Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson song)
{{Short description|2004 song by Kelly Clarkson}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Breakaway
| cover = Kelly Clarkson Breakaway original cover.jpg
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Kelly Clarkson
| album = The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement - Original Soundtrack {{noitalic|and}} Breakaway
| released = {{Start date|2004|07|19}}
| recorded =
| genre = Folk-pop
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=57}}
| label =
| writer =
| producer = John Shanks
| prev_title = The Trouble with Love Is
| prev_year = 2003
| next_title = Since U Been Gone
| next_year = 2004
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| header = Alternative cover
| type = single
| cover = Breakaway Single.jpg
| border = yes
| alt =
| caption = 2006 Re-issue
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|c-3vPxKdj6o|"Breakaway"}}}}
}}
"Breakaway" is a power ballad song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The song, written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne, was originally intended for Lavigne's debut studio album, Let Go (2002). After being deemed unsuitable for the album, it was passed to Clarkson to be recorded as a soundtrack for the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Clarkson, who was finishing her second studio album at that time, recorded "Breakaway" to tide her fans over until the first single from her new album was released. However, the song's success prompted its inclusion on Clarkson's second album, while the record label decided to name the album after the song. "Breakaway" was first released as the first single from The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack on July 19, 2004. In May 2006, "Breakaway" was reissued as the fifth and final single from the album of the same name.
"Breakaway" received positive reviews from music critics, who could relate to the song's message and simple lyrics. It incorporates acoustic guitars and airy drums which are interspersed with Clarkson's controlled voice. The lyrics narrate Clarkson's journey as a girl growing up in a small town who follows her dream for self-improvement. "Breakaway" was a commercial success outside of the United States, where it peaked within the top 20 of multiple European countries, and in the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands. In the United States, the song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became her third top ten song in the chart. It also topped the US Adult Contemporary for twenty-one non-consecutive weeks, a record for female artists that is now shared between herself, Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" and Adele's "Hello".
Directed by Dave Meyers, the accompanying music video for "Breakaway" portrays Clarkson as a young girl from a small town who follows her dream and becomes an international star. It also contained scenes interspersed from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Clarkson acted out most of the lyrics in the music video because she felt that the song was autobiographical. Critics responded positively to the music video for being faithful to the central theme shared by the song, the film, and Clarkson's personal biography. Clarkson performed the song in a series of live appearances such as television shows Saturday Night Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has performed the song in her concert tours, including the Stronger Tour. "Breakaway" has also been covered by many contestants from reality television singing competitions, notably Katie Stevens, a contestant in the ninth season of American Idol, as well as an English pop quartet Belle Amie, who finished eleventh in the seventh season of The X Factor.
Background and release
File:Avril Lavigne playing guitar, St. Petersburg (crop).jpg co-wrote the song.]]
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="As it turned out, it wasn't quite right for Avril's album, so we pitched it to Kelly Clarkson. It all worked out great. Kelly sounds great singing it, and it was a big hit for us."|source=— Matthew Gerrard on "Breakaway"'s success.{{cite news |url=http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/matthewgerrard123.htm|title=Matthew Gerrard Co-Writes & Produces Big Hits For High School Musical Soundtrack and Other Artists|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Kawashima |first=Dale |publisher=Songwriteruniverse.com. Songwriteruniverse.com}}}}
"Breakaway" was originally written by Avril Lavigne, Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard.{{cite news |url=http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/benenate.htm|title=Bridget Benenate Talks About Co-Writing The Hit "Breakaway" For Kelly Clarkson, Plus Her Other Hits|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Kawashima|first=Dale |publisher=SongwriterUniverse.com. SongwriterUniverse.com}} According to Benenate, the song was written in 2001 when she was working with Gerrard for Lavigne's first album, Let Go. Benenate explained that Lavigne came to her to write the song, saying:
Avril talked about her life and what things were important to her – she was the inspiration for the song. Matthew began creating the melody and track, and I started working on the lyrics. I remember staying in bed for three days, writing 25 versions of the lyric. I love being in bed and writing lyrics, and having my dog Jet and my kitty Dash on the bed. Anyway, we finally finished the lyric, then we completed the demo.
