Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Jeanne Ann (née Rose), a first-grade English teacher, and Stephen Michael Clarkson (1951–2018), a former engineer.{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/kelly-clarkson-biography |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |date=August 1, 2007 |agency=Fox News |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618084350/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196530,00.html |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Murtaugh |first=Taysha |date=May 8, 2018 |title=Kelly Clarkson Opens Up About Why She Doesn't Have a Relationship With Her Dad |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a20506036/kelly-clarkson-father/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |magazine=Country Living}} She has an older brother, Jason, and an older sister, Alyssa.{{cite news| url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/15/strip-scribbles-jessica-lowndes-celebrates-her-22n/| title=Jessica Lowndes celebrates her 22nd birthday in Las Vegas| newspaper=Las Vegas Sun| date=November 15, 2010| access-date=February 6, 2013| first=Robin| last=Leach| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130145122/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/15/strip-scribbles-jessica-lowndes-celebrates-her-22n/| archive-date=January 30, 2013| url-status=dead}} The three have two younger half-brothers from their father's second marriage.{{cite web |last=Emmerson |first=Kassidy |date=July 9, 2007 |title=Little Known Facts About Kelly Clarkson |url=https://www.yahoo.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140416145539/http://voices.yahoo.com/little-known-facts-kelly-clarkson-426454.html |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |publisher=Yahoo!}} Stephen and Jeanne divorced when Clarkson was six years old, whereupon her brother went to live with their father, her sister went to live with an aunt, and she stayed with their mother. Clarkson's mother later married Jimmy Taylor. Clarkson is of English, Welsh, Irish, and Greek descent.{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/kelly-clarkson-biography | publisher=Fox News | title=Kelly Clarkson Biography | date=August 1, 2007 | access-date=September 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618084350/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196530,00.html | archive-date=June 18, 2013 | url-status=dead }}Stated on Who Do You Think You Are?, July 23, 2012 Jeanne is a descendant of Republican state senator Isaiah Rose (Rose's background was discussed on Clarkson's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? in 2013).{{cite news |last=Shawver |first=Sam |url=http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/576269/Singer-Kelly-Clarkson-visits-the-area.html?nav=5061 |title=Singer Kelly Clarkson visits the area |newspaper=The Parkersburg News and Sentinel |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193036/http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/576269/Singer-Kelly-Clarkson-visits-the-area.html?nav=5061 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=live }} Clarkson was raised Southern Baptist.{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/papal-visit/2008/apr/19/kelly-clarkson-sings-ave-maria/ |title=Kelly Clarkson sings Ave Maria |date=August 19, 2008|newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106173749/http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/papal-visit/2008/Apr/19/kelly-clarkson-sings-ave-maria/ |archive-date=November 6, 2008 }} She has said, "I always grew up in church. I was the leader of our youth group. I've always grown up pretty close to church and with God. But I think I've just gotten a lot closer just because He's the only one I can lean on."{{cite magazine|title=Listening in ... R.J. Helton & Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/listening-in-with-rj-helton-and-kelly-clarkson-1263775.html|magazine=CCM Magazine|date=May 28, 2004|access-date=August 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115055/http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/listening-in-with-rj-helton-and-kelly-clarkson-1263775.html|archive-date=August 26, 2014|url-status=live}} She later said of her upbringing, "My family was highly conservative; I had to go to church on Sunday and Wednesday."{{cite magazine|last1=Goldblatt|first1=Henry|title=Kelly Clarkson on the soundtrack of her life|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/31/kelly-clarkson-on-the-soundtrack-of-her-life-read-her-exclusive-ew-interview-here/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=August 24, 2014|date=August 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115745/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/31/kelly-clarkson-on-the-soundtrack-of-her-life-read-her-exclusive-ew-interview-here/|archive-date=August 26, 2014|url-status=live}}

Clarkson grew up in Burleson, Texas and was educated at Pauline Hughes Middle School. In the seventh grade, the school's choir teacher, Cynthia Glenn, overheard her singing in a hallway and asked her to audition for the school choir. Clarkson told her she had never received any professional vocal training.{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006181308/http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ |archive-date=October 6, 2012 }} Clarkson graduated from Burleson High School in 2000, where she performed in several musicals, such as Annie Get Your Gun, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Brigadoon.{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/kelly_clarkson/biography/0,,,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |magazine=People |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019042445/http://www.people.com/people/kelly_clarkson/biography/0,,,00.html |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.ro/artisti/kelly-clarkson |title=Kelly Clarkson – Artist International |language=ro |agency=MTV Romania |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907054016/http://www.mtv.ro/artisti/kelly-clarkson |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }} Clarkson started voice training, hoping to secure a college scholarship in music.

After graduating from high school, Clarkson declined full scholarships to the University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Berklee College of Music. She declined them saying, "I'd already written so much music and wanted to try on my own... I figured you're never too old to go to college."{{cite magazine |last=Nash |first=Alanna |title=Single Minded |url=http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/single-minded-/article42613.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525225258/http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/single-minded-/article42613.html |archive-date=May 25, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2022 |magazine=Reader's Digest}} She worked several jobs to finance a demo, recording material and trying to market it to record labels, but she received little response. Clarkson turned down two recording contracts from Jive Records and Interscope Records, saying, "They would have completely pigeonholed me as a bubblegum act. I was confident enough that something better would come along." In 2001, she traveled to Los Angeles, pursuing a career in music. She appeared as an extra in a few television series such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Dharma & Greg,{{Cite magazine |date=June 25, 2007 |title=Five Questions with Kelly Clarkson |url=https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/q-and-a/a431/kelly-clarkson-0807/ |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=Seventeen |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503174807/https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/q-and-a/a431/kelly-clarkson-0807/ |url-status=live }} and briefly worked with musician Gerry Goffin to record five demo tracks in an effort to secure a record deal.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/kelly-clarkson.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |work=The Biography Channel |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712010839/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/kelly-clarkson.html |archive-date=July 12, 2012}} According to Clarkson, her early attempts to launch her music career floundered when she was turned down by almost every U.S. record label for sounding "too black".{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/04/kelly-clarkson-determination-celebrity-grammys-jane-austen-interview|title = Kelly Clarkson: 'I've had to cry in record label offices to get my singles released'|date = March 4, 2015|last = Sullivan|first = Caroline|work = The Guardian|location = London|access-date = December 12, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161209204727/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/04/kelly-clarkson-determination-celebrity-grammys-jane-austen-interview|archive-date = December 9, 2016|url-status = live}} Lack of other career opportunities and a fire incident in her apartment forced Clarkson to return to Burleson, where she worked different jobs.{{cite web |url=http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |title=Kelly Clarkson Profile – Biography of Pop Star Kelly Clarkson |last=Lamb |first=Bill |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041339/http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}

{{see also|American Idol (season 1)|World Idol}}

Image:Kelly Clarkson in September 2002.jpg in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2002, after her win on Idol]]

Upon returning to Burleson, Clarkson was encouraged by her friends to audition for the first season of the reality television series American Idol: The Search for a Superstar in May 2002. Despite receiving a "golden ticket", a pass to the Hollywood rounds, in the series premiere, Clarkson made her first appearance during the second episode. In an interview in 2012, Clarkson referred to the first season as "ghetto", explaining: "On our season we were like kids in camp. Nobody knew what to do. The show was ever changing every day. They did one season of Pop Idol in the UK, but America is a very different market. They dropped us off in a mall and said 'find some clothes to wear on national television'. I am maybe the closest to white trash you can get. What do I buy? White pants I guess? I definitely looked like a cocktail waitress."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-mariah-carey-american-idol-dallas-cowboys-theme-361489|title=Kelly Clarkson Talks Football, 'Entitled' 'American Idol' Contestants and New Judge Mariah Carey|last=Angermiller |first=Michele Amabile|date=August 14, 2012|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815185823/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-mariah-carey-american-idol-dallas-cowboys-theme-361489|archive-date=August 15, 2012|url-status=dead}} Clarkson went on to win the competition on September 4, 2002, at the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby), earning 58% of the votes against runner-up Justin Guarini.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457324/kelly-clarkson-crowned-american-idol.jhtml |title=Kelly Clarkson Crowned 'American Idol' |publisher=MTV News |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029033822/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457324/kelly-clarkson-crowned-american-idol/ |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |url-status=dead }}

Immediately after winning American Idol, Clarkson was signed to a record deal with RCA Records, 19 Recordings, and S Records by talent manager Simon Fuller, who created American Idol, and music mogul Clive Davis, who was slated to executive-produce her debut album. On September 17, 2002, her debut double-A-side single, "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This", was released. Both songs were performed by Clarkson during the season finale of American Idol. After debuting at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the single climbed to number 52 the following week, and subsequently ascended to number one. It broke a 38-year-old record set by the British band The Beatles for the biggest leap to number one.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kelly-clarkson-breakaway/ |title=Kelly Clarkson: Breakaway |first=Rome |last=Neal |agency=CBS News |date=August 16, 2004 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009065204/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/16/earlyshow/leisure/music/main636364.shtml |archive-date=October 9, 2013 |url-status=live }} It eventually went on to become the best-selling single of 2002 in the United States.{{cite news|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-20-years-of-top-songs.html |title=Chart Watch Extra: 20 Years Of Top Songs |first=Paul |last=Green |publisher=Yahoo Music |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005162354/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-20-years-of-top-songs.html |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}

Clarkson's debut album, Thankful, was released on April 15, 2003. The album contained aspects of pop, contemporary R&B, and gospel music,{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625881,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's New CD 'Idol'-ize |author=Silverman, Stephen |date=April 23, 2003 |work=People |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329221924/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625881,00.html |archive-date=March 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/04/25/thankful/ |title=Music Review – Thankful – Kelly Clarkson |author=Goldblatt, Henry |date=April 25, 2003 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912164027/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,444557,00.html |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live }} with several established musicians such as Rhett Lawrence, Diane Warren, The Underdogs, and Babyface contributing on to the tracks. Released during a time of urban-R&B dominance, the album was well received by several critics. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album for its vocal ability: "throughout this record, (Clarkson) makes it seem effortless and charming. She can croon, she can belt out a song, she can be sexy and sassy while still being graceful and as wholesome as the girl next door."{{cite web |author=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Thankful — Kelly Clarkson : Review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/thankful-mw0000662367 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827022201/http://www.allmusic.com/album/thankful-mw0000662367 |archive-date=August 27, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation}} Henry Goldblatt of Entertainment Weekly remarked: "Clarkson glides through octaves with the masterful control of someone who's been doing this for decades." Thankful was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell over 4.5 million copies worldwide. It was later certified double platinum by the RIAA, platinum in Canada, and gold in Japan and Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Clarkson,%20Kelly%22 |title=RIAA — Searchable Database: Clarkson, Kelly |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=June 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019004646/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Clarkson%2C%20Kelly%22 |archive-date=October 19, 2015}} Billboard ranked Clarkson 10th in their Top Pop Artist (female) list of 2003.{{cite magazine|title=2003 The Year in Music: Hot 100 Singles & Tracks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68|access-date=February 11, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=December 27, 2003|page=YE-22}}

Its lead single, "Miss Independent", became her first international hit, reaching the top ten in five national charts, including the US. It was later certified gold by the RIAA. It earned Clarkson her first Grammy Award nomination for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" at the 46th Grammy Awards.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/movies/rap-rules-among-the-grammy-award-nominations.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm |title=Rap Rules Among the Grammy Award Nominations |author=Strauss, Neil |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 14, 2012 |date=December 5, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908112412/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/movies/rap-rules-among-the-grammy-award-nominations.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=live }} It was followed with two moderately successful singles, "Low" and "The Trouble with Love Is"; the latter was used on the soundtrack of British romantic film Love Actually. Her first video album, Miss Independent, was released on November 18, 2003, and was certified gold by the RIAA. To support Thankful, Clarkson and Idol second season runner-up Clay Aiken co-headlined the 2004 Independent Tour throughout the US.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484333/clay-aiken-kelly-clarkson-plan-tour.jhtml |title=Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson Plan Joint Headlining Tour |author=Moss, Corey |date=January 13, 2004 |work=MTV News |access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1323293302NXEDGXLXXK?url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484333/clay-aiken-kelly-clarkson-plan-tour.jhtml |archive-date=December 7, 2011}}

Clarkson made her film debut with Guarini with the release of the musical romantic comedy film From Justin to Kelly in June 2003. The film was poorly received by critics{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/from_justin_to_kelly/ |title=From Justin to Kelly (2003) |work=Rotten Tomatoes |date=June 20, 2003 |publisher=Flixster |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826145638/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/from_justin_to_kelly/ |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |url-status=live }} and was unsuccessful at the box office, with Clarkson explaining that she was "contractually obligated" to do the film and didn't like it.{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E8MfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629,538075&dq=kelly+clarkson+from+justin+to+kelly&hl=en |title=Kelly Clarkson Didn't Like From Justin To Kelly' Either |date=February 3, 2006 |location=New York |work=The Gadsden Times |publisher=Halifax Media Group |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602211326/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E8MfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629,538075&dq=kelly+clarkson+from+justin+to+kelly&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2005/08/26/ew-asks-kelly-clarkson-stupid-questions/ |title=Stupid Questions with Kelly Clarkson |author=Snierson, Dan |date=August 19, 2006 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021145353/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1098338,00.html |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live }} In 2002, Clarkson, along with American Idol judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson and hosts Brian Dunkleman and Ryan Seacrest, participated in the season premiere of the eighth season of the television comedy series MADtv. She also portrayed Brenda Lee in two episodes of the television drama American Dreams between 2003 and 2004. On December 25, 2003, Clarkson participated in the television special competition World Idol in London, along with the first winners of the several Idol television series around the world. Clarkson was contractually obligated to participate, and she performed Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She ended up as the runner-up with 97 points, behind the first Norwegian Idol Kurt Nilsen.{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,627410,00.html |title=Norway's Nilsen Wins 'World Idol' Title |author=Silverman, Stephen |date=January 2, 2004 |work=People |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811052334/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,627410,00.html |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:Kelly Clarkson in Canberra, 2005 (3).jpg on November 15, 2005, Canberra, Australia]]

