Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality, born on April 24, 1982, in Fort Worth, Texas. She gained widespread fame as the winner of the inaugural season of the reality television series “American Idol” in 2002. Her victory on the show propelled her into the spotlight, and she quickly became one of the most successful and recognizable figures in the music industry.
Clarkson’s debut single, “A Moment Like This,” became a chart-topping hit, and she went on to release her debut album, “Thankful,” in 2003. Since then, she has enjoyed a highly successful music career, earning numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Some of her well-known hits include “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You,” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
In addition to her music career, Kelly Clarkson has ventured into television as the host of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” a daytime talk show that premiered in 2019. Her warm and engaging personality has endeared her to audiences, and she has become a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
1. Since U Been Gone
“Since U Been Gone” is a pop-rock anthem performed by Kelly Clarkson. It was released as the lead single from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” in 2004. Written by Max Martin and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, the song became one of Kelly Clarkson’s most successful and iconic tracks.
“Since U Been Gone” is known for its catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and energetic production. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and liberation following the end of a tumultuous relationship. The chorus, with Clarkson belting out “Since you’ve been gone, I can breathe for the first time,” became instantly memorable and contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
The track received critical acclaim for its infectious melody and Clarkson’s dynamic vocal performance. It achieved commercial success, topping charts and earning Clarkson several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2006.
“Since U Been Gone” not only marked a turning point in Kelly Clarkson’s career but also became an anthem for many listeners going through relationship struggles. Its impact has endured, and the song is often cited as one of the standout pop-rock hits of the mid-2000s.
2. 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 Ryan Tedder, Katy Perry, and the band OneRepublic. It’s a pop-rock ballad that explores the theme of heartbreak and the realization that a relationship may not be salvageable.
In “Already Gone,” Kelly Clarkson delivers a powerful vocal performance, expressing the emotional weight of a breakup and the difficulty of letting go. The song’s lyrics touch on the pain of recognizing that a love that once existed is now over. The chorus, in particular, captures the essence of the message, with the poignant lines, “But you can’t make it feel right when you know that it’s wrong. I’m already gone.”
The song received positive reviews for Clarkson’s vocals and the emotional resonance of the lyrics. However, it also stirred some controversy due to its similarity to Beyoncé’s song “Halo,” which was co-written by Ryan Tedder. Despite the controversy, “Already Gone” became a commercial success and showcased Kelly Clarkson’s ability to convey genuine emotion through her music.
3. Because of You
“Because of You” is a powerful ballad by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the third single from her second studio album, “Breakaway” (2004). Co-written by Clarkson, David Hodges, and Ben Moody, the song delves into themes of heartbreak and emotional pain.
“Because of You” explores the aftermath of a failed relationship and the lingering impact it has on the person who experienced the heartbreak. The lyrics depict feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and the struggle to move on. The chorus captures the emotional core of the song with the lines, “Because of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk. Because of you, I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.”
Clarkson’s emotive and powerful vocals contribute to the song’s intensity, and the piano-driven melody enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics. The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning Clarkson a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Because of You” resonated with listeners for its relatable theme of heartbreak and Clarkson’s ability to convey raw emotion through her performance. The song remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature hits and has solidified its place as a notable ballad in the realm of pop music.
4. Behind These Hazel Eyes
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the second single from her second studio album, “Breakaway” (2004). Co-written by Clarkson, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke, the song is a power-pop ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and empowerment.
The lyrics of “Behind These Hazel Eyes” delve into the aftermath of a broken relationship, capturing the pain and betrayal experienced by the protagonist. The chorus reflects a sense of resilience and determination, with Clarkson singing, “Here I am, once again, I’m torn into pieces. Can’t deny it, can’t pretend, just thought you were the one.”
The song’s dynamic arrangement features a mix of rock and pop elements, with Clarkson’s powerful vocals taking center stage. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, catchy melody, and Clarkson’s vocal performance. It achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on various charts worldwide.
The accompanying music video portrays the emotional journey depicted in the song, featuring scenes of a wedding gone wrong and Clarkson’s expressive performance. The song has become one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature hits and remains a fan favorite for its relatable lyrics and anthemic sound.
5. A Moment Like This
“A Moment Like This” is a song performed by Kelly Clarkson, and it was her debut single. The song gained prominence as Clarkson’s winning single on the first season of the reality television series “American Idol” in 2002. The track was written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid and was released shortly after Clarkson won the competition.
The lyrics of “A Moment Like This” celebrate the joy and euphoria of achieving a significant moment in life, such as finding love or accomplishing a dream. The uplifting and anthemic nature of the song made it well-suited as a celebratory victory anthem for the “American Idol” winner.
Upon its release, “A Moment Like This” became an instant commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Kelly Clarkson the first “American Idol” winner to achieve such a feat. The song’s success helped launch Clarkson’s music career, and she went on to become one of the most successful and enduring artists to emerge from the reality show.
