact of a toxic or dysfunctional relationship on the narrator’s life. The song’s lyrics describe feelings of pain, betrayal, and the lasting effects of emotional wounds. Clarkson’s emotive delivery and the song’s haunting melody help convey the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“Because of You” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s music video, which features Clarkson in a dark and emotional storyline, further emphasized the song’s themes.
“Because of You” has been praised for its raw emotion and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song has resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar situations, making it one of Clarkson’s most impactful songs.
4. Miss Independent
“Miss Independent” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her debut studio album, “Thankful,” released in 2003. The song was written by Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Rhett Lawrence, and Matt Morris, with Lawrence also handling production.
“Miss Independent” is an upbeat pop and R&B song with empowering lyrics that celebrate independence and self-confidence. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who is strong, confident, and in control of her own life. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy melody helped it become a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Miss Independent” was praised for its catchy hooks and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song’s success helped establish Clarkson as a rising star in the music industry and remains one of her signature songs.
5. My Life Would Suck Without You
“My Life Would Suck Without You” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her fourth studio album, “All I Ever Wanted,” released in 2009. The song was written by Max Martin, Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, Claude Kelly, and produced by Martin and Dr. Luke.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” is an uptempo pop rock song with a catchy melody and lyrics that describe a tumultuous relationship. The song’s lyrics express the idea that despite the ups and downs of the relationship, the narrator’s life would be incomplete without their partner. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s energetic production helped it become a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” was praised for its catchy hooks and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song’s success reaffirmed Clarkson’s status as one of pop music’s leading artists and remains one of her most popular songs.
6. Behind These Hazel Eyes
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” released in 2004. The song was written by Clarkson, Max Martin, and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, with Martin and Dr. Luke also handling production.
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a mid-tempo pop rock song with angsty lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak and betrayal. The song’s lyrics describe the pain and anger of being deceived in a relationship, with the narrator vowing to move on and find strength despite the hurt.
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s music video, which features Clarkson in a dramatic storyline, further emphasized the song’s themes of heartbreak and resilience.
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” was praised for its emotive lyrics and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song’s success helped solidify Clarkson’s status as a pop rock powerhouse and remains one of her most iconic songs.
7. Breakaway
“Breakaway” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album of the same name, released in 2004. The song was written by Avril Lavigne, Matthew Gerrard, and Bridget Benenate, and it was produced by John Shanks.
“Breakaway” is an uplifting pop rock song with inspirational lyrics that speak to breaking free from limitations and pursuing one’s dreams. The song’s lyrics describe a desire for change and a longing for adventure and new experiences. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s anthemic chorus helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Breakaway” was also featured as the title track for the soundtrack of the 2004 film “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” further increasing its popularity. The song has been praised for its positive message and Clarkson’s vocal performance, and it has become one of her signature songs.
8. Already Gone
“Already Gone” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her fourth studio album, “All I Ever Wanted,” released in 2009. The song was written by Clarkson, Ryan Tedder, and others, with Tedder also handling production.
“Already Gone” is a mid-tempo pop ballad with emotional lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak and resignation. The song’s lyrics describe a breakup and the realization that a relationship has come to an end, despite still having feelings for the other person. Clarkson’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s melodic chorus helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Already Gone” was praised for its emotive lyrics and Clarkson’s vocal delivery. The song’s music video, which features Clarkson in various settings reflecting on a past relationship, further emphasized the song’s themes of love and loss.
Despite its success, “Already Gone” became controversial due to its similarity to Beyoncé’s song “Halo,” which was also written and produced by Ryan Tedder. Both songs feature a similar chord progression and melody in their choruses, leading to accusations of plagiarism. However, Tedder and Clarkson have defended the song, stating that while the songs may share similarities, they are distinct works.
9. Mr. Know It All
“Mr. Know It All” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her fifth studio album, “Stronger,” released in 2011. The song was written by Clarkson, Brian Seals, Ester Dean, and Brett James, with production by Brian Kennedy.
“Mr. Know It All” is an upbeat pop song with empowering lyrics that convey a message of self-assurance and independence. The song’s lyrics describe a person who thinks they know everything and tries to control others, but the narrator asserts her confidence and ability to stand up for herself. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy chorus helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Mr. Know It All” was praised for its catchy hooks and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song’s music video, which features Clarkson in various glamorous settings, further emphasized the song’s themes of empowerment and self-confidence.
10. Piece by Piece
“Piece by Piece” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her seventh studio album of the same name, released in 2015. The song was written by Clarkson and Greg Kurstin, who also produced the track.
“Piece by Piece” is a heartfelt ballad with emotional lyrics that explore Clarkson’s personal experiences with her father’s abandonment and her journey to find love and stability in her own life. The song’s lyrics describe Clarkson’s feelings of insecurity and fear of repeating the cycle of abandonment, but also her hope and determination to break free from the past. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s poignant melody helped it become a critical and commercial success.
“Piece by Piece” gained additional attention when Clarkson performed a stripped-down version of the song on the fifteenth season of American Idol in 2016, bringing the audience to tears and receiving a standing ovation. The performance went viral and helped propel the song to the top of the iTunes chart.
“Piece by Piece” has been praised for its emotional depth and Clarkson’s raw and honest delivery. The song has become one of Clarkson’s signature songs and is often cited as one of her best performances.