Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame as the winner of the first season of the reality television series “American Idol” in 2002. Clarkson’s victory on “American Idol” catapulted her to stardom, and she has since become one of the most successful and recognizable figures in the music industry.
Born on April 24, 1982, in Fort Worth, Texas, Clarkson developed a passion for singing at a young age and began performing in talent shows and competitions. After graduating from high school, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
Clarkson auditioned for the inaugural season of “American Idol” in 2002 and impressed the judges and viewers with her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. She went on to win the competition, earning a recording contract with RCA Records.
Clarkson released her debut album, “Thankful,” in 2003, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and produced the hit singles “A Moment Like This” and “Miss Independent.” Since then, she has released several successful albums, including “Breakaway” (2004), “My December” (2007), “Stronger” (2011), and “Meaning of Life” (2017).
Throughout her career, Clarkson has received numerous awards and accolades, including three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and three MTV Video Music 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 found success as a television personality. She has served as a coach on the reality singing competition series “The Voice” and hosted her own daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Kelly Clarkson’s impact on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable. She has inspired millions of fans around the world with her talent, authenticity, and resilience, cementing her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
1. Since U Been Gone
“Since U Been Gone” is a song by Kelly Clarkson, released as the lead single from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” in 2004. The song was written by Max Martin and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald and produced by Martin and Dr. Luke.
“Since U Been Gone” is a pop-rock anthem that showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song’s lyrics depict a sense of liberation and empowerment following the end of a tumultuous relationship. The protagonist reflects on the pain of heartbreak but ultimately finds strength and freedom in moving on.
“Since U Been Gone” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Clarkson her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2006. The song’s infectious melody, catchy chorus, and anthemic energy made it a standout track on “Breakaway” and solidified Clarkson’s status as a pop superstar.
“Since U Been Gone” has since become one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature songs and a staple of her live performances. It has been covered and sampled by various artists and remains a favorite among fans of pop and rock music. The song’s empowering message of resilience and self-reliance continues to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in Clarkson’s repertoire.
2. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is a song performed by American singer Kelly Clarkson. It was released as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Stronger,” in 2011. The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson, Ali Tamposi, David Gamson, and Greg Kurstin, with production handled by Kurstin.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is an uptempo pop anthem with empowering lyrics. The song’s message revolves around resilience and overcoming adversity, with Clarkson singing about emerging stronger and more determined from difficult experiences. The catchy chorus, with its refrain “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” became an anthem for self-empowerment and personal growth.
Upon its release, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States. It received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, Clarkson’s powerful vocals, and its empowering message. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2013. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature songs and continues to inspire listeners around the world.
3. Because of You
“Because of You” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson. It was released as the second single from her second studio album, “Breakaway,” in 2005. The song was written by Clarkson, David Hodges, and Ben Moody.
“Because of You” is a powerful ballad with emotional lyrics that address themes of heartbreak, pain, and the lingering effects of past trauma. Clarkson’s heartfelt vocals convey the raw emotions of the song, as she sings about the impact of a broken relationship on her self-esteem and emotional well-being.
The song received critical acclaim for its poignant lyrics and Clarkson’s soulful delivery. “Because of You” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Clarkson Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (for the remix featuring Reba McEntire) in 2006.
“Because of You” has since become one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite. Its relatable lyrics and powerful melody have resonated with listeners, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or emotional struggles.
4. Miss Independent
“Miss Independent” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the lead single from her debut studio album, “Thankful,” in 2003. The song was written by Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Rhett Lawrence, and Matt Morris, with Lawrence handling production.
“Miss Independent” is an empowering pop and R&B song that celebrates self-confidence and independence. The lyrics depict a strong and self-assured woman who is not defined by a romantic relationship and is capable of standing on her own. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy melody contributed to its commercial success.
Upon its release, “Miss Independent” received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial hit, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Liz Friedlander, featured Clarkson performing in various settings, reflecting the song’s themes of independence and confidence.
“Miss Independent” remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature songs and has been praised for its empowering message and infectious energy. It has become an anthem for self-empowerment and resilience, resonating with listeners around the world.
5. My Life Would Suck Without You
“My Life Would Suck Without You” is a song by Kelly Clarkson, released as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “All I Ever Wanted,” in 2009. The song was written by Max Martin, Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, Claude Kelly, and Katy Perry, and produced by Martin and Dr. Luke.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” is an uptempo pop-rock anthem that showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals and energetic delivery. The song’s lyrics express gratitude and devotion to a romantic partner, with the protagonist declaring that their life would be miserable without them. Despite the challenges and ups and downs of the relationship, the protagonist realizes that they are happier when they are together.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Clarkson her second Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2010. “My Life Would Suck Without You” became one of Clarkson’s biggest hits and solidified her status as a pop superstar.
The song’s catchy melody, infectious chorus, and anthemic energy made it a standout track on “All I Ever Wanted” and a favorite among fans of pop music. “My Life Would Suck Without You” has remained a popular and enduring song in Clarkson’s repertoire, often performed during her live concerts and featured in various media and pop culture references.