Trying to distance herself from her American Idol image, Clarkson decided to leave Fuller and 19 Management and hired the services of talent manager Jeff Kwatinetz of The Firm. She reinvented herself to some extent, developing a more rock-oriented sound with her second studio album, Breakaway. Davis served as the executive producer for the record, while Clarkson co-wrote six of the tracks with pop and rock songwriters such as former Evanescence band members Ben Moody and David Hodges, Kara DioGuardi, Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Breakaway received critical acclaim, with Erlewine of AllMusic remarking: "What gives Breakaway its spine are the driving, anthemic pop tunes, numbers that sound simultaneously mainstream and youthful, which is a hard trick to pull off, and they are the tracks that illustrate Clarkson is a rare thing in the 2000s: a pop singer who's neither hip nor square, just solidly and enjoyably in the mainstream."{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/breakaway-mw0000633392 |title=Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : AllMusic |author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |work=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008052506/http://www.allmusic.com/album/breakaway-mw0000633392 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Breakaway was released on November 30, 2004, and became Clarkson's most commercially successful album. After debuting at number three on the Billboard 200,{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/12/08/jay-zlinkin-park-mash-tops-album-chart/ |title=Comfortably 'Numb' |author=Suzman, Gary |date=December 8, 2004 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619213458/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,945354,00.html |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |url-status=live }} its longevity allowed it to become the third-best-selling album of 2005 in the US and was certified sextuple platinum by the RIAA.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/music-events/kelly-clarkson,1091737/critic-review.html#reviewNum1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205193731/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/music-events/kelly-clarkson,1091737/critic-review.html%23reviewNum1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Clarkson Pops Back From Cold 'December' |author=J. Freedom du Lac |date=March 10, 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 14, 2012}} The album also enjoyed success throughout the world; it topped the charts in the Netherlands and Ireland, became the world's seventh-best-selling album of 2005 and went on to sell more than twelve million copies worldwide.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/22665 |title=Coldplay had biggest selling album of 2005 |author=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry |date=March 31, 2006 |work=NME |publisher=Time, Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |author-link=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421050704/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/22665 |archive-date=April 21, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/21/kelly-clarkson-and-bruno-mars-to-perform-on-the-x-factor-results-show/111378/ |title=Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars on 'The X Factor' |author=Suzman, Gary |date=November 21, 2011 |work=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Tribune Media Services |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122172401/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/21/kelly-clarkson-and-bruno-mars-to-perform-on-the-x-factor-results-show/111378/ |archive-date=November 22, 2011}} Clarkson was named the Top Female Artist of the Year by Billboard.{{cite magazine |date=December 24, 2005 |title=The 2005 Year in Music & Touring |page=YE-39 |magazine=Billboard |volume=117 |issue=52 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2005/BB-2005-12-24.pdf }} She promoted the album with the Breakaway Tour, Hazel Eyes Tour, and Addicted Tour which took place from 2005 to 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500899/kelly-clarkson-turns-23-extends-tour.jhtml|title=Kelly Clarkson Turns 23; Fans' Tour Wishes Come True|author=Davis, Carolyn E.|date=April 27, 2005|work=MTV News |access-date= July 22, 2019|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1323340963WYMHXKOPLD?url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500899/kelly-clarkson-turns-23-extends-tour.jhtml|archive-date=December 8, 2011}}

Five singles were released to promote Breakaway. Its title track, "Breakaway", was originally released in July 2004, as the soundtrack for Disney film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and was later re-released as the album's fifth single in May 2006. It became Clarkson's third top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 with a peak of number six. It was a major success on adult contemporary radio, topping the Billboard Adult Contemporary for 21 weeks and the Adult Contemporary Audience chart for 28 weeks (her longest number one on any charts).{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/american-idol-s-tenth-anniversary-kelly-1007278152.story |title=American Idol's Tenth Anniversary: Kelly Clarkson's Journey to 73 Billboard Chart Toppers |author=Bronson, Fred |date=June 11, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114165241/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/american-idol-s-tenth-anniversary-kelly-1007278152.story |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |url-status=live }} "Since U Been Gone" was released as the album's lead single in November 2004 and became Clarkson's most successful single on the Hot 100 despite peaking at number two. The second and third singles, "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You", also followed suit—peaking at number six and number seven on the Hot 100, respectively. "Because of You" became Clarkson's biggest single worldwide, reaching number one on the European Hot 100 Singles chart and the national charts in Brazil, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58658/ward-gnarls-barkley-lock-down-uk-charts|title=Ward, Gnarls Barkley Lock Down U.K. Charts|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=May 2, 2017|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105181626/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58658/ward-gnarls-barkley-lock-down-uk-charts|archive-date=January 5, 2017|url-status=live}} The fourth single, "Walk Away", peaked at number twelve on the Hot 100. According to Mediabase, Clarkson was the most-played artist of 2006 in the U.S.{{cite press release|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061221/lath017.html?.v=86|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319151546/http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061221/lath017.html?.v=86|archive-date=March 19, 2007|title=Mediabase Announces 2006 Radio Airplay Leaders|publisher=Premiere Radio Networks, Inc|date=December 21, 2006 |access-date=September 14, 2012}}

Breakaway garnered Clarkson many accolades, including two trophies at the 48th Grammy Awards—the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Since U Been Gone" and the Best Pop Vocal Album.{{cite news|url=https://www.grammy.com/artist/kelly-clarkson|title=Kelly Clarkson|newspaper=Grammy.com |date=January 18, 2013 |publisher=Grammy Award|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221025427/https://www.grammy.com/artist/kelly-clarkson|archive-date=February 21, 2017|url-status=live}} She also won Best Female Video two years in a row, for "Since U Been Gone" and "Because of You", at the MTV Video Music Awards. Clarkson's second video album, Behind Hazel Eyes, was released on March 29, 2005. In 2005, she performed and participated during the thirtieth season of the American sketch-comedy series, Saturday Night Live, and the reality series Damage Control with Simple Plan frontman Pierre Bouvier. She performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Game{{nbsp}}2 of the NBA Finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasymusicleague.com/artist.php?id=7585|title=Kelly Clarkson To Final Four Fest|last=Desens|first=Krista Desens|publisher=fantasymusicleague|access-date=March 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818071618/http://www.fantasymusicleague.com/artist.php?id=7585|archive-date=August 18, 2007|url-status=dead}} She performed during the festivities All-Star Game{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/b/2005/06/09/will-smith-kelly-clarkson-alanis-morissette-stevie-wonder-entertain-at-nba-finals.htm |title=Will Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette, Stevie Wonder Entertain At NBA Finals |last=Lamb |first=Bill |date=June 9, 2005 |publisher=About.com |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604231820/http://top40.about.com/b/2005/06/09/will-smith-kelly-clarkson-alanis-morissette-stevie-wonder-entertain-at-nba-finals.htm |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }} and the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy;{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/b/2006/01/30/winter-olympics-concerts-kelly-clarkson-whitney-houston-avril-lavigne-and-more.htm|title=Winter Olympics Concerts: Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Avril Lavigne, and More|last=Lamb|first=Bill|date=January 30, 2006|publisher=About.com|access-date=March 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604231826/http://top40.about.com/b/2006/01/30/winter-olympics-concerts-kelly-clarkson-whitney-houston-avril-lavigne-and-more.htm|archive-date=June 4, 2011}} In 2006, Clarkson recorded "Go" as a free download for the Ford Motor Company advertising campaign.{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23329 |title="Bold Moves" puts consumers at center of all Ford-brand marketing |publisher=Ford Motor Company |access-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005091148/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23329 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23926 |title=Kelly Clarkson fans may be addicted to Ford |publisher=Ford Motor Company |access-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130154657/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23926 |archive-date=January 30, 2013 }}

Clarkson's third studio album, My December, was released on June 22, 2007. The album relied on darker themes and heavier rock music.{{cite magazine |last=Georgi |first=Maya |date= |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kelly-clarkson/biography |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709081245/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kelly-clarkson/biography |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media LLC}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2008/01/kelly-clarkson-my-december-rca/|title=Kelly Clarkson, 'My December' (RCA)|first=Michael|last=Endelman|date=January 18, 2008|work=Spin|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152809/https://www.spin.com/2008/01/kelly-clarkson-my-december-rca/|archive-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live}} She replaced Davis as the executive producer and co-wrote all the tracks.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-december-mw0000475112/credits|title=My December > Credits|website=AllMusic|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022828/https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-december-mw0000475112/credits|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live}} She opted to collaborate with her band members rather than her previous producers and collaborators.{{cite web |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/main.php?content=journal |title=Kelly Clarkson // Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610055222/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/main.php?content=journal |archive-date=June 10, 2007 }} Its production and release became a subject of a dispute with RCA, particularly with Davis. He noted the album's lack of professional production input and wanted her to re-record tracks with a more mainstream appeal, which she refused. Clarkson defended herself saying, "I've sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and still nobody listens to what I have to say. I couldn't give a crap about being a star. I've always just wanted to sing and write."{{cite web|url=http://www.elle.com/coverstory/11273/kelly-clarkson-page6.html |title=Kelly Clarkson - ELLE |access-date=June 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609171340/http://www.elle.com/coverstory/11273/kelly-clarkson-page6.html |archive-date=June 9, 2007}} The album received positive response, but lack of promotion due to reluctance of RCA led Clarkson to dismiss Kwatinetz and Live Nation to cancel its accompanying tour, the My December Tour, and reschedule it into a smaller scale with supporting acts Jon McLaughlin, Sean Kingston and Mandy Moore.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049543/kelly-clarkson-unveils-fall-tour-plans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414013304/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049543/kelly-clarkson-unveils-fall-tour-plans|archive-date=April 14, 2013|title=Kelly Clarkson Unveils Fall Tour Plans|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan |date=September 4, 2007 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=March 20, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/uk-album-chart-analysis-coldplays-mylo-xyloto-smashes-through-200k-sales-barrier/047131 |title=UK Album Chart analysis: Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto smashes through 200k sales barrier |last=Jones |first=Alan |work=Music Week |publisher=Intent Media |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019004646/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/uk-album-chart-analysis-coldplays-mylo-xyloto-smashes-through-200k-sales-barrier/047131 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |url-status=live }} Clarkson later hired talent manager Narvel Blackstock of Starstruck Management. Blackstock was the husband of country artist Reba McEntire, of whom Clarkson is a close friend. Clarkson later issued an apology to Davis, citing him as "a key advisor" in her success.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kelly-clarkson-under-new-management/ |title=Kelly Clarkson: Under New Management |author=Faber, Judy |date=February 11, 2009 |work=CBS News |publisher=CBS Corporation |access-date=September 14, 2012}}

File:Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson - Encore.jpg during the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour in Minneapolis in 2008]]

My December debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The album went on to sell over 2.5 million copies worldwide.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2009/02/27/i-m-not-as-controversial-as-the-media-portrays-me-says-american-idol-winner-kelly-clarkson-86908-21156403/|title=I'm not as controversial as the media portrays me, says original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson|last=Fulton|first=Rick|date=February 27, 2009|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=March 20, 2009|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172415/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/im-not-as-controversial-as-the-media-portrays-1011678|url-status=live}} It featured only one major hit single, "Never Again", which debuted and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100—her highest debut on the chart ever. On July 7, 2007, Clarkson performed on the American leg of Live Earth concert.{{cite web |url=http://music.msn.com/artists/kellyclarkson/ |title=Live Earth on MSN: The Concerts For A Climate In Crisis |publisher=MSN |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211204737/http://music.msn.com/artists/kellyclarkson/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Clarkson partnered with NASCAR during their 2007 season, appearing in televised advertisements, performed at pre-race concerts, promoted NASCAR Day, and appeared at the Champions' Banquet in December.{{cite web|url=http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=461 |title=NASCAR and Kelly Clarkson Announce Unprecedented Partnership |date=January 19, 2007 |publisher=nascar.com |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727011555/http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=461 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 }}

Clarkson collaborated with Reba McEntire in an hour-long CMT Crossroads special at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on February 22, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4600290-1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717064901/http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4600290-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |title=Clarkson Duets With Reba On 'idol' Reunion |publisher=Allbusiness.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 }} Introduced by Dolly Parton, Clarkson performed "Why Haven't I Heard from You" and "Does He Love You" with Martina McBride on the television special CMT Giants: Reba McEntire. She also appeared on an episode of McEntire's sitcom Reba, which aired on January 14, 2007. At the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16, 2007, Clarkson and McEntire sang a country version of "Because of You", which also became the lead single from the album Reba: Duets. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. Throughout 2008, Clarkson and McEntire embarked on the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour to support Reba: Duets and My December.{{cite web| url=http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1574453/20071115/mcentire_reba.jhtml| title=Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson Plan Tour Together|date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Country Music Television|publisher=MTV Networks| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071219003311/http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1574453/20071115/mcentire_reba.jhtml| archive-date= December 19, 2007 | url-status=dead}}

File:Kelly Clarkson, Women's World Awards 2009 a.jpg]]

Clarkson's fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, was released on March 6, 2009. Clarkson continued to co-write her own material, but this time she returned to a mainstream-oriented sound by reuniting with previous collaborators Dr. Luke, Martin, and DioGuardi, and new collaborators Howard Benson, Claude Kelly, Ryan Tedder, Glen Ballard, Matt Thiessen and Katy Perry in contributing tracks for the album. The release of All I Ever Wanted was met with positive acclaim from music critics for its lighter themes.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Music-Kelly-Clarkson-s-All-I-Ever-Wanted-1302088.php?dpfrom=thead |title=Music: Kelly Clarkson's 'All I Ever Wanted' |date=March 11, 2009 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |publisher=Hearst Corporation |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908115349/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Music-Kelly-Clarkson-s-All-I-Ever-Wanted-1302088.php?dpfrom=thead |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=live }} The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and remaining there for two weeks.{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6450394/hot-100-chart-kelly-clarkson-heartbeat-song-debuts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128083233/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6450394/hot-100-chart-kelly-clarkson-heartbeat-song-debuts|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Kelly Clarkson's 'Heartbeat Song' Debuts in Top 40 |first=Gary|last=Trust|magazine=Billboard|date=January 23, 2015|access-date=January 28, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2015}} The album has sold over a million copies in the U.S. and garnered Clarkson a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 52nd Grammy Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2009&genre=All |title=The 52nd Grammy Award Nominees List |publisher=Grammy.com |year=2009 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206065013/http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2009&genre=All |archive-date=December 6, 2010}}

Its first single, "My Life Would Suck Without You", became an international hit. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 97 and rose to the top position the following week, breaking the record for the biggest jump to number one in a single week previously held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer".{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/01/kelly-clarksons.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's 'My Life' makes history |author=Martens, Todd |date=January 28, 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107183131/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/01/kelly-clarksons.html |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |url-status=live }} It also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hungary. It was followed with two more top-twenty singles, "I Do Not Hook Up" and "Already Gone". The release of "Already Gone" became a subject of another dispute between Clarkson and RCA, after she realized its similarities with Beyoncé's song "Halo", both of which were produced by Tedder.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617011/kelly-clarkson-i-didnt-rip-off-beyonce.jhtml |title=Think Kelly Clarkson's 'Already Gone' Sounds Like Beyonce's 'Halo?' So Does Kelly ... |author=Montgomery, James |date=July 27, 2009 |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103074107/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617011/kelly-clarkson-i-didnt-rip-off-beyonce.jhtml |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Further promotion for the album was abruptly ended with the limited success of its fourth and final singles, "All I Ever Wanted" and "Cry". Clarkson supported All I Ever Wanted with the All I Ever Wanted Tour from 2009 to 2010. She also performed as one of many main artists for the return of VH1 Divas in September 2009.{{cite web |url=http://blog.vh1.com/2009-07-21/adele-kelly-clarkson-leona-lewis-and-miley-cyrus-head-vh1-divas-lineup/ |title=Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus Head VH1 Divas Lineup! |author=Juzwiak, Rich |date=July 21, 2009 |work=VH1 |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620134421/http://blog.vh1.com/2009-07-21/adele-kelly-clarkson-leona-lewis-and-miley-cyrus-head-vh1-divas-lineup/ |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Clarkson became a guest mentor on the Dutch television series X Factor in November 2009.{{cite web |title=Kelly Clarkson blij met billen |url=http://www.rtl.nl:80/components/actueel/rtlboulevard/miMedia/2009/week12/do_chubby_clarkson.avi_plain.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323162120/http://www.rtl.nl/components/actueel/rtlboulevard/miMedia/2009/week12/do_chubby_clarkson.avi_plain.xml |language=nl |publisher=RTL |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