After the production of the song was deemed unsuitable for Lavigne's album, the song was passed to several artists including Samantha Moore before finally being recorded by Kelly Clarkson. Benenate also added that it was Mitchell Leib, the President of Music and Soundtracks for Walt Disney Pictures and Television/Buena Vista Music Group, who secured "Breakaway" as one of the soundtracks of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. In an interview with MTV, Clarkson said that she recorded "Breakaway" to tide fans over until September that year before she released the first single from her second album.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489852/kelly-clarkson-shoots-video-avril-song.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610000526/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489852/kelly-clarkson-shoots-video-avril-song.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 10, 2011|title=Avril Lavigne Helps Kelly Clarkson Become A Pop 'Princess'|date=July 30, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} Nevertheless, the song's huge success prompted its inclusion on the album, which Clarkson decided to name Breakaway.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493237/kelly-clarkson-wants-second-breakaway-hit.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102095307/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493237/kelly-clarkson-wants-second-breakaway-hit.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2013|title=Kelly Clarkson Tries For Another 'Breakaway' Hit|date=October 28, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} Clarkson expressed that "Breakaway" was different from everything she has done, saying that it "is a simple song, and I think that its simplicity is what's beautiful about it. Whenever writers or producers come to work with me, they take advantage of the fact that I can really belt it out. What's cool about 'Breakaway' is that it doesn't take advantage of that. The song just uses the simplicity of my voice."{{cite news|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/info/kelly_clarkson|title=Kelly Clarkson Biography|date=October 28, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2012|author=Contactmusic Staff|publisher=Contactmusic.com. Contactmusic}} The song was officially released to radio stations on July 19, 2004, as the first single of The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489875/new-releases-princess-diaries-2-soundtrack.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227094846/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489875/new-releases-princess-diaries-2-soundtrack.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 27, 2011|title=New Releases: 'Princess Diaries 2' Soundtrack, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Alex Chilton, Nonpoint, Randy Travis & More|date=August 2, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Rashabum |first=Alyssa |publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} Lavigne's original demo of the song leaked onto the internet nearly a decade later in April 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a561734/avril-lavignes-original-version-of-kelly-clarksons-breakaway-leaks.html|title=Avril Lavigne demo of 'Breakaway' leaks|website=Digital Spy|date=April 1, 2014}} A brand new recording was officially released as part of the 20th anniversary re-release of her debut album on June 3, 2022.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/avril-lavigne-let-go-anniversary-breakaway-new-version-1362549/|title=Avril Lavigne Drops New 'Breakway' Version, Unearths Rarities for 'Let Go' Anniversary|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=June 3, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=June 3, 2022}}
Composition
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"Breakaway" is a folk-pop song with a length of three minutes and 57 seconds.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1948200|pure_url=yes}}|title=Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson|website=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=September 4, 2012}} It is composed in the key of C major, with a tempo of 160 beats per minute.{{cite web |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0128851& |title=Kelly Clarkson, 'Breakaway' – Composition Sheet Music |website=Musicnotes.com |date=January 13, 2014 |publisher=Universal Music Publishing Group |access-date=May 15, 2014}} T.U. Dawood of Dawn lauded the song for being the best track on the album, writing ""Breakaway" is an enchanting single that will have you humming along to its infectious, gentle chorus and the inspiring lyrics."{{cite news |url=http://archives.dawn.com/weekly/review/archive/060518/review13.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120081019/http://archives.dawn.com/weekly/review/archive/060518/review13.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |title=Eight Days a Week |date=May 18, 2006 |access-date=September 4, 2012 |last=Dawood |first=T.U |work=Dawn}} It has a chord progression of C–G–Am7-F(9) and Clarkson's vocal range in the song spans two octaves from the low note of G3 to the note of D5. Sam Lansky of PopCrush.com thought that Clarkson's vocal floated over strummed guitars and airy drums, a combination which elevated the inspirational message of the song.{{cite news|url=http://popcrush.com/kelly-clarkson-songs/|title=Top 10 Kelly Clarkson Songs |access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Lansky|first=Sam|publisher=PopCrush.com. PopCrush.com}} Dave Donelly of Sputnikmusic noted that "Breakaway" successfully contrasted typical acoustic verse with a soaring pop chorus which was interspersed by Clarkson's controlled but powerful voice.{{cite news|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/5195/Kelly-Clarkson-Breakaway/|title=Kelly Clarkson Breakaway |date=February 9, 2006|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Donnelly|first=Dave|publisher=Sputnikmusic. Jeremy Ferwerda}}
Lyrically, the song is about growing up and moving on in life.{{cite news|url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=2926|title=Music Review: Kelly Clarkson, "Breakaway"|date=January 17, 2005|access-date=September 23, 2012|last=Juba|first=Scott|publisher=The-trades.com. Burlee LLC|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213184439/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=2926|archive-date=December 13, 2012}} Natalie Nichols of The Baltimore Sun considered "Breakaway" as Clarkson's anthem which is about a small-town girl going for her dreams.{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2004/12/30/clarkson-breaks-from-idol-spotlight/|title=Clarkson breaks from 'Idol' spotlight|date=December 30, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Nichols|first=Natalie. Tribune Company|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106033002/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2004-12-30/entertainment/0412290135_1_kelly-clarkson-breakaway-hazel-eyes|url-status=live}} Clarkson admitted that she could relate to the song, saying:
It describes how I got into the business, verbatim. I did grow up in a small town, I wanted to get out, I felt like there was something... not better for me, but something different for me. I didn't feel like I fit in at school. Whether you are a DJ, or if you work with computers, or if you're a teacher, everyone has that point where they feel, 'I'm bored and this isn't what I wanted to do with my life.'
