Kelly Clarkson

About

Also known as: Kelly Brianne Clarkson, Kelly Clarson

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol and turned that moment into one of the most durable careers in pop music. Her debut single "A Moment Like This" became the best selling single of that year in the US, and her follow up album Breakaway pushed her into genuine superstar territory, eventually becoming one of the best selling albums of the 21st century. Singles like "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You" all charted in the top ten in the US during 2005, and "Because of You" topped the charts across Europe. She has never been shy about switching things up: from the gospel tinged soul of her debut to the harder rock of My December, then back to radio friendly pop rock with All I Ever Wanted and Stronger. Her Christmas record Wrapped in Red became the best selling holiday album of its year, and its track "Underneath the Tree" is now ASCAP's most popular Christmas song released this century. With over 82 million records sold, three Grammy Awards, and a history making run on Billboard's airplay charts, she remains one of the most commercially successful artists of her generation.