{{see also|Duets (TV series)|}}

Clarkson recorded a country duet with Jason Aldean, "Don't You Wanna Stay", for his 2010 album My Kinda Party.{{cite web |url=http://www.countrymusicislove.com/2010/08/jason-aldean-to-release-my-kinda-party-november-2.html |title=Jason Aldean To Release 'My Kinda Party' November 2 – Country Music Is Love |publisher=Countrymusicislove.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708200620/http://www.countrymusicislove.com/2010/08/jason-aldean-to-release-my-kinda-party-november-2.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }} It became her first number-one song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has sold over 2.7 million copies, making it the best-selling country collaboration in history.{{cite news|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-july-17-2011-songs-demis-breakthrough.html |title=Week Ending July 17, 2011. Songs: Demi's Breakthrough |work=Yahoo |date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2013 |first=Paul |last=Grein |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201234545/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-july-17-2011-songs-demis-breakthrough.html |archive-date=February 1, 2013 }} It received numerous country-related accolades, including a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=8 |title=The 54th Grammy Award Nominees List |publisher=Grammy.com |year=2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727025507/http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=8 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |url-status=live }} Clarkson incorporated a slight country vibe into her fifth studio album, Stronger, which was also influenced by Prince, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, and Radiohead. She worked with several producers including Greg Kurstin, Ester Dean, Darkchild, Toby Gad, Steve Jordan, and Howard Benson. Released on October 21, 2011, Stronger debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It was also critically applauded and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards, making her the first artist to win the award twice.{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/04/best-pop-vocal-album-kelly-clarkson_n_2618173.html |title=Best Pop Vocal Album – Kelly Clarkson |work=Huffington Post |access-date=February 13, 2013 |first=Christopher |last=Rosen |date=February 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213030305/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/04/best-pop-vocal-album-kelly-clarkson_n_2618173.html |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:Kelly Clarkson live in Sudbury 2011.jpg in 2011]]

Stronger{{'}}s lead single, "Mr. Know It All", was released in September 2011. It reached number one in Australia and South Korea and attained a top-ten position in seven countries, including the U.S., where it became her ninth top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became a crossover hit to the country charts, prompting RCA to reissue a country version. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" served as the second single in January 2012, and topped sixteen Billboard charts, becoming her third number one on the Hot 100.{{cite news |title='American Idol' on the Charts: Fantasia Looks for Another 'Win' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-fantasia-looking-427131 |last=Bronson |first=Fred |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313090839/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-fantasia-looking-427131 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |url-status=live }} It also reached number one in Poland and Slovakia and reached the top ten in many other charts worldwide. It remains Clarkson's best-selling single, with 4.9 million copies sold in the U.S. alone. The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards—Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. "Dark Side" was released as the third and final single in June 2012, and it achieved a modest success. It became her eleventh top-ten hit on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart, and she surpassed Sheryl Crow and Katy Perry as the female artist with the most top-ten songs on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/480620/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki|title=Weekly Chart Notes: Kylie Minogue's 9th No. 1 Dance Hit, Scissor Sisters' 'Kiki' Debuts|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529042751/http://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/480620/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki|archive-date=May 29, 2013|url-status=live}}

The release of Stronger was accompanied by two EPs, The Smoakstack Sessions and iTunes Session.{{cite web |url=http://www.myplaydirect.com/kelly-clarkson/details/25839075 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711125204/http://www.myplaydirect.com/kelly-clarkson/details/25839075 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson's Official Website Store |publisher=Myplaydirect.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 }} The latter debuted at number 85 on the Billboard 200, and it was promoted by its only single, a cover of "I'll Be Home for Christmas". Clarkson co-wrote "Tell Me a Lie", which was recorded by British boy band One Direction for their debut album, Up All Night (2011). Clarkson promoted Stronger with two concert tours, the Stronger Tour and the co-headlining the Kelly Clarkson / The Fray Tour with the alternative rock band The Fray. On February 5, 2012, she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLVI to widespread critical acclaim.{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/super-bowl-2012-kelly-clarkson-sings-national-anthem-madonna-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-tackle-halftime-show-article-1.1017886| title=Kelly Clarkson sings National Anthem at Super Bowl: 'I've never been more nervous in my life'| work=NY Daily News| date=February 6, 2012| access-date=February 8, 2012| first=Joyce| last=Chen| location=New York| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055315/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/super-bowl-2012-kelly-clarkson-sings-national-anthem-madonna-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-tackle-halftime-show-article-1.1017886| archive-date=February 9, 2012| url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269179/kelly-clarkson-tops-billboard-200|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524071623/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269179/kelly-clarkson-tops-billboard-200|archive-date=May 24, 2009|title=Kelly Clarkson Tops Billboard 200|last=Caulfield|first=Keith |date=March 18, 2009|magazine=Billboard.com|access-date=March 20, 2009}} She later released a promotional single, "Get Up (A Cowboys Anthem)", for use in Pepsi's NFL advertising campaign.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/sounds/post/_/id/3009/mccoy-giants-ribs-clarkson-cowboys |title=McCoy (Giants) ribs Clarkson (Cowboys) |work=ESPN |access-date=September 14, 2012 |date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228075743/http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/sounds/post/_/id/3009/mccoy-giants-ribs-clarkson-cowboys |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}

Clarkson served as a mentor and judge, alongside John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, and Robin Thicke, on the ABC television show Duets, which premiered on May 24, 2012.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20576801,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Among Singers Starring in Duets |magazine=People Magazine |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421023714/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20576801,00.html |archive-date=April 21, 2012 }} The show concluded on July 19, 2012, with Clarkson's contestant Jason Farol finishing as the second runner-up. She also became a guest mentor to Blake Shelton's team on second season on The Voice. The two later collaborated on a cover of "There's a New Kid in Town" for Shelton's 2012 Christmas album, Cheers, It's Christmas.{{cite web |last=Pacella |first=Megan |title='Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Special' Leaves Viewers in Stitches |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-not-so-family-christmas-special/ |work=Taste of Country |date=December 4, 2012 |publisher=Townsquare Media |access-date=June 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314204828/http://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-not-so-family-christmas-special/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of her career in music, Clarkson released her first greatest hits album, Greatest Hits – Chapter One, on November 19, 2012. Three new songs recorded for the compilation—"Catch My Breath", "Don't Rush" (featuring country musician Vince Gill) and "People Like Us"—were all released as singles. "Catch My Breath" became her 14th top-twenty hit on the Hot 100 chart as well as her 13th million-selling single in the United States. According to Billboard, it was the third biggest adult contemporary song of 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-alums-end-668522|title='American Idol' on the Charts: Alums End 2013 on High Notes|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 5, 2014|access-date=January 5, 2014|first=Fred|last=Bronson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111045131/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-alums-end-668522|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=live}} However, its follow-up singles performed moderately well on the charts. Clarkson earned more nominations from the country music industry, including Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Don't Rush" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2012 Country Music Association Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|title=Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List|magazine=Billboard|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813121343/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|archive-date=August 13, 2016|url-status=live}} Chapter One was eventually certified gold in Australia, the UK and the U.S.

{{see also|Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale}}

File:Kelly Clarkson 2013 Honda Civic Tour.JPG in August 2013]]

In January 2013, Clarkson performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" at the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1699862/beyonce-kelly-clarkson-obama-Inauguration.jhtml |title=Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson To Perform At President Obama's Second Inauguration |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=January 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112002606/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1699862/beyonce-kelly-clarkson-obama-inauguration.jhtml |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Her live rendition was acclaimed by critics, who contrasted it with Beyoncé's pre-recorded performance during the same event.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/kelly-clarkson-was-not-lip-sync-singer-my-country-tis-of-thee_n_2527535.html|title=Kelly Clarkson Was Not Lip-Syncing: Singer's Rendition Of 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee' Was Live|date=January 22, 2013|website=Huffingtonpost.com|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325201837/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/kelly-clarkson-was-not-lip-sync-singer-my-country-tis-of-thee_n_2527535.html|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live}} In February 2013, she performed "Tennessee Waltz" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards as a tribute to Patti Page and Carole King.{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/02/grammys-2013-kelly-clarksons-natural-woman-and-tennessee-waltz-in-tribute-to-carole-king-and-patti-p.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's Natural Woman and Tennessee Waltz in Tribute to Carole King and Patti Page |work=Zap2it |publisher=Tribune Media Services |access-date=February 13, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212043948/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/02/grammys-2013-kelly-clarksons-natural-woman-and-tennessee-waltz-in-tribute-to-carole-king-and-patti-p.html |archive-date=February 12, 2013 }} She also released a non-album single, "Tie It Up", exclusively to country music stations in June 2013.{{cite magazine |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/10/kelly-clarkson-tie-it-up-new-song/ |title=Kelly Clarkson goes country on new single, 'Tie It Up': Hear it here! |first=Adam |last=Carlson |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613140529/http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/10/kelly-clarkson-tie-it-up-new-song/ |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |url-status=live }} Clarkson and Maroon 5 performed at 24 concerts as part of the 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour, starting on August 1, 2013, and ending on October 6, 2013. She was featured on the re-recorded version of "Foolish Games" for Jewel's first compilation, Greatest Hits (2013).{{cite magazine| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1481504/jewel-releasing-greatest-hits-on-feb-5| title=Jewel Releasing 'Greatest Hits' on Feb. 5| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Prometheus Global Media| date=December 10, 2012| access-date=February 6, 2013| first=Gary| last=Graff| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528123949/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1481504/jewel-releasing-greatest-hits-on-feb-5| archive-date=May 28, 2013| url-status=live}} Clarkson also collaborated with singer Robbie Williams on the song "Little Green Apples" for his 2013 album Swings Both Ways.{{cite web|title=Robbie Williams announces new album 'Swings Both Ways'-video|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a514634/robbie-williams-announces-new-album-swings-both-ways-video.html|website=Digital Spy|access-date=September 11, 2013|date=September 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913155822/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a514634/robbie-williams-announces-new-album-swings-both-ways-video.html|archive-date=September 13, 2013|url-status=live}}

Clarkson's sixth studio album and first Christmas record, Wrapped in Red, was solely produced by Greg Kurstin. She co-wrote all five original songs and recorded eleven cover versions of Christmas standards and carols. Released on October 25, 2013, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums and at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.{{cite web|url= http://www.contactmusic.com/press/kelly-clarkson-s-wrapped-in-red-debuts-at-number-3-on-billboard-top-200|title= Kelly Clarkson's 'Wrapped In Red' Debuts At Number 3 On Billboard Top 200|publisher= Contact Music|date= December 2013|access-date= January 7, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131110230739/http://www.contactmusic.com/press/kelly-clarkson-s-wrapped-in-red-debuts-at-number-3-on-billboard-top-200|archive-date= November 10, 2013|url-status= live}} By December 2013, Wrapped in Red had already been certified platinum by the RIAA and eventually became the best-selling holiday album of the year.{{cite web |url=http://www.rcarecords.com/news/kellys-clarksons-wrapped-red-certified-platinum-riaa |title=Kelly's Clarkson's Wrapped In Red Certified Platinum By The RIAA |work=RCA Records |date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213060401/http://www.rcarecords.com/news/kellys-clarksons-wrapped-red-certified-platinum-riaa |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }} The album's lead single, "Underneath the Tree", was an adult contemporary number-one hit in both the U.S. and Canada. Clarkson subsequently became Billboard{{'}}s ninth top adult contemporary act of 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.bcharts.com.br/index.php/mediabase-year-end-charts-2013/ |title=Mediabase: Year-End Charts 2013 |work=Mediabase |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216084406/http://www.bcharts.com.br/index.php/mediabase-year-end-charts-2013/ |archive-date=December 16, 2013}} On December 11, 2013, her first Christmas special debut, Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale, garnered over 5.3 million viewers.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-sing-off-tops-x-factor-while-survivor-leads-cbs-wednesday |title=TV Ratings: 'Sing-Off' tops 'X Factor', while 'Survivor' leads CBS Wednesday |work=Hitfix |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213152348/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-sing-off-tops-x-factor-while-survivor-leads-cbs-wednesday |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |url-status=live }} In December 2013, Citizen Watch Co. announced Clarkson as their newest Brand Ambassador.{{cite web|title=CITIZEN Introduces Grammy Award Winner Kelly Clarkson as New Brand Ambassador |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/16/6004650/citizen-introduces-grammy-award.html |publisher=Citizen Watch Company |access-date=December 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190206/http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/16/6004650/citizen-introduces-grammy-award.html |archive-date=December 16, 2013 }} Retaining her relationship with country music acts in 2014, Clarkson collaborated with Martina McBride on "In the Basement" (originally by Etta James and Sugar Pie DeSanto) for McBride's album Everlasting and with Trisha Yearwood on "PrizeFighter" for Yearwood's compilation PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit.{{cite web|url=http://martinamcbride.com/story/martina-mcbride-enlists-don-was-for-a-dream-come-true/ |title=Enlists Don Was for a "Dream Come True" |publisher=Martina McBride |date=January 15, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402183713/http://martinamcbride.com/story/martina-mcbride-enlists-don-was-for-a-dream-come-true/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }} Clarkson also performed a rendition of "All I Ask of You" with Josh Groban on his seventh studio album, Stages, and its companion television special.{{cite magazine|last1=Goodman|first1=Jessica|title=See Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban perform 'All I Ask Of You' for PBS special|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/03/kelly-clarkson-josh-groban-pbs-special|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Inc.|access-date=November 18, 2015|date=November 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119214947/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/03/kelly-clarkson-josh-groban-pbs-special|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}} She was featured on Ben Haenow's "Second Hand Heart", the lead single from his debut studio album.{{cite web |url=http://www.etonline.com/news/173067_kelly_clarkson_featured_on_new_song_after_canceling_more_tour_dates/ |title=Kelly Clarkson Featured on New Song After Canceling More Tour Dates |first=Sophie |last=Schillaci |work=Entertainment Tonight |publisher=CBS |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001234237/http://www.etonline.com/news/173067_kelly_clarkson_featured_on_new_song_after_canceling_more_tour_dates/ |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}

In February 2015, Clarkson released Piece by Piece, her seventh and final studio album under her recording contract with RCA Records.{{cite magazine|last1=Feeney|first1=Nolan|title=Kelly Clarkson: I Will Never Tell My Daughter About From Justin to Kelly|url=https://time.com/3725769/kelly-clarkson-piece-by-piece-interview/|access-date=February 27, 2015|magazine=Time|date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306134813/http://time.com/3725769/kelly-clarkson-piece-by-piece-interview/|archive-date=March 6, 2015|url-status=live}} Musically, it is an electropop and dance album, featuring collaborations with Kurstin, Jesse Shatkin, Sia, John Legend, and Shane McAnally, among others. Piece by Piece received a reasonably positive response from music critics{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/piece-by-piece/kelly-clarkson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306231849/http://www.metacritic.com/music/piece-by-piece/kelly-clarkson |title='Piece By Piece' reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-date=March 6, 2015}} and became her third album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6495183/kelly-clarkson-third-no-1-album-on-billboard-200|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311151739/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6495183/kelly-clarkson-third-no-1-album-on-billboard-200|title=Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-date=March 11, 2015}} To promote the album, Clarkson appeared in several televised performances, including the fourteenth season of American Idol, where she became the only alumnus ever to be dedicated with a competing week featuring her discography.{{cite web|last1=Slezak|first1=Michael|title=American Idol: Kelly Clarkson Week Song Spoilers Revealed!|url=http://tvline.com/2015/03/30/american-idol-kelly-clarkson-week-song-spoilers-top-9/|website=tvline.com|publisher=TVLine Media, LLC|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=April 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423175043/http://tvline.com/2015/03/30/american-idol-kelly-clarkson-week-song-spoilers-top-9/|archive-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live}} She also supported the Piece by Piece Tour throughout 2015, which was cut short of its worldwide visits following medical recommendations for a vocal rest during the year.{{cite web|last1=Bliss|first1=Karen|title=Kelly Clarkson's Canadian & U.K. Tour Dates Canceled|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6708097/kelly-clarksons-canadian-uk-tour-dates-canceled|website=Billboard.com|date=September 26, 2015|publisher=Billboard|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929000153/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6708097/kelly-clarksons-canadian-uk-tour-dates-canceled|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live}}

Piece by Piece spawned three singles. The first one, "Heartbeat Song", peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a top-ten hit in the UK, Austria, Poland, and South Africa. However, Clarkson failed to achieve a similar success with the second single, "Invincible". The third and final single, "Piece by Piece", debuted and peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 chart, following Clarkson's emotional performance on the fifteenth season of American Idol. It became her eleventh U.S. top-ten hit and matched "Never Again" as her highest debut on the chart.