Reception
=Critical response=
While reviewing the album, Shirley Shipin of Rolling Stone opined that "Breakaway" was the highlight of the album where Clarkson sounded "more Avril than Ashlee".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/breakaway-20041215|title= Kelly Clarkson Breakaway|date=December 15, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Shipin|first=Shirley |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Rhonda Lynn of Florida Entertainment Scene praised the acoustic guitar in the song which is instrumental in holding the whole structure together.{{cite news|url=http://www.floridaentertainmentscene.com/music/artists/kelly_clarkson/cd_review/index.htm|title= Kelly Clarkson Breakaway CD Review|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Lynn|first=Rhonda|publisher=Florida Entertainment Scene. Florida Entertainment Scene}} Tammy La Gorce of Amazon.com thought that the song would not wear out due to its "rock-friendly thumps, dips, and rolls."{{cite news|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakaway-Kelly-Clarkson/dp/B00095L95Q|title= Amazon.co.uk Review|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=La Gorce|first=Tammy|publisher=Amazon.com. Amazon, Inc}} In a different perspective, Joan Anderman of Boston.com remarked that "Breakaway" is not new or exciting-sounding but he admitted that the "hit single accomplishes the rare feat of being thoroughly middle-of-the-road without sacrificing grace or intelligence".{{cite news|url=http://articles.boston.com/2004-12-24/ae/29207038_1_beautiful-disaster-david-hodges-indie-rock |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118184359/http://articles.boston.com/2004-12-24/ae/29207038_1_beautiful-disaster-david-hodges-indie-rock |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 18, 2013 |title=CD Report |date=December 24, 2004 |access-date=September 5, 2012 |last=Anderman |first=Joan |publisher=Boston.com }} Chuck Taylor of Billboard felt that the song was a weak choice as a single compared to Clarkson's previous hits, writing {{" '}}Breakaway' sounds more like an Irish folk song propped up with pop production than the anthemic material with which Clarkson has won over legions of fans."{{cite magazine |date=July 17, 2004 |title=Essential Reviews |magazine=Billboard |volume=116 |issue=29 |pages=60 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WBAEAAAAMBAJ&q=clarkson+breakaway+debuts+pop+song&pg=PA33 |access-date=September 4, 2012 }} Kathi Kamen Goldmark of Disney Family.com felt that the song was tedious, simultaneously dull and so emotionally overwrought that it almost sounds like a parody of itself.{{cite news |url=http://family.go.com/entertainment/article-csm-80040-music-review--the-princess-diaries-2--royal-engagement-soundtrack-t/|title=Music Review: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Soundtrack|access-date=September 5, 2012|last=Goldmark|first=Kathi Kamen |publisher=The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Company}} Michael Wood of The Village Voice described the song as "a swoony acoustic folk-pop that Goo Goo Doll Johnny Rzeznik would trade his hair gel for".{{cite news|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2005-01-25/music/identity-crisis/|title=Identity Crisis|date=January 25, 2005|access-date=September 6, 2012|last=Wood|first=Michael|work=The Village Voice|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222034759/http://www.villagevoice.com/2005-01-25/music/identity-crisis/|archive-date=February 22, 2014}} Jill Salama of Oprah.com listed "Breakaway" as one of her nine favourite Idol singles of all time, writing "There is nothing that gets us more than a song about a girl going out on her own. Making a wish, making a change and, of course, breaking away. But seriously, this song is more than just a high school graduation anthem."{{Cite news|url=http://www.oprah.com/entertainment/American-Idol-Contestants-Best-Singles/6|title=American Idol Contestants' Greatest Hits|date=May 24, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012|publisher=Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc.}}
Bill Lamb of About.com ranked "Breakaway" at number four in his list of Top 10 Kelly Clarkson songs.{{cite news|url=http://top40.about.com/od/kellyclarkson/tp/kclarksonbest5.htm|title=Top 10 Kelly Clarkson Songs|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Lamb|first=Bill|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|archive-date=March 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301083942/http://top40.about.com/od/kellyclarkson/tp/kclarksonbest5.htm|url-status=dead}} The song received a nomination in the category of Song of the Year: Adult Hit Radio at the 2005 Radio Music Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/2515/2005-radio-music-awards-nominees-announced?ref=search |title=2005 Radio Music Awards Nominees Announced |publisher=Allaccess.com |date=November 4, 2005|access-date=March 6, 2012}} but lost to Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/Radio_Music_Awards/nominees.shtml |title=NBC.com > 2005 Radio Music Awards |publisher=NBC.com |access-date=June 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102100114/http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/Radio_Music_Awards/nominees.shtml |archive-date=November 2, 2012 }} It was one of the recipients of BDSCertified Spin Awards in November 2004 with 100,000 spins accumulated throughout the year.{{cite magazine |date=December 25, 2004 |title=Announcing This Month's Recipients of BDSCertified Spin Awards |magazine=Billboard |volume=116 |issue=52 |pages=158 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BMEAAAAMBAJ&q=BDS+Certified+Spin+Award+kelly+clarkson+breakaway&pg=RA1-PA62 |access-date=September 6, 2012 }} On March 5, 2013, Billboard ranked the song at number five in its list of Top 100 American Idol Hits of All Time.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1550614/american-idol-top-100-hits-of-all-time|title=Top 100 'American Idol' Hits of All Time |date=May 12, 2015|access-date=January 17, 2016|last=Bronson|first=Fred|magazine=Billboard}} Additionally, it also appeared at number four of Clarkson's Top 15 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 hits through the week ending April 29, 2017.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7767990/kelly-clarksons-biggest-billboard-hot-100-hits|title=Kelly Clarkson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits |date=April 24, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2017|last=Corpuz|first=Kristin|magazine=Billboard}}
=Chart performance=
File:Celine Dion Concert Singing Taking Chances 2008.jpg
