Kelly Clarkson Biography

Fast Facts

• Broke the Billboard Hot 100 record owned by The Beatles for the fastest rise to number one on the chart with her song "A Moment Like This․"
• Had numerous albums certified platinum by the RIAA for selling over one million copies in the United States
• Worked as a Red Bull promoter and a telemarketer while still looking for her big break in music
• Encouraged to join her middle school's choir when a teacher overheard her singing in the halls
• Involved in productions of musicals such as "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Brigadoon," and displayed her singing in a talent show during high school
• Quote: "I’m a true Texan and we love land․ I already own quite a bit but I’d like a lot more of it please․"
• Quote: "Singing gave me confidence․ Friends at school were nervous because they didn't know what they wanted to do with the rest of their lives, but I had a peaceful feeling inside․ I knew that I would make a living at this since a seventh-grade assembly․"
• Won first place on the singing competition show "American Idol" in 2002
• Hit singles include "Miss Independent," "Since U Been Gone" and "My Life Would Suck Without You․"
• Owned a ranch in Mansfield, Texas, which she called a "sanctuary for unwanted animals" she provided veterinary care for and adopted out
• Owned a ring that belonged to writer Jane Austen, but has since placed it in a museum
• Offered full scholarships to the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas, but ultimately decided to pursue her music career
• Has said she was inspired by writer Charlotte Brontë's book "Jane Eyre․"