{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05/18/2015&Format=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507231322/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05%2F18%2F2015&Format=10 |title=Radio & Records: Going For Adds: Hot AC |work=Radio & Records |date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

{{cite web|title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|publisher=All Access Media Group|access-date=October 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029053326/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|archive-date=October 29, 2015}} At the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, the album and "Heartbeat Song" were nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance, respectively. At the following year, the title track also received a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.{{cite web|last1=Gage|first1=Jeff|title=Dallas Gets Grammy Nods with Leon Bridges, Kelly Clarkson and More|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dallas-gets-grammy-nods-with-leon-bridges-kelly-clarkson-and-more-7835700|website=Dallas Observer|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209021719/http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dallas-gets-grammy-nods-with-leon-bridges-kelly-clarkson-and-more-7835700|archive-date=December 9, 2015|url-status=live}}

{{see also|The Voice (American TV series)}}

In February 2016, it was announced that Clarkson had signed a book deal with HarperCollins. Her first children's book, River Rose and the Magical Lullaby was released on October 4, 2016. The book features an original lullaby written and performed by Clarkson.{{cite web|title=Kelly Announces New Children's Book|url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/river-rose/|date=February 9, 2016|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210162601/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/river-rose/|archive-date=February 10, 2016}} On the possibility of writing any more books in the future, Clarkson told Publishers Weekly, "I've got a few ideas – there could be a lullaby for each book. We've got a plethora of stories, and I've already written seven songs, full out, so we'll just have to see which ones might pan out to be a book. But yes, there will definitely be more."{{cite web|last1=Maughan|first1=Shannon|title=Q&A with Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/71544-q-a-with-kelly-clarkson.html|website=Publishers Weekly|date=September 22, 2016|access-date=September 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926135752/http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/71544-q-a-with-kelly-clarkson.html|archive-date=September 26, 2016|url-status=live}} The second book featuring River Rose, River Rose and the Magical Christmas, was released on October 24, 2017, and included an original song written and sung by Clarkson, "Christmas Eve".{{cite web|url=https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062697646/|title=River Rose and the Magical Christmas – Kelly Clarkson – Hardcover|first=Kelly|last=Clarkson|website=HarperCollins US|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811110425/https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062697646/|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Kelly Clarkson 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony 11.jpg

On March 15, 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama released "This Is for My Girls", a collaborative track featuring vocals from Clarkson, Janelle Monáe, Kelly Rowland, Lea Michele, Zendaya, and Missy Elliott to coincide with Barack Obama's SXSW speech and to promote the First Lady's third-world educational initiative Let Girls Learn.{{cite web|last=Lindner|first=Emilee|title=Michelle Obama Teams with Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae, Zendaya & More for New Song|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/03/michelle-obama-missy-elliott-janelle-monae-zendaya-song-sxsw-this-is-for-my-girls?campaign=scl%7Ctwt%7Cfsc|publisher=Fuse|date=March 15, 2016|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825225111/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/03/michelle-obama-missy-elliott-janelle-monae-zendaya-song-sxsw-this-is-for-my-girls?campaign=scl%7Ctwt%7Cfsc|archive-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=live}} Clarkson recorded a solo version of "It's Quiet Uptown" for The Hamilton Mixtape. Her version was released on November 3, 2016, as a promotional single for the album.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7565679/kelly-clarkson-the-roots-hamilton-mixtape-covers-stream|title=Kelly Clarkson, The Roots Share First 2 Covers Off 'The Hamilton Mixtape': Listen|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708122211/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7565679/kelly-clarkson-the-roots-hamilton-mixtape-covers-stream|archive-date=July 8, 2019|url-status=live}} She also recorded a duet called "Love Goes On" with Aloe Blacc for the original soundtrack of The Shack, which was released in the United States on March 3, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7669833/tim-mcgraw-kelly-clarkson-lady-antebellum-skillet-the-shack|title=Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Skillet and More Contribute New Songs to 'The Shack' Soundtrack: Listen|website=Billboard.com|date=January 27, 2017|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023180124/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7669833/tim-mcgraw-kelly-clarkson-lady-antebellum-skillet-the-shack|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live}} On May 11, 2017, it was announced that Clarkson would join The Voice as a coach for the series' fourteenth season.{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins The Voice Season 14 as Coach (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/kelly-clarkson-the-voice-1202424125/|access-date=May 12, 2017|work=Variety|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511234053/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/kelly-clarkson-the-voice-1202424125/|archive-date=May 11, 2017|location=United States}}

On June 24, 2016, Clarkson announced she had signed a long-term worldwide deal with Atlantic Records, with the intentions of releasing a soul-influenced eighth studio album in 2017.{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Kelly Clarkson Signs Long-Term Deal With Atlantic, Preparing Soul/R&B-Inspired Album for 2017 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7416473/kelly-clarkson-atlantic-deal-2017-album |access-date=June 24, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=June 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627033635/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7416473/kelly-clarkson-atlantic-deal-2017-album |archive-date=June 27, 2016 |location=United States |url-status=dead }} Her lead single "Love So Soft", was released on September 7, 2017, along with the song "Move You".{{Cite magazine |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |date=September 7, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson Reappears With A Pair Of New Singles, 'Love So Soft' And 'Move You' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/09/07/kelly-clarkson-reappears-with-a-pair-of-new-singles-love-so-soft-and-move-you/?sh=7b7043db54fc |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=Forbes |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503174754/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/09/07/kelly-clarkson-reappears-with-a-pair-of-new-singles-love-so-soft-and-move-you/?sh=7b7043db54fc |url-status=live }} On September 6, 2017, Clarkson announced that her album, Meaning of Life, would be released on October 27, 2017. The album went on to debut and peak at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 79,000 album-equivalent units.{{Cite magazine |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |title=Kelly Clarkson, Chris Brown And Several Rappers Post New Albums Inside The U.S. Top 10 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/11/06/kelly-clarkson-chris-brown-and-several-rappers-post-new-albums-inside-the-u-s-top-10/#1088ad336153 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |date=November 6, 2017 |magazine=Forbes}} With the release of Meaning of Life, Clarkson revealed that she had discussions with Atlantic Records about the sound of the follow-up record and has expressed interest in venturing deeper into R&B and soulful pop music.

Clarkson opened the 45th American Music Awards with P!nk, and together they performed R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" to honor first responders. Later in the show, she performed "Miss Independent" and "Love So Soft".{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson & Pink Join Forces to Open 2017 American Music Awards|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Kelly-Clarkson-Pink-Join-Forces-to-Open-2017-AMERICAN-MUSIC-AWARDS-20171116|author=TV News Deck|publisher=BroadwayWorld|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002116/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Kelly-Clarkson-Pink-Join-Forces-to-Open-2017-AMERICAN-MUSIC-AWARDS-20171116|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live}} "Love So Soft" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, giving her the record for the most nominations in that category with four.[https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/60th-grammy-awards-full-nominees-list 60th GRAMMY Awards: Full Nominees List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128121536/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/60th-grammy-awards-full-nominees-list |date=January 28, 2018 }} Grammy Awards, November 28, 2017

Clarkson lent her voice in the animated film The Star, alongside Oprah Winfrey, Steven Yeun, Tyler Perry, and others. The film is based on the Nativity of Jesus. Developed by Sony Pictures Animation, the film was released on November 17, 2017. This was the first film in which Clarkson performed a voice role.{{cite magazine|last1=Masters|first1=Kim|title=Studios' 2017 Forecast: Big Bets, Franchise Fears and Executive Intrigue|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-movies-biggest-gambles-justice-league-mummy-960935/item/sony-what-watch-2017-960933|access-date=January 6, 2017|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106013951/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-movies-biggest-gambles-justice-league-mummy-960935/item/sony-what-watch-2017-960933|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Clarkson also had a guest voice role in the Netflix animated series Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh, portraying herself in the series' 2017 animated Christmas special, Home for the Holidays, alongside Ben Schwartz.{{Cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-gets-animated-dreamworks-home-holidays-christmas-special-exclusive-91235|title=Kelly Clarkson Gets Animated in 'DreamWorks Home For the Holidays' Christmas Special (Exclusive)|last=Boone|first=John|date=November 17, 2017|work=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162734/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-gets-animated-dreamworks-home-holidays-christmas-special-exclusive-91235|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}} In March 2018, Clarkson released "I've Loved You Since Forever", a ballad version of the children's book by Hoda Kotb.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8238624/kelly-clarkson-hoda-kotb-ive-loved-you-since-forever|title=Kelly Clarkson Turns Children's Book 'I've Loved You Since Forever' Into a Heartwarming Lullaby Watch Kelly Clarkson Turn a Children's Book Into a Heartwarming Lullaby|magazine=Billboard|last=Braca|first=Nina|date=March 8, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309003453/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8238624/kelly-clarkson-hoda-kotb-ive-loved-you-since-forever|archive-date=March 9, 2018|url-status=live}} Clarkson hosted and performed at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards on May 20, 2018.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8456842/billboard-music-awards-2018-winners-list-bbmas|title=Billboard Music Awards Winners 2018: The Complete List|magazine=Billboard|date=May 20, 2018|access-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127221441/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8456842/billboard-music-awards-2018-winners-list-bbmas|archive-date=January 27, 2020|url-status=live}} In the fourteenth season of The Voice, Brynn Cartelli was crowned the winner, giving Clarkson her first victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwlp.com/entertainment/brynn-cartelli-of-longmeadow-wins-season-14-of-nbcs-the-voice/1193498933|title=Brynn Cartelli of Longmeadow wins season 14 of NBC's 'The Voice'|publisher=WWLP|last=Crombleholme|first=Hayley|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523172719/http://www.wwlp.com/entertainment/brynn-cartelli-of-longmeadow-wins-season-14-of-nbcs-the-voice/1193498933|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} In the fifteenth season of The Voice, Chevel Shepherd was crowned the winner, giving Clarkson her second consecutive victory and making her the first female coach to win multiple seasons.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

{{see also|The Kelly Clarkson Show}}

On February 28, 2019, it was announced that she would return to host the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, which aired on May 1, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/news/kelly-clarkson-to-return-as-host-for-2019-billboard-music-awards/ar-BBUdW2Y?li=$filter=(%27_links.feed.href%27eq%27cms/api/amp/feed/AA17fsN%27)and(%27$type%27eq%27article%27)&$orderby=%27displayPublishedDateTime%27+desc|title=Kelly Clarkson to Return as Host for 2019 Billboard Music Awards|website=www.msn.com|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329222620/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/news/kelly-clarkson-to-return-as-host-for-2019-billboard-music-awards/ar-BBUdW2Y?li=%24filter%3D('_links.feed.href'eq'cms%2Fapi%2Famp%2Ffeed%2FAA17fsN')and('%24type'eq'article')%26%24orderby%3D'displayPublishedDateTime'+desc|archive-date=March 29, 2019|url-status=dead}} Clarkson voiced Moxy and provided original songs in the animated musical comedy film UglyDolls, which was released on May 3, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kelly-clarkson-joins-uglydolls-film-1126110|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins 'UglyDolls' Voice Cast|author=Gregg Kilday|date=July 10, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711023542/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kelly-clarkson-joins-uglydolls-film-1126110|archive-date=July 11, 2018|url-status=live}} On March 27, 2019, she released "Broken & Beautiful", the lead single from the UglyDolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8504334/kelly-clarkson-broken-and-beautiful-ugly-dolls-soundtrack-listen|title='UglyDolls' Soundtrack Features New Music From Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson & More: See Track List|first=Angelica|last=Acevedo|magazine=Billboard|date=March 27, 2019|access-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329052333/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8504334/kelly-clarkson-broken-and-beautiful-ugly-dolls-soundtrack-listen|archive-date=March 29, 2019|url-status=live}} Clarkson also began hosting the daytime variety talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which premiered on September 9, 2019.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/19/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show/|title=Kelly Clarkson officially launching a daytime talk show|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=September 19, 2018|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920053705/https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/19/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show/|archive-date=September 20, 2018|url-status=live}} In December 2019, Jake Hoot was crowned the winner of the seventeenth season of The Voice, giving Clarkson her third victory as a coach in four seasons.

In November 2019, Clarkson announced a Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Invincible. The residency was due to take place at the Zappos Theater. It was supposed to run from April to September 2020, but it was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.{{cite web|last=Seeman|first=Matthew|title=Kelly Clarkson postpones Las Vegas residency to 2021|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/kelly-clarkson-postpones-las-vegas-residency-to-2021|website=KSNV|date=May 1, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521094620/https://news3lv.com/news/local/kelly-clarkson-postpones-las-vegas-residency-to-2021|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Sheckells|first1=Melinda|title=Kelly Clarkson Sets 2020 Invincible Residency at Las Vegas' Zappos Theater: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8541970/kelly-clarkson-2020-invincible-shows-las-vegas-zappos-theater|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Eldridge Industries|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101132704/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8541970/kelly-clarkson-2020-invincible-shows-las-vegas-zappos-theater|archive-date=November 1, 2019|location=United States |date=November 1, 2019 |url-status=live}} Also in November 2019, Clarkson made an appearance on the Apple TV+ drama series The Morning Show as herself, performing her song "Heat" and interacting with the fictional hosts of the show.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/07/the-morning-show-kelly-clarkson-clip/|title=Kelly Clarkson meets Reese Witherspoon's Bradley Jackson in The Morning Show sneak peek|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2021|archive-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219165358/https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/07/the-morning-show-kelly-clarkson-clip/|url-status=live}} In February 2020, Clarkson became a brand ambassador for Wayfair. In addition, Wayfair released "an 'exclusive' collection of furniture and decor inspired by Clarkson and her Texan roots."{{cite web|last1=Dumcius|first1=Gintautas|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2020/02/19/kelly-clarkson-tapped-as-wayfair-s-first-brand.html|title=Kelly Clarkson tapped as Wayfair's first 'brand ambassador'|website=Boston Business Journal|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=February 25, 2020|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515145030/https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2020/02/19/kelly-clarkson-tapped-as-wayfair-s-first-brand.html|url-status=live}} On April 10, 2020, Trolls World Tour, which featured a character voiced by Clarkson, was released.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/kelly-clarkson-trolls-2-perform-original-song-1202476507/|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins 'Trolls 2' & Will Perform Original Song|work=Deadline Hollywood|last1=N'Duka|first1=Amanda|last2=D'Alessandro|first2=Anthony|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005014655/https://deadline.com/2018/10/kelly-clarkson-trolls-2-perform-original-song-1202476507/|archive-date=October 5, 2018|url-status=live}} On April 16, 2020, Clarkson released the standalone single "I Dare You" in English, as well as duets in five different languages with five native-speaking artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-talks-about-recording-new-single-i-dare-you-in-6-languages-145016|title=Kelly Clarkson Talks About Recording New Single 'I Dare You' in 6 Languages|work=ET|last=Seemayer|first=Zach|date=April 16, 2020|access-date=April 18, 2020|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424192820/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-talks-about-recording-new-single-i-dare-you-in-6-languages-145016|url-status=live}} In May 2020, The Kelly Clarkson Show earned seven nominations, the most for any talk show,{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/05/21/daytime-emmys-nominations-list-2020-nominees-kelly-clarkson/|title=Daytime Emmy Nominations: GH Tops Soaps, Kelly Clarkson Leads Talkers|work=TVLine|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521191045/https://tvline.com/2020/05/21/daytime-emmys-nominations-list-2020-nominees-kelly-clarkson/|url-status=live}} with Clarkson winning in the category Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Daytime Emmys 2020: 'Jeopardy,' 'The View,' 'Ellen,' Alex Trebek, 'Young and the Restless' Among Top Winners |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/daytime-emmys-2020-winners-complete-list-1234692002/ |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=Variety}}