On the week ending August 28, 2004, "Breakaway" debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-08-28/hot-100?order=gainer|title=Hot 100: Week Ending August 28, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/66853/lean-back-gets-comfy-at-no-1|title='Lean Back' Gets Comfy At No. 1|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} On its tenth week, the song jumped from number 12 to number 10 to become Clarkson's third Top 10 song in the chart, following "A Moment Like This" and "Miss Independent".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65999/boo-usher-keys-scare-up-no-1-single|title='Boo!': Usher, Keys Scare Up No. 1 Single|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} It peaked at number six on the week ending November 20, 2004.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-11-20/hot-100|title=Hot 100: November 20, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012|archive-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322223907/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-11-20/hot-100|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/64382/the-games-documentary-blasts-off-at-no-1|title=The Game's 'Documentary' Blasts Off At No. 1|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} The song spent 46 weeks in Billboard Hot 100, a feat that was later achieved by its immediate successor, "Since U Been Gone".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/american-idol-s-tenth-anniversary-kelly-1007278152.story#r80tESfb8kRdJovB.99|title=American Idol's Tenth Anniversary: Kelly Clarkson's Journey to 73 Billboard Chart Toppers
|magazine=Billboard|date=June 11, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2012}} It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 5, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=SinceUBeenGone&artist=Clarkson&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201075056/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=SinceUBeenGone&artist=Clarkson&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=RIAA — Gold & Platinum – February 5, 2005 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=September 4, 2012 }} "Breakaway" also debuted at number 37 on the US Pop Songs on the week dated August 21, 2004.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-08-21/pop-songs?order=gainer|title=Pop Songs: Week Ending August 21, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Three months later, it peaked at number two on the week ending November 13, 2004, and was held off the top spot by Nelly featuring Tim McGraw's "Over and Over".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-11-13/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs: Week of November 13, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} The song entered Billboard Adult Pop Songs at number 36 on the week dated August 21, 2004,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-08-21/adult-pop-songs?order=gainer|title=Adult Pop Songs: Week of August 21, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} before peaking at number two on the week ending February 12, 2005.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-05/adult-pop-songs|title=Adult Pop Songs: Week of February 12, 2005|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
"Breakaway" also made an appearance on the US Adult Contemporary at number 30 on the week ending September 18, 2004.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-09-18/adult-contemporary?order=gainer|title=Adult Contemporary: Week Ending September 18, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} The song fell out of the chart after its debut, before re-entering the chart at the same position of number 30 in its second week.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-10-02/adult-contemporary?order=gainer|title=Adult Contemporary: Week Ending October 2, 2004|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} Six months later, "Breakaway" topped Billboard Adult Contemporary, dethroning Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven" on the week ending March 12, 2005.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-03-12/adult-contemporary|title=Adult Contemporary: Week Ending March 12, 2005|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} The song spent 20 consecutive weeks at number one on the chart before being dethroned by Michael Bublé's "Home".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62030/mariahs-together-holds-off-replay-charge|title=Mariah's 'Together' Holds Off 'Replay' Charge |magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62028/chart-beat|title=Chart Beat|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} However, the song returned to top the Billboard Adult Contemporary for the 21st week on the week ending August 6, 2005.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-08-06/adult-contemporary|title=Adult Contemporary: Week Ending August 6, 2005|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} With this achievement, "Breakaway" tied the record with Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" as the longest-running Adult Contemporary chart-topper by a female artist.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61954/mariah-no-1-together-again|title=Mariah & No. 1: 'Together' Again |magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} "Breakaway" is also the longest-running chart-topper to come from a film in Billboard Adult Contemporary history, surpassing the nineteen-week record held jointly by Phil Collins's "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan and Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" from Up Close & Personal.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62090/chart-beat|title=Chart Beat|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012}} It remains as Clarkson's longest-running number one in her career. As of September 2017, "Breakaway" has sold 2,128,000 paid digital downloads.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7957889/ask-billboard-kelly-clarksons-career-sales-wild-thoughts-about |title=Ask Billboard: Kelly Clarkson's Career Sales & 'Wild Thoughts' About Rihanna |first=Gary |last=Trust |magazine=Billboard |date=September 10, 2017 |access-date=September 10, 2017}}
Internationally, "Breakaway" was a commercial success. In Australia, "Breakaway" debuted at number 14 on the week ending September 26, 2004,{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2004&date=20040926|title=Single Top 50; 26/09/2004 |publisher=Hung Medien|date=September 26, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012}} before peaking at number 10, three weeks later.{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2004&date=20041017|title=Single Top 50; 17/10/2004 |publisher=Hung Medien|date=October 17, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012}} It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of over 35,000 units.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm |title=ARIA Charts — Accreditations – 2004 Singles |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111190711/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2012 }} In New Zealand, "Breakaway" entered the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 19 on the week ending October 18, 2004.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/weekchart.asp?year=2004&date=20041018&cat=s|title=Single Top 40; 18/10/2004 |publisher=Hung Medien|date=October 18, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012}} Six weeks later, the song ascended to a new peak of number 12.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/weekchart.asp?year=2004&date=20041129&cat=s|title=Single Top 40; 29/11/2004 |publisher=Hung Medien|date=November 29, 2004|access-date=September 4, 2012}} On July 8, 2006, the song debuted and peaked at number 22 in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20060702/7501/|title=2006 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive 8th July 2006|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 4, 2012}} In Ireland, it debuted and peaked at number 12 on the week ending June 29, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2006&year=2006&week=26|title=Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 29 June 2006|publisher=Irish Singles Chart|date=June 29, 2006|access-date=September 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524053850/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2006&year=2006&week=26|archive-date=May 24, 2012|url-status=dead}} Elsewhere in Europe, "Breakaway" peaked at number six in Belgium, number eight in Austria,{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Kelly+Clarkson&titel=Breakaway&cat=s|title=Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (Song)|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=September 4, 2012}} as well as number nine in the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=http://www.top40.nl/top40/2006/week-25|title=Top40 week 25 van 2006|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=September 4, 2012}}
