Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and occasional actress. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Burleson, Texas, Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and later becoming the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003. Clarkson was immediately signed to RCA Records by talent manager Simon Fuller and music mogul Clive Davis after winning American Idol, and released a double A-side single "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This" in 2002. Upon its release, the single topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart by breaking the record for the biggest jump to number 1 in the chart's history and eventually became the best-selling single of 2002 in the United States. In 2003, Clarkson released her Thankful, which contained elements of a pop and contemporary R&B sound, became a commercial success. Its single, "Miss Independent", became her first international hit. In 2004, Clarkson parted ways with Fuller and became managed by Jeff Kwatinetz and developed a more rock-oriented sound with the release of her second album, Breakaway. The album became a critical and