File:P20210220AS-0334.jpg Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in 2021]]

In June 2020, it was announced that she would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021, being inducted into the category of Recording.{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/6/18/kelly-clarkson-to-receive-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fa.html|title=Kelly Clarkson to receive star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame|work=ABC News Radio|last=Dresdale|first=Andrea|date=June 18, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619163145/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/6/18/kelly-clarkson-to-receive-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fa.html|url-status=live}} In May 2021, NBC announced that Clarkson's show would take over the time slot of The Ellen DeGeneres Show after it ends in 2022.{{cite news |title=Kelly Clarkson to replace Ellen DeGeneres on US TV |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57261113 |access-date=28 May 2021 |work=BBC |date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527113617/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57261113 |url-status=live }} In June 2021, Clarkson won two Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment and a second consecutive win for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/daytime-emmys-2021-winners-list-1234781818/|title=Daytime Emmys Winners List – Updating Live|website=Deadline|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628144727/https://deadline.com/2021/06/daytime-emmys-2021-winners-list-1234781818/|url-status=live}}

On September 23, 2021, Clarkson released "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)", the lead single off her ninth studio album and second Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around...{{cite magazine|last1=Mamo|first1=Heran|title=Kelly Clarkson Announces New Holiday Single 'Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9630643/kelly-clarkson-announces-new-holiday-single-christmas-isnt-canceled-just-you|magazine=Billboard|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916013526/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9630643/kelly-clarkson-announces-new-holiday-single-christmas-isnt-canceled-just-you/|url-status=live}} The album was released on October 15, 2021, to positive reviews and earned Clarkson a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.{{cite web |last1=White|first1=Jack|title=Kelly Clarkson to release second festive album When Christmas Comes Around... on October 15|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-clarkson-to-release-second-festive-album-when-christmas-comes-around-on-october-15__34095/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 22, 2021|date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=September 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923001731/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-clarkson-to-release-second-festive-album-when-christmas-comes-around-on-october-15__34095/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Taila|title=2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners & Nominees List|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list|access-date=March 26, 2023|date=November 15, 2022|archive-date=November 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115181333/https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list|url-status=live}} In November 2021, Clarkson performed at the second annual iHeartRadio Holiday Special.{{Cite magazine|last=Atkinson|first=Katie|title=Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train to Bring Holiday Hits to iHeartRadio Christmas Concert|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9655637/kelly-clarkson-michael-buble-pentatonix-train-iheartradio-christmas-concert/|date=November 5, 2021|access-date=November 7, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133921/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9655637/kelly-clarkson-michael-buble-pentatonix-train-iheartradio-christmas-concert|url-status=live}} She hosted her second Christmas special, Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around, which premiered on December 1, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/life/2021/12/how-to-watch-kelly-clarkson-presents-when-christmas-comes-around.html|title=How to Watch "Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around"|last=Dwortz|first=Mallory|date=December 1, 2021|work=MLive|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203000237/https://www.mlive.com/life/2021/12/how-to-watch-kelly-clarkson-presents-when-christmas-comes-around.html|url-status=live}} Also in December 2021, Girl Named Tom were crowned winners of the twenty-first season of The Voice. They are the first group act to win an American season & secured Clarkson's final victory as a coach.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Avery |title='The Voice' Recap: A Historic Winner Is Crowned The Season 21 Champion |url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2021/12/14/who-won-the-voice-season-21-girl-named-tom-winner-recap/ |website=Hollywood Life |date=15 December 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215042311/https://hollywoodlife.com/2021/12/14/who-won-the-voice-season-21-girl-named-tom-winner-recap/|url-status=live }}

In February 2022, Clarkson and Snoop Dogg were named co-hosts of the singing competition series American Song Contest. It is an adaptation of the popular international songwriting competition Eurovision Song Contest. The series premiered on March 21, 2022.{{cite web|title=Snoop Dogg & Kelly Clarkson To Host NBC's 'American Song Contest' Reality Series|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/snoop-dogg-kelly-clarkson-cohost-nbc-american-song-contest-competition-1234932551/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 13, 2022|access-date=February 13, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214010331/https://deadline.com/2022/02/snoop-dogg-kelly-clarkson-cohost-nbc-american-song-contest-competition-1234932551/|url-status=live}}

On June 9, 2022, Clarkson released Kellyoke, an EP consisting of six cover songs that Clarkson covered during her "Kellyoke" segment on her talk show.{{cite magazine|last1=Aniftos|first1=Rania|title=Kelly Clarkson Announces 'Kellyoke' EP With New Cover of Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-kellyoke-ep-happier-than-ever-cover-1235075108/|magazine=Billboard|date=May 25, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525043139/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-kellyoke-ep-happier-than-ever-cover-1235075108/amp/|url-status=live}} She also revealed that her tenth studio album and follow-up to 2017's Meaning of Life and 2021's Christmas album When Christmas Comes Around... was complete, but Clarkson wanted more time to prepare for the promotion and release of the collection.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1n4UPWiDNk|title=Kelly Clarkson is Ready to Put Out a New Album but We Have to Wait | E! Red Carpet & Award Shows|website=YouTube|date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530135646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1n4UPWiDNk | url-status=live }}

In June 2022, Clarkson won two Daytime Emmys, including Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment for the second consecutive year and Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for the third consecutive year.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/lists/daytime-emmys-2022-winners/|title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2022 Winners List|website=Deadline|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|date=June 24, 2022|access-date=November 25, 2022|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109095049/https://tvline.com/lists/daytime-emmys-2022-winners/|url-status=live}} Clarkson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 19, 2022.{{cite magazine|last=Brathwaite|first=Lester Fabian|date=September 19, 2022|title=Kelly Clarkson's Walk of Fame induction was an American Idol reunion|url=https://ew.com/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-walk-of-fame-american-idol-reunion-paula-abdul-simon-cowell-randy-jackson/|access-date=September 19, 2022|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326213357/https://ew.com/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-walk-of-fame-american-idol-reunion-paula-abdul-simon-cowell-randy-jackson/|url-status=live}} Clarkson appeared on the Kelsea Ballerini song, "You're Drunk, Go Home" along with Carly Pearce, which was released in September 2022.{{cite web|last1=Norwin|first1=Alyssa|title=Carly Pearce Teases 'Super Fun' New Song With Kelsea Ballerini & Kelly Clarkson|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/09/12/carly-pearce-kelly-clarkson-kelsea-ballerini-song-acm-honors-interview/|website=Hollywood Life|date=September 12, 2022|access-date=September 23, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110032231/https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/09/12/carly-pearce-kelly-clarkson-kelsea-ballerini-song-acm-honors-interview/|url-status=live}}

Clarkson hosted the 12th NFL Honors on February 9, 2023.{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson to host 12th annual NFL Honors|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kelly-clarkson-to-host-12th-annual-nfl-honors|website=NFL|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC.|date=December 16, 2022|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216164954/https://www.nfl.com/news/kelly-clarkson-to-host-12th-annual-nfl-honors|url-status=live}} After taking the twenty-second season of The Voice off, it was announced in October 2022 that she would return for the twenty-third season in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/the-voice-new-coaches-season-23-announcement?amp|title=The Voice Season 23 Coaches Have Been Revealed—See the Brand New Lineup|last=Jean-Philippe|first=McKenzie|website=NBC|date=October 11, 2022|accessdate=October 12, 2022|archive-date=October 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012123534/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/the-voice-new-coaches-season-23-announcement?amp|url-status=live}} She covered the Cole Porter song, "Don't Fence Me In" on

Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra's EP, Play Well with Others, which was released in March 2023.{{cite web|title=Jeff Goldblum taps Kelly Clarkson for upcoming EP Play Well With Others|url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/jeff-goldblum-taps-kelly-clarkson-120000829.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIBJzKKJe9xIKkwh-lWpo2PZ4XEX2_nQl9fGGfA3X-hpYpJPJMaU9ecMImQlfpqosaexNZJb9Xn3FY9YB7oBmLat8bh0SD9745afgVxDnSB_yrbv1meQyPsl6CfC8FZrlBeVxMPf0ju-e2uW4f6iH7fFp-LPkYRDuC0abmH1SqoO|website=Yahoo! Life|date=January 27, 2023|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127163322/https://uk.style.yahoo.com/jeff-goldblum-taps-kelly-clarkson-120000829.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIBJzKKJe9xIKkwh-lWpo2PZ4XEX2_nQl9fGGfA3X-hpYpJPJMaU9ecMImQlfpqosaexNZJb9Xn3FY9YB7oBmLat8bh0SD9745afgVxDnSB_yrbv1meQyPsl6CfC8FZrlBeVxMPf0ju-e2uW4f6iH7fFp-LPkYRDuC0abmH1SqoO|url-status=live}}

On March 26, 2023, she announced her tenth studio album, Chemistry,{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Alexis|title=Kelly Clarkson Details New Album Chemistry: 'The Arc of an Entire Relationship'|url=https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-details-new-album-chemistry-about-divorce/|website=People|access-date=March 26, 2023|date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412173426/https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-details-new-album-chemistry-about-divorce/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|title=Kelly Clarkson Details New Album Chemistry|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-1234703936/|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 26, 2023|location=United States|date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=April 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402203405/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-1234703936/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |title=Kelly Clarkson Announces Post-Divorce Album Chemistry, Explains Meaning Behind the Title |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-announcement-title-meaning-1235292799/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 26, 2023 |location=United States |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412063243/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-announcement-title-meaning-1235292799/ |url-status=live }} which was released on June 23, 2023.{{cite web|last1=Wagmeister|first1=Elizabeth|title=Can Kelly Clarkson Save Daytime? The Host on Taking Over Ellen's Spot, Touring Again and Broadway Dreams|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/features/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show-ellen-touring-broadway-1235360945/|website=Variety|date=September 7, 2022|publisher=Variety Media, LLC|access-date=September 7, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628115451/https://variety.com/2022/music/features/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show-ellen-touring-broadway-1235360945/|url-status=live}} The album's double A-side lead singles, "Mine" and "Me" were released on April 14, 2023.{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson Is Coming for What's Hers |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/kelly-clarkson-mine-me-chemistry.html |access-date=May 3, 2023 |website=Vulture |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201042524/https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/kelly-clarkson-mine-me-chemistry.html |url-status=live }} On March 27, 2023, Clarkson announced a ten night Las Vegas residency, Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson, which ran from July 28 to August 19, 2023, at the Bakkt Theater. Four additional dates were added for December 2023 and February 2024.{{cite web|last1=Weisholtz|first1=Drew|title=Kelly Clarkson is playing Vegas this summer. Here's how to get tickets |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-las-vegas-chemistry-residency-2023-rcna76783 |website=Today|publisher=NBC Universal|date=March 27, 2023|access-date=March 27, 2023|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628153557/https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-las-vegas-chemistry-residency-2023-rcna76783|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Katsilometes|first1=John|title=Kelly Clarkson to play NYE, Super Bowl weekends at Planet Hollywood|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/kelly-clarkson-to-play-nye-super-bowl-weekends-at-planet-hollywood-2926405/|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=October 23, 2023|date=October 23, 202|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023143213/https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/kelly-clarkson-to-play-nye-super-bowl-weekends-at-planet-hollywood-2926405/|url-status=live}} In October 2023, Clarkson relocated and moved production of The Kelly Clarkson Show from Los Angeles to New York City to start its fifth season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/why-kelly-clarkson-moved-talk-show-to-nyc-new-york?amp|title=This Is Why Kelly Clarkson Moved Her Talk Show from LA to NYC|author=Jackie Manno|publisher=NBCUniversal Media|date=October 17, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023104839/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/why-kelly-clarkson-moved-talk-show-to-nyc-new-york?amp|url-status=live}} On November 8, 2023, Clarkson launched her own Sirius XM channel, Kelly Clarkson Connection. The channel features Clarkson's own music, music she loves, and music from artists who inspire her. She also tells stories about her own music.{{cite web|last1=Iahn|first1=Buddy|title=Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, John Mayer launching SiriusXM channels|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/kelly-clarkson-dolly-parton-john-mayer-launching-siriusxm-channels/?feed_id=6581&_unique_id=654bc51188add|website=Music Universe|date=November 8, 2023|access-date=November 8, 2023|archive-date=November 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108175946/https://themusicuniverse.com/kelly-clarkson-dolly-parton-john-mayer-launching-siriusxm-channels/?feed_id=6581&_unique_id=654bc51188add|url-status=live}} On November 10, 2023, Clarkson's studio album Chemistry earned her a sixth nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, making her the most nominated performer in the category.{{cite web|title=SZA leads Grammy nominees, Miley could get 1st win and Taylor Swift is poised to make history|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/11/10/grammy-nominations-2024-list-biggest-news/71523834007/|last1=McClellan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Ruggieri|first2=Melissa|website=USA Today|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 10, 2023|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110163333/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/11/10/grammy-nominations-2024-list-biggest-news/71523834007/|url-status=live}} On December 15, 2023, Clarkson won two awards at the delayed 50th Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Daytime Talk Series and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host, and she won another award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series at the subsequent 51st Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7, 2024.{{cite web |title=Daytime Emmy Awards: 'General Hospital' Wins Outstanding Drama – Full Winners List |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/2023-daytime-emmy-winners-1235669863/ |last=Rice |first=Lynette |website=Deadline |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216021057/https://deadline.com/2023/12/2023-daytime-emmy-winners-1235669863/amp/ |url-status=live }}

Clarkson featured on a duet version of James Arthur's song "From the Jump", which was released in April 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/james-arthur-kelly-clarkson-duet-from-the-jump-1235006897/|title=James Arthur Enlists Kelly Clarkson for a Soulful Duet of 'From the Jump'|website=Rolling Stone Magazine|date=April 19, 2024|access-date=June 22, 2024|archive-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419041049/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/james-arthur-kelly-clarkson-duet-from-the-jump-1235006897/|url-status=live}} She is featured on Terri Clark's song "If I Were You", from Clark's 2024 album Take Two.{{cite magazine|last1=Nicholson |first1=Jessica |title=Terri Clark Welcomes Kelly Clarkson, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and More For 'Take Two' Collaborative Album: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/terri-clark-take-two-album-collaborations-kelly-clarkson-lainey-wilson-1235643530/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 22, 2024|date=March 29, 2024}} On September 27, 2024, she released "You For Christmas" the lead single from the deluxe reissue of When Christmas Comes Around..., which released on November 1 of the same year.{{cite web |last1=Arevalo |first1=Gabriela|title=Fans Say Kelly Clarkson Might 'Dethrone Mariah as the Queen of Christmas' With Upcoming Holiday Song|url=https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-announcees-new-holiday-song-you-for-christmas-2024 |website=Parade|access-date=September 27, 2024|date=September 23, 2024}} On December 4, 2024, she returned to host and perform on NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center for the second year in a row.{{cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |title=Kelly Clarkson to Return as Host of NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-return-host-nbc-christmas-in-rockefeller-center-1235821036/ |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Eldridge Industries |access-date=November 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241106135732/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-return-host-nbc-christmas-in-rockefeller-center-1235821036/ |archive-date=November 6, 2024 |location=United States |issn=0006-2510 |oclc=732913734 |date=November 6, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=DiNardo |first1=Georgina |title=Kelly Clarkson is Hosting the 2024 Rockfeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/news/kelly-clarkson-hosting-2024-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-rcna178646 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=Today |publisher=NBCUniversal Media |date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241106174337/https://www.today.com/popculture/news/kelly-clarkson-hosting-2024-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-rcna178646 |archive-date=November 6, 2024 |location=United States}}