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Breakaway" was directed by Dave Meyers, which was shot in two days from July 10 to 11, 2004.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489201/lindsay-lohan-kelly-clarkson-on-princess-lp.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605193345/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489201/lindsay-lohan-kelly-clarkson-on-princess-lp.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2011|title=Kelly Clarkson, Lindsay Lohan Provide Entries To Princess Diaries 2 LP|date=July 2, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2012|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe |publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} In the video, the younger version of Clarkson was played by Lindsey Krueger.{{cite news|url=http://www.sdawordwizards.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98:040209-bcyc-introduces-lindsey-krueger-as-its-2009-honored-skipper&catid=46:client-news&Itemid=85 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201235732/http://www.sdawordwizards.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98:040209-bcyc-introduces-lindsey-krueger-as-its-2009-honored-skipper&catid=46:client-news&Itemid=85 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=BCYC Introduces Lindsey Krueger as Its 2009 Honored Skipper |date=January 3, 2010 |access-date=September 5, 2012 |last=Dwight |first=Pat |publisher=SDA Word Wizards. SDA Word Wizards }} According to Meyers, working with Clarkson was a pleasant experience because he felt she was good and honest, although he had initial doubts in the beginning. He explained, "I was a little worried, her coming off 'American Idol,' it inherently feels manufactured and I didn't know how much of it was true artistry. But when I met her, she really does have a good, solid vibe. It was an honor to bring some of that out of her."{{cite news|url=http://origin.mtv.com/news/articles/1489852/kelly-clarkson-shoots-video-avril-song.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129034926/http://origin.mtv.com/news/articles/1489852/kelly-clarkson-shoots-video-avril-song.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|title=Avril Lavigne Helps Kelly Clarkson Become A Pop 'Princess'|date=July 30, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2012|last=Moss|first=Carey|publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} Since the song is autobiographical, Clarkson decided to act out most of the lyrics in the video. Meyers also realized that the song was featured in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and he struggled to find a way to address the film-footage in the music video, saying "Since it's a movie tie-in, the idea stems from trying to figure out a new way of addressing the film-footage requirement they put on you, so we came up with the idea of her attending the premiere, which is very much something she will do in real life."
The video begins with the younger version of Clarkson sitting at the back seat of a station wagon. Singing the first verse, she witnesses a depressing scene of her brother quarreling with her sister who are scolded by their mother. She slowly clasps both her hands before the video shifts to the present day where Clarkson is seen arriving on the red carpet with her publicist for the world premiere of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. After posing for the photographers, she enters the cinema and watches the film. The next scene switches back to the younger Clarkson who is sitting and looking around her neighborhood at her house's rooftop as a plane is seen flying across the sky. The video switches back to the older Clarkson who is now watching the aforementioned film in her laptop inside the plane as it goes through a mild turbulence. Clarkson is also seen reminiscing about her past job as a worker in a movie theater, singing with her co-workers. The next scene shows Clarkson singing with her band in a backyard party which is shown alternately with scenes from the film, as well as a montage of her family and co-workers waving away from her. In the final scene, the younger Clarkson is shown praying by her bedside.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/arts/television/the-american-idol-diaries.html|title=DANCE: MUSIC VIDEO; The American Idol Diaries|date=September 19, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2012|last=Aurthur|first=Kate . The New York Times Company|work=The New York Times }}
The video was uploaded to MTV's website on August 9, 2004.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/kelly-clarkson/34312/breakaway.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228073416/http://www.mtv.com/videos/kelly-clarkson/34312/breakaway.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 28, 2008|title=Video Premiere: Kelly Clarkson|date=August 9, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2012|publisher=MTV.com. Viacom}} The video reached number five on the AOL Music Top Video chart in September 2004, with 740,176 streams.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=AOL+music+total+monthly+streams+%22breakaway%22+kelly+clarkson&pg=PA60|title=AOL Music: Total Monthly Streams|date=September 25, 2004|access-date=September 6, 2012|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|page=84|issn=0006-2510|issue=39}} Johnni Macke of E! deemed the early 2000s as Clarkson's "music video prime". She opined that the video was a great Cinderella story, writing ""Breakaway" shows the story of a young tomboy girl dealing with her insane family and what she grows up into...AKA a popstar named Kelly Clarkson."{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/shows/peoples_choice_awards/news/935196/kelly-clarkson-s-meaning-of-life-video-is-here-where-does-it-rank-among-the-singer-s-best-music-videos|title=Kelly Clarkson's "Meaning of Life" Video Is Here! Where Does It Rank Among the Singer's Best Music Videos?|last=Macke |first=Johnni |website=E! News |date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=May 18, 2018}} Kate Aurthur of The New York Times praised the music video for successfully illustrating the message of a girl following her own dream, which is a central theme shared by the song, the movie and Clarkson's biography. She also lauded the director of the video, Dave Meyers, for his ability to use Clarkson's evolution as an element to overshadow the distracting clips from The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement despite noticing that the use of visual metaphors in the music video was overwrought.
