2 languages
Kelly Clarkson
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, born in 1982 in Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up in Burleson and was discovered by the choir director of her school, who heard her singing in the corridor. After high school she turned down music scholarships, tried her luck in Los Angeles and returned to Texas after a fire in her apartment. In 2002, on the advice of friends, she took part in the first season of American Idol, and she won.
Music and breakthrough
Immediately afterwards A Moment Like This was released, which became the best-selling single of 2002 in America. Her debut album Thankful (2003) had influences of R&B and gospel. Clarkson then wanted to get away from her talent-show image. For Breakaway (2004) she chose a sturdier pop rock and co-wrote with songwriters such as Kara DioGuardi, Dr. Luke and Max Martin. The album yielded Since U Been Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes and Because of You; the last of these, about her parents' divorce, reached number 1 in the Netherlands. The dark My December (2007) received a lukewarm reception, but with All I Ever Wanted (2009) and Stronger (2011) she returned to radio-friendly pop rock.
Influence
Clarkson is known for her powerful, agile voice. She showed that the winner of a talent show could build a real career, and she remained successful in pop, country and Christmas music. Her collaboration with the producers of the hit factory made Breakaway an example of the pop rock that ruled the radio in the mid-2000s.
Listening
Discography
Studio albums
- 2003Breakaway
- 2003Thankful
- 2007My December
- 2009All I Ever Wanted
- 2011Stronger
- 2013Wrapped in Red
- 2015Piece by Piece
- 2017Meaning of Life
- 2021When Christmas Comes Around…
- 2023chemistry
In School of Rock
The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.
- Mixtape 12: The Hit FactoryNL Reader