In January 2025, Clarkson revealed on her talk show she had launched her own record label, with plans to release her own music independently for the first time in her career.{{cite web |date=January 22, 2025 |title=Keke Palmer & Kelly Clarkson Vibe In Hilarious High-Energy Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnhXRYBtzHk&t=435 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |time=7:13 |via=YouTube}} The following month, Live Nation announced Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, an eighteen-date residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.{{cite magazine |last1=Irvin |first1=Jack |title=Kelly Clarkson Teases She's 'Bringing the Studio to the Stage' with New 18-Date Las Vegas Residency |url=https://people.com/kelly-clarkson-studio-sessions-las-vegas-residency-8786718 |magazine=People |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |access-date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206152849/https://people.com/kelly-clarkson-studio-sessions-las-vegas-residency-8786718 |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |location=United States |issn=0093-7673 |oclc=794712888 |date=February 6, 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ruggieri |first1=Melissa |title=Kelly Clarkson in Vegas: How to score tickets to her Caesars Palace residency |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/06/kelly-clarkson-vegas-tickets/78262268007/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |newspaper=USA Today |date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206153815/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/06/kelly-clarkson-vegas-tickets/78262268007/ |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |location=United States |issn=0734-7456 |oclc=8799626}} On April 18, she announced her new single, "Where Have You Been".{{cite magazine |last1=Hawkins |first1=Mary |title=Kelly Clarkson Drops Major Announcement and Fans Are Freaking Out |url=https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-drops-major-announcement |magazine=Parade |publisher=Parade Media |access-date=April 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250418184543/https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-drops-major-announcement |archive-date=April 18, 2025 |location=United States |oclc=1772138 |date=April 18, 2025 |url-status=live}} On May 1, 2025, Clarkson premiered the song exclusively on her Sirius XM channel, the day before it was released worldwide.{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson's New Single, 'Where Have You Been,' Premieres on SiriusXM |url=https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/kelly-clarkson-where-have-you-been |publisher=Sirius XM|date=May 1, 2025|access-date=May 1, 2025}}

{{listen

| filename = Kelly Clarkson - Dark Side.ogg

| title = "Dark Side"

| description = Clarkson displaying her upper soprano range, displaying variations in vibrato as well as her noted dynamic and emotive delivery

| filename2 = Kelly Clarkson - Don't Rush.ogg

| title2 = "Don't Rush"

| description2 = Clarkson displaying a softer, breathier timbre to her vocal while also demonstrating her harmonizing capabilities in her duet with Vince Gill

| format = Ogg

}}

Critics have said Clarkson has a soprano voice.{{cite news| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a347180/kelly-clarkson-stronger-album-review.html| title=Kelly Clarkson – Stronger Review| publisher=Digital Spy| date=October 26, 2011| access-date=October 26, 2011| first=Lewis| last=Corner| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027062415/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a347180/kelly-clarkson-stronger-album-review.html| archive-date=October 27, 2011| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url = http://www.popjustice.com/interviewsandfeatures/kelly-clarkson-does-interview-results-are-spectacular/74599/| title = Kelly Clarkson – Interview| publisher = Popjustice| date = October 2011| access-date = December 11, 2011| first = Peter| last = Robinson| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130616231055/http://www.popjustice.com/interviewsandfeatures/kelly-clarkson-does-interview-results-are-spectacular/74599/| archive-date = June 16, 2013| url-status = live}}{{cite magazine| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-20120315| title = Kelly Clarkson – Q&A| magazine = Rolling Stone| date = March 15, 2012| access-date = March 29, 2017| first = Austin| last = Scaggs| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170330084101/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-20120315| archive-date = March 30, 2017| url-status = live}}{{cite news| url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2017/10/25/kelly-clarkson-pours-her-soul-into-meaning-life/syK9buLe6723Eo7ZkgN8II/story.html| title = Kelly Clarkson pours her soul into 'Meaning of Life'| newspaper = The Boston Globe| date = October 26, 2017| access-date = October 28, 2017| first = Isaac| last = Feldberg| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012702/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2017/10/25/kelly-clarkson-pours-her-soul-into-meaning-life/syK9buLe6723Eo7ZkgN8II/story.html| archive-date = October 29, 2017| url-status = dead}} Arion Berger of Rolling Stone wrote that "her high notes are sweet and pillowy, her growl is bone-shaking and sexy, and her mid-range is amazingly confident."[https://web.archive.org/web/20070818233849/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kellyclarkson/albums/album/321297/review/5942494/thankful Kelly Clarkson: Thankful : Music Reviews] Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2009. In reviewing a live performance of Clarkson's, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times said she "showed off a voice that moved in all sorts of ways, without ever appearing to strain", continuing "Ms. Clarkson, who has a malleable voice and a boatload of vocal confidence, might be a soul siren in the making". However, in a separate review of Stronger, Caramanica said Clarkson's voice is "too huge, too violent" for warmer and sweeter vocal stylings, stating "she's on a par with Taylor Swift when it comes to vengeance, and she'll do it louder and with more brutality in comparison to her contemporary."{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-at-radio-city-music-hall-review.html?_r=0| title=Happily Up to Her Ears in Angst| newspaper=The New York Times| date=January 22, 2012| access-date=February 2, 2013| first=Jon| last=Caramanica| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908115843/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-at-radio-city-music-hall-review.html?_r=0| archive-date=September 8, 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-and-deer-tick-new-album-reviews.html| title=Former 'American Idol' Now the Voice of Vengeance| newspaper=The New York Times| date=October 24, 2011| access-date=February 10, 2012| first1=Jon | last1=Caramanica |first2=Nate |last2=Chinen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124171229/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-and-deer-tick-new-album-reviews.html| archive-date=January 24, 2012| url-status=live}} In a live review as part of her Stronger Tour, Sophie Sinclair of Hit The Floor said "Kelly's strong and powerful voice was flawless throughout the night, and some may even say she sounds better live than she does on her albums".{{cite magazine| url=http://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/reviews/live-review-kelly-clarkson-wembley-arena-201012| title=Live Review: Kelly Clarkson – Wembley Arena 2012| magazine=Hit The Floor | date=October 22, 2012| access-date=April 25, 2013| first=Sophie| last=Sinclair| archive-date=July 21, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172446/https://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/reviews/live-review-kelly-clarkson-wembley-arena-201012/| url-status=live}} Mark Deming from Phoenix New Times stated that "in an era when pop music means over-singing a song into a bloody pulp, Clarkson has consistently displayed both charisma and a welcome sense of restraint, knowing how to sound passionate and heartfelt without forgetting where the melody and the root note is supposed to go."{{cite news| url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/why-kelly-clarkson-is-the-american-idol-winner-who-actually-matters-7590593| title=Why Kelly Clarkson Is the American Idol Winner Who Actually Matters| newspaper=Phoenix New Times| date=August 24, 2015| access-date=March 29, 2017| first=Mark| last=Deming| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325203344/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/why-kelly-clarkson-is-the-american-idol-winner-who-actually-matters-7590593| archive-date=March 25, 2017| url-status=live}}

Dr. Luke, who produced some of Clarkson's hits, said "She has powerful lungs. She's like the Lance Armstrong of vocal cords."Kaufman, Gil [https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141437/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1599233/20081113/clarkson_kelly.jhtml Kelly Clarkson's New Single Could Recapture Her 'Since U Been Gone' Glory, Producer Says] VH1. Retrieved August 13, 2009.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Simon Cowell was asked of the then six American Idol winners, who he thought had the best voice. Cowell immediately answered that Clarkson did "by a mile", noting that she was "up there" with other great singers such as Celine Dion.[https://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3207996 Simon Cowell: The Full Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624210750/http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3207996 |date=June 24, 2016 }} ABC News. Retrieved August 13, 2009. Esquire wrote that Clarkson has "the best voice in the history of pop music".{{cite magazine|title=The 75 Greatest Women of All Time|url=http://www.esquire.com/women/women-issue/greatest-women-in-history#slide-72|magazine=Esquire|access-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113114558/http://www.esquire.com/women/women-issue/greatest-women-in-history#slide-72|archive-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live}} Reviewing Stronger, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone states, Clarkson has "one of music's most remarkable voices."{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/stronger-20111025| title=Kelly Clarkson – Stronger Review| magazine=Rolling Stone| date=October 25, 2011| access-date=December 29, 2012| first=Jody| last=Rosen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711152814/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/stronger-20111025| archive-date=July 11, 2012| url-status=live}} Jason Lipshutz from Billboard considered Clarkson as one of the greatest singers in pop music.{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson, 'Stronger': Track-By-Track Review |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/465527/kelly-clarkson-stronger-track-by-track-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708120648/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/465527/kelly-clarkson-stronger-track-by-track-review |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |magazine=Billboard}} Regarding the controversial practice of lip-syncing, Clarkson says she never has and never will lip-sync, elaborating in an interview with Cory Myers, "I've actually never done that because I'm terrified; if I ever did that, something horrible would happen, the track would skip. I have a really unhealthy fear about it. So no, I've never done that".{{cite news| url=http://www.country925.com/pages/electricbarnyard.html?article=10742272| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215183400/http://www.country925.com/pages/electricbarnyard.html?article=10742272| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 15, 2013| title=Kelly Clarkson Has Never Lip-Synced| work=Electric Barnyard| date=January 29, 2013| access-date=February 2, 2012| first=Cory| last=Myers}} Clarkson has earned the title "Queen of Covers" for her ability to perform songs from artists of various genres.Various sources:

• {{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1686158/phillip-phillips-american-idol-digital-sales.jhtml |title='American Idol' Phillip Phillips' 'Home' Scores Huge Debut |agency=MTV News |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=Only the original "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson, can boast a bigger digital sales week: |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702072433/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1686158/phillip-phillips-american-idol-digital-sales.jhtml |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts-articles/chart-alert/kelly-clarkson-drives-stronger-to-hot-100-1006125552.story |title=Kelly Clarkson Drives 'Stronger' to Hot 100 Summit |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=The uptempo pop anthem becomes the original "American Idol" champion's third leader on the list. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623222325/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts-articles/chart-alert/kelly-clarkson-drives-stronger-to-hot-100-1006125552.story |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarksons-5-outrageous-quotes-263080 |title=Kelly Clarkson's 5 Outrageous Quotes Cut From Her 'Unplugged' Special |first=Jillian |last=Mapes |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=November 17, 2011 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=The original American Idol has always been known for speaking her mind and letting that sense of humor rip. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221034019/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarksons-5-outrageous-quotes-263080 |archive-date=December 21, 2011 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/3968782/best-kelly-clarkson-covers/ |first=Samantha |last=Grossman |title=15 Times Kelly Clarkson Totally Nailed a Cover Song |magazine=Time |date=July 23, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson is the undisputed Queen of Covers. She consistently borrows other artists' songs and puts her signature spin on them, often producing something even better than the original. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622150550/http://time.com/3968782/best-kelly-clarkson-covers/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/kelly-clarkson-tour-covers-ranked |first=Jessica |last=Goodman |title=Every Kelly Clarkson tour cover — ranked |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=The Queen of Covers has been asking fans to submit requests for every stop of her Piece by Piece Tour. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512014716/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/kelly-clarkson-tour-covers-ranked |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2507980/demi-lovato-kelly-clarkson-lil-wayne/ |first=Patrick |last=Hosken |title=Demi Lovato Can Sing Kelly Clarkson And Lil Wayne Songs Like It's NBD |agency=MTV News |date=November 16, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=Kelly is herself an undisputed Queen of Covers, as we've pointed out before, so maybe there's a bit of torch-passing here? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809011432/http://www.mtv.com/news/2507980/demi-lovato-kelly-clarkson-lil-wayne/ |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite magazine |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a43871/queen-of-covers-kelly-clarkson-does-blank-space-taylor-swift-approves/ |first=Rebecca |last=Rose |title=Queen of Covers Kelly Clarkson Does "Blank Space," Taylor Swift Approves |magazine=Cosmopolitan |date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622083926/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a43871/queen-of-covers-kelly-clarkson-does-blank-space-taylor-swift-approves/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}

In terms of songwriting, Clarkson has described herself as "an emotional writer", explaining that, unlike some of her peers and collaborators, she is unable to write music without a personal connection to the material. She stated, "I have to be feeling something, going through something, or inspired by something" in order to create songs,{{Cite magazine |last=Benitez-Eves |first=Tina |date=June 23, 2023 |title=The Writer's Block: Kelly Clarkson on Writing from Emotion, Her Future on 'The Voice,' and the Itch to Make a Country Album |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-writers-block-kelly-clarkson-on-writing-from-emotion-her-future-on-the-voice-and-itch-to-make-a-country-album/ |access-date=May 6, 2025 |magazine=American Songwriter}} approaching songwriting as an emotional outlet.{{Cite news |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Kelly Clarkson shares how ‘Miss Independent’ changed her career |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-songwriting-outlet-emotions-miss-independent-rcna23137 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Today}} Following her 2022 divorce from Brandon Blackstock, Clarkson began performing a revised version of "Piece by Piece" during live shows, replacing several references to her ex-husband with lyrics about self-empowerment.{{Cite news |last=Travis |first=Emlyn |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Watch Kelly Clarkson change the lyrics to 'Piece By Piece' after divorce |url=https://ew.com/music/watch-kelly-clarkson-change-the-lyrics-to-piece-by-piece/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Entertainment Weekly}}

At the same time, she prefers not to write in the same location as others artists, opting for privacy and describing herself as "not a vulnerable writer".{{Cite news |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson recalls the time she accidentally dissed Mariah Carey |url=https://ew.com/music/kelly-clarkson-accidentally-dissed-mariah-carey-by-turning-down-writing-collaboration/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Entertainment Weekly}} When she is credited for songwriting, she has usually contributed to both lyrics and melody. She considers "Miss Independent" to be the first song that helped establish her as a songwriter, setting a precedent for her career and paving the way for other songs she would write or co-write. In 2013, Clarkson published an open letter disputing claims made by Davis in his memoir The Soundtrack of My Life. Davis had written that Clarkson cried hysterically in his office after being pressured to record "Since U Been Gone".{{Cite news |last=Amabile Angermiller |first=Michele |last2=Willman |first2=Chris |date=February 19, 2013 |title=Kelly Clarkson Slams Clive Davis: ‘I Refuse to Be Bullied’ |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kelly-clarkson-slams-clive-davis-422397/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} Clarkson countered that she became emotional not over that song, but in response to remarks Davis allegedly made about her songwriting on "Because of You", including criticism that its lyrics did not rhyme and suggesting that she "should just shut up and sing". She also criticized Davis for omitting his role in blaming the underperformance of My December on its lack of radio-friendly singles and her involvement in its songwriting.