Live performances
Clarkson first performed "Breakaway" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in August 2004.{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/jay-leno-kelly-clarkson-breakaway-live-on-the-tonight-show-with-ja-video-s9zGinlE7oc-985-1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123143306/http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/jay-leno-kelly-clarkson-breakaway-live-on-the-tonight-show-with-ja-video-s9zGinlE7oc-985-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |title=Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (Live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Aug-2004).avi |access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=The First Post. First Post }} In February 2005, she performed "Breakaway" as well as "Since U Been Gone" on Saturday Night Live.{{cite news|url=http://noted.blogs.com/westcoastmusic/2005/02/kelly_clarkson_.html|title=Kelly Clarkson Tour 2005, Kelly Clarkson in concert: The Breakaway Tour|date=February 22, 2005|access-date=September 6, 2012|publisher=West Coast Music. West Coast Music}} On September 23, 2005, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and performed "Breakaway" as well as "Because of You".{{Cite news|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Winning-Big/11 |title=Winning Big |date=September 23, 2005 |access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105161834/http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Winning-Big/11 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 }} While touring at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio during her Breakaway World Tour, Clarkson performed "Breakaway" while signing several autographs for her fans near the stage to purposely let the crowd belt out the chorus.{{cite news|url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=3115|title=Concert Review: Kelly Clarkson Breakaway Tour|date=April 12, 2005|access-date=September 4, 2012|last=Juba|first=Scott|publisher=The-trades.com. Burlee LLC|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213182538/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=3115|archive-date=December 13, 2012}} "Breakaway" was also included in the setlist of Clarkson's 2009 All I Ever Wanted Tour where she performed the song in Hammerstein Ballroom without any dancers, acrobatics, moving set pieces and no special effects. Caryn Ganz noted that Clarkson belted the ballad song effortlessly by walking back and forth across the stage with her right hand on the mic and her left resting on her chest.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kelly-clarkson-mixes-biggest-hits-with-white-stripes-kings-of-leon-covers-in-new-york-20091007|title=Kelly Clarkson Mixes Biggest Hits With White Stripes, Kings of Leon Covers in New York|date=October 7, 2009|access-date=September 6, 2012|last=Ganz|first=Carey |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Jim Cantiello of MTV opined that Clarkson's "low chest-voice cooed the verses of 'Breakaway{{' "}} and complimented the singer's vocal prowess throughout the concert.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1623261/kelly-clarkson-concert-giant-karaoke-party.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103074118/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1623261/kelly-clarkson-concert-giant-karaoke-party.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 3, 2012|title=Kelly Clarkson Fans Turn New York Concert Into A Giant Karaoke Party|date=October 7, 2009|access-date=September 6, 2012|last=Cantiello|first=Jim|publisher=MTV. Viacom}} On April 3, 2012, Clarkson performed "Breakaway" as an encore to her Stronger Tour at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, where she told the audience that people started supporting her because of the song.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kelly-clarkson-brings-out-famous-friends-in-los-angeles-20120404|title=Kelly Clarkson Brings Out Famous Friends in Los Angeles|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=September 6, 2012|last=Wood|first=Mikael |magazine=Rolling Stone}}
In 2019, Avril Lavigne performed the song for the first time live at select venues during her Head Above Water Tour.{{Cite web|title=Avril Lavigne keeps her head well above water during Fox Theatre return|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/entertainment/avril-lavigne-keeps-her-head-well-above-water-during-fox-theatre-return/article_b3f12250-e2ab-11e9-8d3d-57153f23c493.html|first=Gary|last=Graff|website=The Oakland Press|language=en|access-date=May 8, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Cover versions and use in media
"Breakaway" has also been covered by contestants from reality television singing competitions. Katie Stevens covered the song on the ninth season of American Idol. Despite listening to the judges' comments to sing a contemporary song, her rendition was criticized by the judges; Randy Jackson thought the note was too big for Stevens while Ellen DeGeneres felt Stevens did not sell the lyrics. Kara DioGuardi said, "I don't think you know who you are yet as an artist", an opinion agreed by Simon Cowell.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633572/american-idol-ladies-night-didi-benami-crystal-bowersox-shine.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625023947/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633572/american-idol-ladies-night-didi-benami-crystal-bowersox-shine.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2012|title='American Idol' Ladies Night: Didi Benami And Crystal Bowersox Shine|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=March 9, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=MTV. Viacom}} Jim Cantiello of MTV noted that Stevens' performance of the song was her weakest performance in the show, stating "Unfortunately, her uneven vocals on 'Breakaway' exposed her youthful inexperience."{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633829/katie-stevens-profile-teen-promises-young-it-up-on-idol.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202231849/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633829/katie-stevens-profile-teen-promises-young-it-up-on-idol.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 2, 2014|title=Katie Stevens Profile: Teen Promises To 'Young It Up' On 'Idol'|last=Cantiello|first=Jim|date=March 12, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=MTV. Viacom}} The same opinion was echoed by Eric Ditzian of MTV who opined that Stevens failed to resonate her youthful energy favouring the song choice.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633595/american-idol-report-card-how-did-girls-do.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620165714/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1633595/american-idol-report-card-how-did-girls-do.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2012|title='American Idol' Report Card: How Did The Girls Do?|last=Ditzian|first=Eric|date=March 10, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=MTV. Viacom}}
