Kelly Clarkson, born in Texas in 1982, is an American singer who was discovered on American Idol in 2002. Clarkson won the first ever season of the show and went on to be runner-up in World Idol in 2003.
Clarkson’s debut album was Thankful and it was a commercial success, establishing her in the music industry. Her first single, A Moment Like This, beat the Beatles’ record for the biggest jump to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 – the single shot up from number 52.
Since her early days, Clarkson’s style has taken on more rock influences, evidenced by her Breakaway album in 2004, which sold over 12 million copies around the world. Her Because Of You single is the biggest-selling single so far from an Idol contestant anywhere in the world. Her other albums are My December, All I Ever Wanted and Stronger.
Clarkson has also starred in a number of TV shows, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, That ‘80s Show, American Dreams, King of the Hill and the films Issues 101 and From Justin to Kelly.