Clarkson has stated that there have been several instances throughout her career where she declined songwriting credit on songs, despite making changes to them.{{Cite news |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson Says She Gave Up ‘Millions’ in Songwriting Royalties to Show How Much She Dislikes Dr. Luke |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-dr-luke-my-life-would-suck-without-you-7964900/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Billboard}} However, she noted that she will typically request credit if she believes her contributions warrant it. In 2017, Clarkson said that she refused songwriting credit on "My Life Would Suck Without You", one of her biggest hits, as a form of protest against being forced by her record label to work with producer Dr. Luke after expressing that she had not enjoyed working with him prior.{{Cite news |last=Feeney |first=Nolan |date=September 14, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson protested Dr. Luke — and potentially lost 'millions' |url=https://ew.com/music/2017/09/14/kelly-clarkson-dr-luke-my-life-would-suck-without-you/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=Joyce |date=September 14, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson: I Lost ‘Millions’ for Dropping Co-Writing Credit With Dr. Luke |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-i-lost-millions-for-dropping-co-writing-credit-with-dr-luke-201453/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819225104/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-i-lost-millions-for-dropping-co-writing-credit-with-dr-luke-201453/ |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=Rolling Stone}} She has suggested that by doing so, she may have forfeited millions of dollars in potential royalties, but maintains that she is against recording artists stealing credit from professional songwriters.

File:Aretha_Franklin_1968.jpg was a major influence on Clarkson.]]

At age eight, Clarkson was first inspired to venture into music during a visit to an African-American church in Fort Worth, Texas. She recalled: "I was like, 'Wow, whatever they're feeling, I want to feel it too'."{{cite news |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/uk/biography| title = Kelly Clarkson – UK Biography| work = Sony Music Entertainment| access-date = February 8, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120109065905/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/uk/biography| archive-date = January 9, 2012| df = mdy-all}} Clarkson has been influenced by musicians across various genres. She cited soul singer Aretha Franklin as her major influence. Many of her chosen Idol numbers were Aretha Franklin covers, including "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", which is considered her breakout moment during the competition.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7318959/american-idol-beginning-season-1-memories-kelly-clarkson|title='American Idol' Begins: When Kelly Clarkson Wasn't Even on the Radar & More Season 1 Memories|magazine=Billboard|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103104731/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7318959/american-idol-beginning-season-1-memories-kelly-clarkson|archive-date=November 3, 2017|url-status=live}} Other soul acts who influenced Clarkson were Whitney Houston,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-190857/|title=Kelly Clarkson on Loving Whitney Houston, Adele and More|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406003158/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-190857/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-saving-all-her-love-latest-whitney-houston-cover-t232895|title= Kelly Clarkson is 'saving all her love' in latest Whitney Houston cover|date= October 2021|access-date= April 6, 2022|archive-date= April 6, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220406004218/https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-saving-all-her-love-latest-whitney-houston-cover-t232895|url-status= live}} Mariah Carey, Etta James and Stevie Wonder.{{cite news| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658041/kelly-clarkson-new-album.jhtml| title=Kelly Clarkson Influenced By Prince, Aretha Franklin, Others For New Album| agency=MTV News| date=February 15, 2011| access-date=February 8, 2012| first=James| last=Dinh| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210123522/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658041/kelly-clarkson-new-album.jhtml| archive-date=February 10, 2012| url-status=dead}} Clarkson was also influenced by Christina Aguilera,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-147019/christina-aguilera-7-46198/|title=100 Greatest Singers of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 3, 2010|access-date=September 4, 2024}} by rock acts such as Radiohead, Garbage, Aerosmith, and Jimi Hendrix,{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485507/kelly-clarkson-talks-new-album.jhtml|title=Kelly Clarkson's Rockin', Soulful Side To Show On New LP|agency=MTV News|date=March 2, 2004|access-date=February 8, 2012|first=Cory|last=Moss|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103054005/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485507/kelly-clarkson-talks-new-album.jhtml|archive-date=November 3, 2012|url-status=dead}} as well as Reba McEntire, Bette Midler, and Rosemary Clooney. Regarding her musical influence, Clarkson explained:

I grew up with three totally different parents that were into different music. My stepfather is into Willie Nelson and Elvis and all that kind of stuff. And my real father is into Whitney and Mariah, and Aretha, all those soulful singers. My mom is into more, like, adult contemporary—Celine Dion, Barbra [Streisand], Bette Midler, all those types of things. And then my brother is a big influence on me. He's like ten years older than me, so you always wanna be around your cool brother and hang out, so I grew up loving Guns N' Roses. I was all about Metallica. I was all about all those bands, and I still am. I love Aerosmith and No Doubt. I have so many influences on me that are so different. And even country. I love Reba McEntire. I could listen to her all the time.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471265/as-kelly-clarkson-drops-lp-shes-thankful-for-simons-barbs/|title=As Kelly Clarkson Drops LP, She's Thankful For Simon's Barbs|website=MTV |agency=MTV News|access-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826160510/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471265/as-kelly-clarkson-drops-lp-shes-thankful-for-simons-barbs/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 2006, Clarkson said she does not consider herself to be a pop singer, explaining, "Rock is what I love".{{Cite magazine |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |author-link=Josh Tyrangiel |date=February 5, 2006 |title=Miss Independent |url=https://time.com/archive/6676228/miss-independent/ |access-date=May 5, 2025 |magazine=Time}} Clarkson often covers rock songs on her Kellyoke segment of her talk show, such as Metallica's "Sad but True", and Heart's "Crazy on You".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/kelly-clarkson-metallica-sad-but-true|title=Kelly Clarkson covers Metallica's Sad But True: It has never sounded so angelic|magazine=Classic Rock|date=May 7, 2024}}

{{seealso|List of awards and nominations received by Kelly Clarkson}}

Clarkson has scored over 100 number ones on the Billboard charts and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide, including 14 million albums and 35 million digital singles in the United States alone.{{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 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=September 10, 2017 |access-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819133218/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7957889/ask-billboard-kelly-clarksons-career-sales-wild-thoughts-about |url-status=live }} She became the first artist to top each of Billboard{{'}}s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/504443/hot-stuff-why-this-weeks-billboard-hot-100-is-history-making|title=Hot Stuff: Why This Week's Billboard Hot 100 Is History-Making|website=Billboard.com|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123062050/https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/504443/hot-stuff-why-this-weeks-billboard-hot-100-is-history-making|archive-date=November 23, 2017|url-status=live}} She was ranked nineteenth on VH1's list of 100 Greatest Women in Music. Television channel Fuse included Clarkson among "30 Greatest Musicians to Come From Singing Competitions" list.{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2014/11/best-musicians-contestants-singing-competitions|title=30 Greatest Musicians to Come From Singing Competitions|publisher=Fuse|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006211637/https://www.fuse.tv/2014/11/best-musicians-contestants-singing-competitions|archive-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone ranked her 194 on their list of 200 Best Singers of All Time in 2023.{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/kelly-clarkson-9-1234642332/ |access-date=March 4, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} In 2025, Billboard listed Clarkson as the 11th biggest female artist of the 21st century and 27th overall.{{Cite magazine |date=January 8, 2025 |title=Billboard 21st Century Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/p/top-chart-hits-21st-century/ |access-date=January 10, 2025 |magazine=Billboard}}

Music executive Simon Cowell believed that "What [Clarkson] sold in the UK, Europe, Asia had nothing to do with American Idol. It had everything to do with the fact that she made a great record and she's got an incredible voice. She's not a girl who got lucky in a talent competition; we got lucky to find her."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20038861%2C00.html |title=Simon Defends Kelly |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023163924/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20038861%2C00.html |archive-date=October 23, 2012}} According to The Hollywood Reporter, Clarkson is "the embodiment of the perfect pop star. Her unmistakable pipes are a powerful presence in top 40 and country, with forays into anthemic rock and dance."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-american-idol-367946|title=Kelly Clarkson's 'American Idol' Victory, 10 Years Later|first=Michele Amabile|last=Angermiller|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006161640/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-american-idol-367946|archive-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Nolan Feeney from Time asserted that Clarkson "has had more of a lasting impact on the pop music landscape than casual listeners might realize."{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4169319/american-idol-impact-legacy/|title=Here Are 7 Ways 'American Idol' Influenced Pop Culture|magazine=Time|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324060046/http://time.com/4169319/american-idol-impact-legacy/|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live}}

According to Billboard, Clarkson was a "phenomenon" who "helped legitimize" the impact of talent shows.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6561235/american-idol-legacy|title=The Legacy of 'American Idol': It Was Always About the Stars|magazine=Billboard|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211121340/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6561235/american-idol-legacy|archive-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=live}} The Washington Post wrote that "Clarkson's powerhouse voice and dynamic presence signaled that the music industry should take these reality show contestants seriously: Her first two albums, Thankful and Breakaway, sold about ten million copies combined, and her pop tunes became empowerment anthems across the globe."{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/you-may-scoff-at-american-idol-now-but-it-changed-pop-culture-forever/2016/03/31/6440d81a-ecd5-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html|title=You may scoff at 'American Idol' now, but it changed pop culture forever|first1=Emily|last1=Yahr|date=March 31, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516140951/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/you-may-scoff-at-american-idol-now-but-it-changed-pop-culture-forever/2016/03/31/6440d81a-ecd5-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html|archive-date=May 16, 2017|url-status=live}} In 2007, journalist Nekesa Mumbi Moody reported that the success of Breakaway in particular was the true pivotal moment in establishing American Idol's credibility, proving that the show was capable of "finding someone who would have a career with longevity".{{Cite news |last=Moody |first=Nekesa Mumbi |author-link=Nekesa Mumbi Moody |date=January 11, 2007 |title='American Idol's' music cred growing |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/american-idols-music-cred-growing-wbna16580946 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |agency=Associated Press |via=Today}} Glenn Gamboa of Newsday believed Clarkson "has set the standard for all singing competition contestants with her savvy mix of pop, rock and country."{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/shaggy-pop-and-reggae-star-from-long-island-ready-for-his-comeback-1.10476102|title=LI's Shaggy poised to make a comeback|newspaper=Newsday|date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517050725/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/shaggy-pop-and-reggae-star-from-long-island-ready-for-his-comeback-1.10476102|archive-date=May 17, 2017|url-status=live}}

Fox Broadcasting Company said that Clarkson gave "lasting credibility" to American Idol and "in so many ways she cleared a road" for all of the next contestants.{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/american-idol/article/this-week-on-idol-2|title=Check out This Week On Idol – American Idol on FOX|website=Fox.com|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325204733/http://www.fox.com/american-idol/article/this-week-on-idol-2|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=dead}} George Varga from The San Diego Union-Tribune underlined the difference of Clarkson from most other talent show contestants is that she "writes or co-writes a fair number of [her] own songs. She is also the only one whose quest to follow her artistic instincts—the better to rock out and break free from the Idol cookie-cutter pop mold—prompted her to fire her management team and engage in a prolonged public battle with her record company, RCA."{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kelly-clarkson-grows-stronger-more-determined-2012apr05-htmlstory.html|title=Kelly Clarkson grows stronger, more determined|first=George|last=Varga|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012854/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kelly-clarkson-grows-stronger-more-determined-2012apr05-htmlstory.html|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}}

Jon Lisi from PopMatters named Clarkson as one of the forces of female domination in pop music of the 2000s. He explained that "Clarkson's anti-sexual image appealed to those who were uncomfortable with Britney Spears' overt exhibitionism. When Clarkson performed 'Since U Been Gone' at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, for instance, she only showed her midriff, and it was clear that she was marketing herself to an alternative group of young females who liked pop music's conventional sound but didn't want to be confronted with sexual imagery."{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/feature/185488-how-women-dominated-pop-music-in-the-00s/|title=How Women Dominated Pop Music in the '00s|website=PopMatters|date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014064522/http://www.popmatters.com/feature/185488-how-women-dominated-pop-music-in-the-00s/|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}} Mickey Rapkin of Billboard magazine, who called Clarkson a role model and compared her vocals to golden-era Aretha Franklin, stated that Clarkson "has never shied away from speaking her mind, whether in her propulsive pop anthems or on her filter-free Twitter feed."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/8053999/kelly-clarkson-billboard-women-in-music-powerhouse-interview|title=Billboard Women in Music 'Powerhouse' Kelly Clarkson on Finally Finding Artistic Freedom|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227002259/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/8053999/kelly-clarkson-billboard-women-in-music-powerhouse-interview|archive-date=February 27, 2020|url-status=live}} Clarkson has influenced other artists including Vanessa Hudgens,{{cite magazine |first=Glenn |last=Rowley |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/vanessa-hudgens-career-the-kelly-clarkson-show-interview-watch-1235055480/ |title=Vanessa Hudgens Credits Kelly Clarkson with Inspiring Her Career |magazine=Billboard |date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502091217/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/vanessa-hudgens-career-the-kelly-clarkson-show-interview-watch-1235055480/ |url-status=live }} Demi Lovato,{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/07/album-reviews-demi-lovatos-here-we-go-again-and-jordin-sparks-battlefield.html|title=Album reviews: Demi Lovato's 'Here We Go Again' and Jordin Sparks' 'Battlefield'|date=July 20, 2009|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060716/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/07/album-reviews-demi-lovatos-here-we-go-again-and-jordin-sparks-battlefield.html|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live|quote=... Lovato who's most influenced by Kelly Clarkson's style.}} Ava Max,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ujMWu8Ucig |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/8ujMWu8Ucig| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Ava Max - Interview and "Kings & Queens" Performance with The Kelly Clarkson Show|via=YouTube|publisher=NBC|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=October 12, 2021}}{{cbignore}} Jordin Sparks,{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a157414/jordin-sparks-157414/ |title=Jordin Sparks |publisher=Digital Spy |date=May 29, 2009 |accessdate=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172442/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a157414/jordin-sparks-157414/ |url-status=live }} Ashley Tisdale,{{cite news |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/j9jy9z/ashley-tisdale-embraces-her-inner-kelly-clarkson-on-guilty-pleasure |title=Ashley Tisdale Embraces Her Inner Kelly Clarkson On 'Guilty Pleasure' |publisher=MTV News |date=July 28, 2009 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172445/https://www.mtv.com/news/j9jy9z/ashley-tisdale-embraces-her-inner-kelly-clarkson-on-guilty-pleasure |url-status=dead }} Avril Lavigne,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.spin.com/2022/02/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-avril-lavigne/|title=5 Albums I Can't Live Without: Avril Lavigne|magazine=Spin|last=Lentini|first=Liza|date=February 18, 2022|accessdate=October 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219085113/https://www.spin.com/2022/02/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-avril-lavigne/|archive-date=February 19, 2022|url-status=live}} Kelsea Ballerini, and Priscilla Block.{{cite news | url=https://www.eonline.com/videos/283777/kelsea-ballerini-says-kelly-clarkson-inspired-her-to-do-music | title=Kelsea Ballerini Says Kelly Clarkson Inspired Her to do Music |agency=E! | access-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-date=July 16, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716152354/https://www.eonline.com/videos/283777/kelsea-ballerini-says-kelly-clarkson-inspired-her-to-do-music | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1841111/priscilla-block-says-kelly-clarkson-changed-her-life/ |title=Priscilla Block Says Kelly Clarkson Changed Her Life |publisher=CMT |date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713100025/http://www.cmt.com/news/1841111/priscilla-block-says-kelly-clarkson-changed-her-life/ |url-status=dead }}