"Breakaway" was performed by Julie Zorrilla in the semi-finals on the tenth season of American Idol. Samantha Stephens of The Republican felt Zorrilla's performance was mediocre.{{cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/television/index.ssf/2011/03/american_idol_top_12_girls_per.html|title='American Idol': Top 12 girls perform, Pia Toscano steals the show|last=Stephens|first=Samantha|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2012 |publisher=The Republican (Springfield). MassLive LLC}} Gil Kaufman of MTV remarked that Zorrilla's voice was shaky, and it lacked personality.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659092/american-idol-recap.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305214547/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659092/american-idol-recap.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2011|title='American Idol' Top 12 Girls: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano Show Star Power|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=March 2, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2012 |publisher=MTV. Viacom}} After landing in the bottom two, Belle Amie, an English pop quartet contestant on the seventh season of The X Factor, decided to perform "Breakaway" as their survival song. Nevertheless, they were eliminated in the episode.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/x-factor/244178-belle-amie-leave-the-x-factor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604092823/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/x-factor/244178-belle-amie-leave-the-x-factor|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 4, 2012|title=Belle Amie Leave The X Factor|date=March 31, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=MTV. Viacom}}{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a285210/belle-amie-voted-out-of-x-factor.html|title=Belle Amie voted out of 'X Factor'|last=Sperling|first=Daniel|date=March 31, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=Digital Spy. Nat Mags}} The song was also performed by Megan Hilty on the episode titled "Understudy" of the American television series Smash, which aired on April 7, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/SMASHs-Megan-Hilty-Sings-Studio-Cover-of-BREAKAWAY-20120418|title=Smash's Megan Hilty Sings Studio Cover of Breakaway|last=BWW News Desk|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=September 7, 2012 |publisher=Talktvworld.com. Wisdom Digital Media}} Matt Tucker of KSiteTV.com thought the performance was "lovely", describing it as one of the things that stood out in the episode.{{cite news|url=http://www.ksitetv.com/smash/smash-1-10-understudy-recap-review/13368|title=Smash 1.10: "Understudy" Recap & Review|last=Tucker|first=Matt|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=September 7, 2012 |work=KSiteTV.com }} The song was covered by Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale and Darren Criss, on the 97th episode, "Frenemies", of the musical series Glee, which aired on February 25, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/watch/170446403734|title=Glee on FOX – Breakaway (Full Performance)|publisher=Fox Broadcasting Company|access-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302010019/http://www.fox.com/watch/170446403734|archive-date=March 2, 2014|url-status=dead}} For the thirteenth season of American Idol, the song is used as the sendoff song when a contestant is voted off. The contestant who is voted off, their cover of the song is played during the goodbye montage video package. It was also used in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants trailer{{cite web|url=https://www.tunefind.com/movie/sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2005|title=Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Soundtrack|date=June 1, 2005|access-date=July 11, 2018}} and in the thirtieth season of Brazilian soap opera Malhação.{{cite web|language=pt|url=http://memoriaglobo.globo.com/programas/entretenimento/seriados/malhacao/malhacao-2006-2007-/trilha-sonora.htm|title=MALHAÇÃO (2006 - 2007) - TRILHA SONORA|publisher=Memória Globo. Rede Globo de Televisão|access-date=January 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129195754/http://memoriaglobo.globo.com/programas/entretenimento/seriados/malhacao/malhacao-2006-2007-/trilha-sonora.htm|archive-date=January 29, 2016|url-status=dead}} The song was also featured on the 2020 episode "The Son" on the television show Little America.
In 2022, singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, who originally co-wrote the song for her debut studio album, Let Go, released her version of the song for the expanded edition of said album to commemorate the 20th anniversary since its release. The lyrics included the original word 'snow' which Kelly Clarkson had changed to 'rain' to fit her perspective.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/avril-lavigne-let-go-anniversary-breakaway-new-version-1362549/|title=Avril Lavigne Drops New'Breakway' Version, Unearths Rarities for 'Let Go' Anniversary|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=3 June 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone |accessdate=3 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/avril-lavigne-let-go-20th-anniversary-edition-1235283741/|title=Avril Lavigne Celebrates 'Let Go' 20th Anniversary With Expanded Edition, Including New Recording of 'Breakaway'|last=Shafer|first=Ellise|date=3 June 2022|work=Variety |accessdate=3 June 2022}}
Track listings
- Australian CD single (Walt Disney Records release){{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Breakaway-Kelly-Clarkson/dp/B0002XK4R4 |title=Breakaway [Single, Import] |website=Amazon.com |access-date=September 7, 2012}}
- "Breakaway" – 3:58
- "Because You Live" – 3:18
- Digital download and CD single (RCA Records reissue){{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=breakaway-mw0001950355|pure_url=yes}}|title=Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson|access-date=September 7, 2012|publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation}}{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/breakaway-single/id164234438 |title=Breakaway - Single |publisher=iTunes. Apple Inc |access-date=September 7, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |url=http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Kelly+Clarkson&titel=Breakaway&cat=s |title=Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson |website=Schweizer Hitparade |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=April 6, 2013}}
- "Breakaway" – 3:58
- "Breakaway" (Napster Live) – 4:17
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Breakaway.{{cite AV media notes |title=Breakaway |others=Kelly Clarkson|date=2004 |type=liner notes |publisher=RCA Records}}
Recording
- Recorded by Jeff Rothschild at Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood, California.
