Not only does this diva have the distinction of being the very first
American Idol winner, she's also been far more successful than any of her successors so far. With her powerhouse vocals and down-to-earth charm, Clarkson literally became an overnight sensation on
AI in 2002. Despite an embarrassing big-screen debut in the lambasted movie musical
Justin to Kelly (which she was contractually obligated to star in opposite runner-up Justin Guarini), Clarkson made 2003 her year, with her best-selling debut album
Thankful spawning a number of hit singles. Her 2004 follow-up,
Breakaway (note those telling titles), was also a smash and earned the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Kelly Clarkson Fast Facts:
- Never had formal singing lessons.
- Before her music career took off, Clarkson worked at a comedy club, a pharmacy, a movie theater and a zoo.
- Pre-American Idol, she worked for songwriter Gerry Goffin as a vocalist in Los Angeles; moved back to Texas to regroup after her apartment building burned down.
- On the heels of her American Idol victory, her debut single, "A Moment like This," went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was the best-selling single of 2002. Her debut album, Thankful, also hit No. 1.
- Kelly Clarkson Relationships:
- Alyssa Clarkson - Sister
- Jason Clarkson - Brother
- Jeanne Taylor - Mother
- Jimmy Taylor - Stepfather
- Steve Clarkson - Father
- Kelly Clarkson Awards:
- 2005 Grammy: Best Female Pop Vocal Performance - Winner
- 2005 Grammy: Best Pop Vocal Album - Winner