In February 2012, Clarkson began dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock, son of her former manager Narvel Blackstock and former stepson of Reba McEntire.{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|title=Kelly Clarkson Marries Fiance Brandon Blackstock In Tennessee – All the Details!|work=Us Weekly|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Stephanie|last=Webber|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171525/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/387882/reba-mcentire-thrilled-to-death-to-have-kelly-clarkson-as-daughter-in-law|title=Reba McEntire "Thrilled to Death" to Have Kelly Clarkson as Daughter-in-Law|work=E!|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Bruna|last=Nessif}} She and Blackstock married on October 20, 2013, at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|title=Kelly Clarkson Marries Fiance Brandon Blackstock – All the Details!|work=Us Weekly|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Stephanie|last=Webber|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171525/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|archive-date=October 21, 2013|url-status=live}} During their marriage, Brandon was her manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-opens-about-working-her-hubby-t138514|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals secret to working with her hubby: 'It comes down to respect'|work=Today|last=Vivinetto|first=Gina|date=October 1, 2018|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227040615/https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-opens-about-working-her-hubby-t138514|archive-date=December 27, 2018|url-status=live}} Together, they have a daughter, born in June 2014,{{Cite news|date=June 15, 2014|title=River Rose Blackstock is Kelly Clarkson's baby's name|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/06/15/River-Rose-Blackstock-is-Kelly-Clarksons-babys-name/8511402845835/|access-date=May 3, 2023|website=United Press International|archive-date=January 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123151213/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/06/15/River-Rose-Blackstock-is-Kelly-Clarksons-babys-name/8511402845835/|url-status=live}} and a son, born in April 2016.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4306522/kelly-clarkson-son-photos/|title=Kelly Clarkson Shares First Photos of Her Son Remington|magazine=Time|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174424/http://time.com/4306522/kelly-clarkson-son-photos/|archive-date=March 30, 2017|url-status=live}} In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock, citing irreconcilable differences.{{cite web |last=Drysdale |first=Jennifer |title=Kelly Clarkson Files for Divorce From Husband Brandon Blackstock |url=https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-files-for-divorce-from-husband-brandon-blackstock-147959 |website=Entertainment Tonight |access-date=June 11, 2020 |location=United States |date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611184741/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-files-for-divorce-from-husband-brandon-blackstock-147959 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/21/kelly-clarkson-reveals-she-definitely-didnt-see-her-divorce-coming/5860265002/|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals she 'definitely didn't see' her divorce coming on talk show premiere|first=Charles|last=Trepany|publisher=USA Today|date=September 21, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116004004/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/21/kelly-clarkson-reveals-she-definitely-didnt-see-her-divorce-coming/5860265002/|url-status=live}} In March 2022, it was reported their divorce had been finalized.{{Cite magazine |first=Olivia |last=Jakiel |title=Kelly Clarkson Settles Divorce, Will Pay Brandon Blackstock Over $1.3M Plus Monthly Spousal Support |url=https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-settles-divorce-from-brandon-blackstock/ |access-date=November 26, 2022 |magazine=People |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206130023/https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-settles-divorce-from-brandon-blackstock/ |url-status=live }} On November 21, 2023, Clarkson was awarded more than $2.6 million from her ex-husband for commissions paid to him for business deals he procured as her manager. The California Labor Commissioner ruled that Blackstock violated the state's Talent Agencies Act by handling these deals, which should have been managed by Clarkson's talent agents at Creative Artists Agency. The ruling included commissions from Clarkson's role on The Voice and other promotional agreements, but did not require repayment for deals related to The Kelly Clarkson Show.{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Ordered To Repay Her $2.6M Over 'Unlawfully Procured' Business Deals |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/kelly-clarkson-ex-husband-ordered-repay-2-6-million-1235518785/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201155645/https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/kelly-clarkson-ex-husband-ordered-repay-2-6-million-1235518785/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2019, Clarkson said that she has been managing an autoimmune condition and a thyroid condition since 2006,{{Cite web|first=Kelly|last=Clarkson|title=Kelly Opens Up About Her Autoimmune Disease & How A Book Changed Her Life {{!}} The Kelly Clarkson Show|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJhTbU-HKM4|via=YouTube|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227210750/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJhTbU-HKM4|archive-date=December 27, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/health/kelly-clarkson-reveals-weight-loss-side-effect-controlling-thyroid-issue-t130537|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals weight loss is 'side effect' of controlling thyroid issue|work=Today|date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115142501/https://www.today.com/health/kelly-clarkson-reveals-weight-loss-side-effect-controlling-thyroid-issue-t130537|archive-date=November 15, 2019|url-status=live}} which she had previously addressed on Today in 2018.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8460051/kelly-clarkson-thyroid-condition-what-we-know|title=What We Know About Kelly Clarkson's Thyroid Issue|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012003845/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8460051/kelly-clarkson-thyroid-condition-what-we-know|archive-date=October 12, 2019|url-status=live}}

In February 2022, Clarkson changed her legal name to Kelly Brianne. In an interview, she revealed the name change was for her personal life, while her public name would remain the same. Clarkson stated the reason behind her name change was due to a strained relationship with her late father.

In 2011, Clarkson said, "I am a Republican but I actually voted Democrat last election", and expressed support for Ron Paul.{{Cite news |last=Tanabe |first=Karin |date=December 29, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson supports Ron Paul |url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2011/12/kelly-clarkson-supports-ron-paul-108994 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |newspaper=Politico}} Clarkson later said she would be voting for Barack Obama in the 2012 United States presidential election, telling the Daily Star, "I can't support Romney's policies as I have a lot of gay friends and I don't think it's fair they can't get married." She added, "I'm not a hardcore feminist but we can't be going back to the '50s."{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2012 |title=Kelly Clarkson Endorses Obama: 'I Have A Lot Of Gay Friends' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kelly-clarkson-endorses-obama-gay-marriage-stance_n_2006018 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |website=HuffPost}}{{Cite news |title=Kelly Clarkson Isn't Afraid To Get Political |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseymckinney/missindependent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113070802/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseymckinney/missindependent |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |work=BuzzFeed News |url-status=live }}

In the 2016 United States presidential election, Clarkson endorsed Hillary Clinton and stated that Donald Trump made her "genuinely frightened for our nation".

File:Kelly ClarksonLive Earth.jpg charity concert]]

In April 2007, Clarkson took part in "Idol Gives Back", a fundraiser for people in poverty in both Africa and the U.S., performing "Up to the Mountain" along with Jeff Beck.{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson Stamps for Idol Gives Back|url=http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-events-kelly-clarksons-stamps-for-idol-gives-back|publisher=Trend Hunter|access-date=September 15, 2012|date=April 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130153411/http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-events-kelly-clarksons-stamps-for-idol-gives-back|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live}} She would also perform a five-song set later that year on the American leg of Live Earth concerts opting for environmental awareness about climate change. She has served as ambassador for the March of Dimes since she was on American Idol, raising money regularly and assisting in volunteer service, having walked for "March for Babies", for the cause of improvement of the health of mothers and babies.{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.marchofdimes.org/spotlights/spotlight-on-kelly-clarkson.aspx|work=March of Dimes|publisher=March of Dimes Foundation|access-date=September 15, 2012|year=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225190951/http://www.marchofdimes.org/spotlights/spotlight-on-kelly-clarkson.aspx|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=live}} Clarkson, additionally, got involved in the organization "Houses of Hope", who take care and build orphanages for children in South Africa who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, abuse and poverty.{{cite magazine|title=Kelly Clarkson – Kelly Clarkson Visits South African Orphanage|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/kelly-clarkson-visits-south-african-orphanage_1210824|magazine=Contactmusic.com|access-date=September 15, 2012|author=Contactmusic|date=April 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130161501/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/kelly-clarkson-visits-south-african-orphanage_1210824|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live}} She has visited those children and also participated in "A Night for Hope" fund-raiser concert (held by Clarkson's background vocal singers, Jill and Kate), where she performed a song she wrote after her trip to South Africa, "You Still Won't Know What It's Like". Clarkson also supports the charities Save the Children, UNICEF, "Do Something" and "STOMP Out Bullying" and music causes like the Save the Music Foundation.{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson Charity Work, Events and Causes|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/498-kelly-clarkson|work=Look To The Stars|access-date=September 15, 2012|year=2006–2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726114632/http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/498-kelly-clarkson|archive-date=July 26, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Charity |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/us/charity |work=Kelly Clarkson |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=September 15, 2012 |year=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915134019/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/us/charity |archive-date=September 15, 2012 }}

Clarkson had a ranch in Texas for unwanted animals, which included amputee goats, blind dogs, and horses that survived colic; there are more than 80 animals at the sanctuary. She helped provide veterinary care for them and found them an adoptive family.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} Clarkson performed in a benefit concert on March 1, 2013, supporting the Omaha based Opportunity Education Foundation, an organization that provides access to education for children around the world, stating "Education was a key part of my childhood, and I am better for it. Anything for education I am really into and especially for kids. A lot of people don't have computers, and they can't afford them. Without education, you get far behind. As long as they have a chance, you know, I think that's important. I want every kid to have a chance."{{cite news | url=http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/2013/03/kelly-clarkson-wants-to-be-an-annie-and-shes-got-soulful-swagger-during-sold-out-benefit-concert-at-verizon-theatre.html/ | title=Kelly Clarkson wants to be an "Annie," and she's got soulful swagger during sold-out benefit concert at Verizon Theatre | location=Dallas | work=Morning News | first=Mario | last=Tarradell | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304033103/http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/2013/03/kelly-clarkson-wants-to-be-an-annie-and-shes-got-soulful-swagger-during-sold-out-benefit-concert-at-verizon-theatre.html/ | archive-date=March 4, 2013 | df=mdy-all }} In 2013, Clarkson teamed up with State Farm Insurance to support teen safe driving as a part of Celebrate My Drive program.{{cite web|title=Celebrate My Drive |url=https://www.celebratemydrive.com |access-date=August 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926233346/http://www.celebratemydrive.com/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013}} In 2013, Clarkson supported Feeding America, The Ad Council and their Child Hunger PSA Campaign, which provides food for children facing hunger.{{cite web|url=http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63152-feeding-america-and-ad-council-child-hunger-psa-with-savannah-guthrie|title=More than One in Five Children in the U.S. Face Hunger, According to New USDA Report|publisher=MultiVu, Feeding America, The Ad Council|access-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109074518/http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63152-feeding-america-and-ad-council-child-hunger-psa-with-savannah-guthrie|archive-date=November 9, 2013}} Also in 2013, Clarkson participated in Green Mountain Coffee's Great Coffee, Good Vibes, Choose Fair Trade campaign by traveling to coffee farms in Peru to draw attention to the importance of being Fair Trade Certified.{{cite magazine|title=Kelly Clarkson Trades Bridal Duties for a Trip to Peru|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20734184,00.html|magazine=People|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918064853/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20734184,00.html|archive-date=September 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Kelly Clarkson discography|List of songs written by Kelly Clarkson|List of songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson}}

;Studio albums

• Thankful (2003)
• Breakaway (2004)
• My December (2007)
• All I Ever Wanted (2009)
• Stronger (2011)
• Wrapped in Red (2013)
• Piece by Piece (2015)
• Meaning of Life (2017)
• When Christmas Comes Around... (2021)
• Chemistry (2023)

{{Main|List of Kelly Clarkson concert tours|List of Kelly Clarkson promotional tours}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col 2}}

• The Breakaway Tour (2005–2006)
• Hazel Eyes Tour (2005)
• Addicted Tour (2006)
• My December Tour (2007–2008)
• All I Ever Wanted Tour (2009–2010)
• Stronger Tour (2012)
• Piece by Piece Tour (2015)
• Meaning of Life Tour (2019)

{{col 2}}

• American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002 (2002) (with the American Idol season one finalists)
• Independent Tour (2004) (with Clay Aiken)
• 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour (2008) (with Reba McEntire)
• Kelly Clarkson / The Fray Tour (2012) (with The Fray)
• 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour (2013) (with Maroon 5)

• Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson (2023–2024)
• Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions (2025)

{{col-end}}

{{Main|Kelly Clarkson videography}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col 2}}

;Films starred

• From Justin to Kelly (2003)
• The Star (2017)
• UglyDolls (2019)
• Trolls World Tour (2020)

{{col 2}}

;Television series

• American Idol (2002)
• American Dreams (2003–2004)
• Duets (2012)
• The Voice (2018–2021, 2023)
• The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019–present)
• American Song Contest (2022)

{{col-end}}

• {{cite book|last=Clarkson|first=Kelly|title=River Rose and the Magical Lullaby|location=New York|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2016|isbn=978-0-0624-2756-4|title-link=River Rose and the Magical Lullaby}}
• {{cite book|last=Clarkson|first=Kelly|title=River Rose and the Magical Christmas|location=New York|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2017|isbn=978-0-0626-9764-6|title-link=River Rose and the Magical Christmas}}

• List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart
• List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart
• List of Idols winners
• List of best-selling music artists

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• Phares, Heather. [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000086927/biography|pure_url=yes}} "Kelly – Biography"]. Allmusic.
• Lamb, Bill. [http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm "Kelly Clarkson – Profile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041339/http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |date=November 10, 2012 }}. About.com. Retrieved February 11, 2006.
• Phares, Heather. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121006181308/http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ "Kelly Clarkson – Biography"]. Yahoo LAUNCHcast. Retrieved February 11, 2006.
• [http://www.popsugar.com/Kelly-Gets-Cocky-5143 Kelly Gets Cocky] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821192119/http://www.popsugar.com/Kelly-Gets-Cocky-5143 |date=August 21, 2011 }}. Idol winner fires Simon Fuller. PopSugar.com. Blog Archives. Retrieved February 25, 2006.
• Croatto, Pete. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110805015444/http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/2003/from-justin-to-kelly/?OpenDocument From Justin to Kelly]. [Watching From Justin to Kelly, one question looms over the entire production: Why was this movie made?] Retrieved May 4, 2006.

{{refend}}

{{sister project links|d=Q483507|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|wikt=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=kelly-clarkson-mn0000086927}}
• {{IMDb name|1225628}}
• {{Discogs artist|Kelly Clarkson}}
• {{NYTtopic|people/c/kelly_clarkson}}

{{Kelly Clarkson|state=expanded}}

{{Kelly Clarkson songs}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Kelly Clarkson

|list =

{{American Music Award for Artist of the Year}}

{{American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist}}

{{American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist}}

{{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Talk Show Host}}

{{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album}}

{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Female Singer}}

{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music – Female Artist}}

{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music Single}}

}}

{{American Idol 1}}

{{American Idol}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clarkson, Kelly}}

Category:1982 births

Category:19 Recordings artists

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters

Category:Actresses from Fort Worth, Texas

Category:American Christians

Category:American women children's writers

Category:American women pop singers

Category:American film actresses

Category:American Idol winners

Category:American people of English descent

Category:American people of Greek descent

Category:American people of Irish descent

Category:American people of Welsh descent

Category:American pop rock singers

Category:American soul singers

Category:American sopranos

Category:American television talk show hosts

Category:American voice actresses

Category:American women philanthropists

Category:American women record producers

Category:American women singer-songwriters

Category:American women television hosts

Category:American women television producers

Category:Atlantic Records artists

Category:Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host winners

Category:Daytime Emmy Award winners

Category:American feminist musicians

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Judges in American reality television series

Category:Living people

Category:MTV Video Music Award winners

Category:My Band Y'All members

Category:Participants in American reality television series

Category:People from Burleson, Texas

Category:Musicians from Fort Worth, Texas

Category:RCA Records artists

Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas

Category:Singers with a three-octave vocal range

Category:Songwriters from Texas

Category:Television producers from Texas

Category:Writers from Fort Worth, Texas