“A Moment Like This” remains an important and nostalgic song in the context of “American Idol” history and is often associated with Kelly Clarkson’s meteoric rise to fame.
6. Stronger
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is a dance-pop anthem by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the second single from her fifth studio album, “Stronger” (2011). The song was co-written by Jörgen Elofsson, Ali Tamposi, David Gamson, and Greg Kurstin.
The lyrics of “Stronger” convey a message of resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity. The memorable chorus declares, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller, doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone.” The song’s optimistic theme and catchy hooks contributed to its popularity.
With a pulsating beat and a blend of pop and dance elements, “Stronger” became a commercial success. It topped the charts in several countries and earned critical acclaim for its energetic production and Clarkson’s powerful vocals. The song’s success was further propelled by its use as the unofficial theme for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” became one of Kelly Clarkson’s biggest hits and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2013. The song’s anthemic quality and positive message resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as one of Clarkson’s signature songs and an empowering anthem for many listeners.
7. Miss Independent
“Miss Independent” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her debut studio album, “Thankful,” released in 2003. The song was written by Christina Aguilera, Rhett Lawrence, Matt Morris, and Kelly Clarkson herself. “Miss Independent” is an upbeat pop-rock anthem that celebrates self-reliance and independence.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of empowerment, emphasizing a woman’s ability to stand on her own and make her own choices. The catchy chorus includes the refrain “Miss Independent, Miss Self-Sufficient,” capturing the theme of a strong, confident woman who doesn’t rely on others for validation or support.
“Miss Independent” received positive reviews for its catchy melody and Clarkson’s vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, earning Kelly Clarkson a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2004.
This track played a significant role in establishing Kelly Clarkson’s post-“American Idol” solo career, showcasing her versatility as an artist. “Miss Independent” remains one of her signature songs and is remembered as an anthem of empowerment and self-confidence.
8. My Life Would Suck Without You
“My Life Would Suck Without You” is an uptempo pop-rock song by American singer Kelly Clarkson. Released as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “All I Ever Wanted” (2009), the song was written by Max Martin, Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, Claude Kelly, and Cathy Dennis.
The lyrics of “My Life Would Suck Without You” explore themes of love, reconciliation, and the ups and downs of relationships. The title itself reflects a paradoxical sentiment, suggesting that despite the challenges and difficulties, life would be worse without the person in question.
The song features a dynamic production, blending rock and pop elements, and showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals. The catchy chorus includes the memorable lines, “Cause we belong together now, yeah, forever united here somehow. You got a piece of me, and honestly, my life would suck without you.”
Upon its release, the song received positive reviews for its infectious energy and Clarkson’s vocal delivery. Commercially, it became a success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The accompanying music video complements the song’s theme, depicting scenes of a tumultuous relationship and eventual reconciliation.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” further solidified Kelly Clarkson’s status as a pop powerhouse and became one of her chart-topping hits. The song’s relatable lyrics and upbeat sound contributed to its widespread popularity and continued to be a fan favorite in Clarkson’s discography.
9. Never Again
“Never Again” is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her third studio album, “My December,” released in 2007. The song was written by Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Messer, and Kara DioGuardi. “Never Again” is a rock-influenced breakup anthem that explores the aftermath of a failed relationship.
The lyrics of “Never Again” convey a sense of betrayal and empowerment as Clarkson expresses her determination to move on from a toxic relationship. The song’s chorus features the powerful lines “Never again, will I kiss you, never again, will I want to, never again, will I love you, never.”
“Never Again” was notable for its departure from Clarkson’s previous pop sound, incorporating a grittier and edgier rock style. While the song received positive reviews for its boldness and emotional intensity, it also sparked some controversy due to its explicit lyrics and departure from the more mainstream pop sound of her earlier hits.
Despite the initial controversies, “Never Again” remains a standout track in Kelly Clarkson’s discography, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to deliver emotionally charged performances. The song resonated with fans and added another dimension to Clarkson’s musical repertoire.
10. Heartbeat Song
“Heartbeat Song” is a pop song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Piece by Piece” (2015). The song was written by Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, Audra Mae, and Mitch Allan.
“Heartbeat Song” is an upbeat and catchy track that revolves around the theme of love and the excitement that comes with discovering new romantic feelings. The chorus features the energetic refrain, “This is my heartbeat song, and I’m gonna play it. Been so long, I forgot how to turn it up, up, up, up all night long.”
The song’s production blends pop and electronic elements, creating a lively and contemporary sound. Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals add to the song’s infectious energy, making it a feel-good anthem. “Heartbeat Song” received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy nature and Clarkson’s vocal performance.
The accompanying music video complements the song’s theme, featuring scenes of people from various walks of life experiencing the highs and lows of love. Commercially, the song performed well, charting in several countries and earning its place as one of Clarkson’s successful singles.
“Heartbeat Song” showcases Kelly Clarkson’s ability to deliver pop anthems with widespread appeal, and it remains a lively and uplifting addition to her discography.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