Personnel
- Kelly Clarkson – lead vocals, background vocals and piano
- Avril Lavigne – writer
- Bridget Benenate – writer
- Jeff Rothschild – drums, mixing
- John Shanks – bass, guitar, keyboard, mixing, producer
- Matthew Gerrard – writer
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Breakaway" ! scope="col" style="width:20em;"| Chart (2004–2006) ! scope="col" | Peak |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Australia|10|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
|---|
| scope="row"{{single chart|Austria|8|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Flanders Tip|6|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"|Canada (Nielsen SoundScan){{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicCharts/SINGLES.html|title=Singles : Top 50|website=Jam!|date=October 7, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041011051416/http://www.canoe.com:80/JamMusicCharts/SINGLES.html|access-date=January 23, 2023|archive-date=October 11, 2004}}
|align="center"|11 |
| scope="row"|Canada CHR/Pop Top 30 (Radio & Records){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-11-26.pdf|title=R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1583|page=26|date=November 26, 2004|access-date=October 15, 2020}}
|6 |
| scope="row"|Canada Hot AC Top 30 (Radio & Records){{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-11-19.pdf|title=R&R Canada Hot AC Top 30|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1582|page=51|date=November 19, 2004|access-date=April 30, 2024}}
|1 |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Czech Republic|53|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|year=2007|week=02|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Denmark Airplay|4|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|week=39|year=2006|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Germany|13|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|songid=50671|access-date=October 29, 2018}} |
| scope="row"| Germany Airplay (BVMI){{cite web|url=http://www.nielsenmusiccontrol.com/|title=Nielsen Music Control Airplay - Germany Top 5|publisher=Nielsen Music Control on behalf of BVMI|accessdate=February 17, 2023|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822052828/http://www.nielsenmusiccontrol.com/|archivedate=August 22, 2006}}
|1 |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Hungary|5|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway| year=2006|week=48|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Hungarytop10|10|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway| year=2006|week=27|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Ireland2|12|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=January 15, 2020}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch40|9|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|year=2006|week=25|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch100|30|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|New Zealand|12|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"|Romania (Romanian Top 100){{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050514170646/http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10165.html|url=http://www.rt100.ro:80/editie-top-100_x10165.html|title=Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 16, saptamina 25.04 - 01.05, 2005|publisher=Romanian Top 100|archive-date=May 14, 2005|access-date=April 11, 2019|url-status=live}}
|69 |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Scotland|17|date=20060702|access-date=April 6, 2023}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Slovakia|15|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|year=2007|week=05|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Sweden|39|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Switzerland|14|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)
|style="text-align:center;"|22 |
| scope="row"|US Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kelly-clarkson/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=Billboard|title=Breakaway|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210164519/https://www.billboard.com/music/kelly-clarkson/chart-history/HSI/song/456900|archive-date=December 10, 2019}}
|6 |
| scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-03-12/adult-contemporary|title=Kelly Clarkson Chart History — Adult Contemporary — Breakaway|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 30, 2012}}
|1 |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|2|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=breakaway|artistid=5433052|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
| scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|2|artist=Kelly Clarkson|song=Breakaway|artistid=5453052|access-date=September 30, 2012}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
=Decade-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Decade-end chart performance for "Breakaway" ! scope="col"| Chart (2000–2009) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/adult-contemporary-songs|title=Adult Contemporary – Decade Year End Charts|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 4, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115053841/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/adult-contemporary-songs|url-status=dead}}
| 24 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Breakaway"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=Breakaway|artist=Kelly Clarkson|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2004|access-date=September 30, 2012}}
{{Certification Table Entry|digital=true|region=Canada|title=Breakaway|artist=Kelly Clarkson|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2004|access-date=September 30, 2012}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Breakaway|artist=Kelly Clarkson|type=single|region=New Zealand|award=Gold|source=radioscope|access-date=2024-12-25|relyear=2004|certyear=2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Breakaway|artist=Kelly Clarkson|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2005|certyear=2023|access-date=June 16, 2023|id=1061-1808-1}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2004|certyear=2005|title=Breakaway|artist=Kelly Clarkson|type=single|award=Gold|salesamount=2,128,000|salesref=}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
Release history
See also
References
{{Reflist|3}}
External links
- {{YouTube|oc7JLUvY9xI|"Avril Lavigne - Breakaway (Official Lyric Video)"}}
{{Kelly Clarkson singles}}
{{Avril Lavigne}}
{{The Princess Diaries}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson Song)}}
Category:Music videos directed by Dave Meyers (director)
Category:Song recordings produced by John Shanks
Category:Songs written by Avril Lavigne
Category:Songs written by Bridget Benenate
Category:Songs written by Matthew Gerrard
Category:Songs written for films