6. 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,” in 2004. The song was written by Clarkson, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke, with Martin and Dr. Luke handling production.
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a mid-tempo pop rock song with elements of power ballad. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience. Clarkson sings about the pain of a failed relationship and the emotional journey of moving on and finding strength after heartache.
The song received critical acclaim for its relatable lyrics, Clarkson’s powerful vocals, and the infectious melody. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. Its accompanying music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, features Clarkson portraying different emotional states and has become iconic among her fans.
“Behind These Hazel Eyes” remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s most beloved songs and has become a staple in her live performances. Its emotional resonance and empowering message have made it a favorite among listeners who have experienced the ups and downs of love and relationships.
7. Breakaway
“Breakaway” is a song by Kelly Clarkson, originally released as the title track and second single from her second studio album of the same name, “Breakaway,” in 2004. The song was written by Avril Lavigne, Bridget Benenate, and Matthew Gerrard, and produced by Gerrard.
“Breakaway” is a mid-tempo pop-rock ballad that showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics express a desire for independence and self-discovery, with the protagonist longing to break free from limitations and pursue their dreams. The theme of empowerment and resilience resonated strongly with listeners and became one of the defining characteristics of Clarkson’s music.
“Breakaway” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Clarkson critical acclaim. The song’s uplifting message, catchy melody, and heartfelt performance made it a standout track on the album and a favorite among fans of pop and rock music.
In addition to its success as a single, “Breakaway” also gained prominence when it was featured as the theme song for the 2004 film “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” The song’s inclusion in the film’s soundtrack further propelled its popularity and cemented its status as one of Clarkson’s signature songs.
“Breakaway” has since become one of Kelly Clarkson’s most beloved and enduring songs, often performed during her live concerts and featured in various media and pop culture references. Its timeless message of empowerment and self-discovery continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a timeless classic in Clarkson’s repertoire.
8. Already Gone
“Already Gone” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the third single from her fourth studio album, “All I Ever Wanted,” in 2009. The song was written by Clarkson, Ryan Tedder, and Katy Perry, with Tedder handling production.
“Already Gone” is a mid-tempo pop ballad with elements of rock. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak and moving on from a failed relationship. Clarkson sings about realizing that the love she once had is fading away and accepting that it’s time to let go and move forward.
The song received positive reviews from music critics for its emotive lyrics and Clarkson’s powerful vocals. “Already Gone” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. Its accompanying music video features Clarkson in various settings, reflecting the song’s themes of introspection and emotional release.
Despite its success, “Already Gone” stirred controversy due to its similarities to Beyoncé’s song “Halo,” which was also co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder. Both songs share a similar chord progression and melodic structure, leading to accusations of plagiarism. However, Clarkson has stated that she was not aware of the similarities until after “Already Gone” was released.
“Already Gone” remains a fan favorite in Kelly Clarkson’s discography and has become a staple in her live performances. Its emotional depth and relatable lyrics have resonated with listeners who have experienced the pain of letting go of a past love.
9. Mr. Know It All
“Mr. Know It All” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Stronger,” in 2011. The song was written by Brian Kennedy, Ester Dean, Brett James, and Dante Jones, with Kennedy and Dean handling production.
“Mr. Know It All” is an uptempo pop song with elements of R&B. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of empowerment and self-confidence. Clarkson sings about standing up to someone who acts like they know everything and asserting her independence and self-worth.
The song received positive reviews from music critics for its catchy melody and Clarkson’s vocal performance. “Mr. Know It All” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. Its accompanying music video features Clarkson in various settings, confronting different versions of “Mr. Know It All.”
“Mr. Know It All” became one of Kelly Clarkson’s signature songs and has been praised for its empowering message and infectious energy. It has become an anthem for self-empowerment and resilience, resonating with listeners who have dealt with arrogance or condescension from others.
10. Piece by Piece
“Piece by Piece” is a song by Kelly Clarkson, released as the title track and second single from her seventh studio album, “Piece by Piece,” in 2015. The song was written by Clarkson along with Greg Kurstin and produced by Kurstin.
“Piece by Piece” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song’s lyrics explore themes of family, love, and healing, with the protagonist reflecting on her own experiences and relationships. Clarkson draws from her personal life, particularly her relationship with her father and her own journey as a mother, to convey a message of resilience and hope.
The chorus of “Piece by Piece” features the poignant refrain: “Piece by piece, he collected me / Up off the ground where you abandoned things.” This line encapsulates the song’s central theme of overcoming past traumas and finding strength in the process of rebuilding oneself.
“Piece by Piece” received critical acclaim for its raw honesty, heartfelt lyrics, and Clarkson’s emotive performance. The song resonated strongly with listeners and became one of the standout tracks on the album. It also became a fan favorite and a staple of Clarkson’s live performances.
In addition to its critical success, “Piece by Piece” also had commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Clarkson her 11th Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2017.
Overall, “Piece by Piece” remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its emotional depth and universal message of resilience and healing.