Kelly Clarkson was the winner of the first season of American Idol, the hit US show that specializes in finding the next big pop star. She was born in Fort Worth, Texas on April 24, 1982 and started singing as a young child. In her early teens, she was asked to join the choir of her middle school and that sparked her interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. After graduating from high school, Kelly Clarkson moved to Los Angeles to break into the industry, but after her apartment burned down she moved back to Texas discouraged but still desiring a career in music. Her big break came in 2002, when she auditioned for American Idol and was asked to come to Hollywood for the semi-finals. On September 4, 2002, Clarkson won the American Idol position along with a million dollar recording contract with RCA Records.

Her first single with RCA set an American record, it jumped from number 52 to number 1 in a single week and her first full length album, Thankful, released April 15, 2003, has sold more than 2 million copies and is certified double platinum. In 2004, Kelly Clarkson received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her hit single, Miss Independent. After the success of her debut album, Kelly Clarkson embarked on a 30 city tour with fellow American Idol contestant, Clay Aiken. In 2004, Clarkson released Breakaway and it debuted at number 3 on the charts and firmly made Kelly Clarkson a success in the music industry.

Kelly Clarkson now has the fan base to headline her own tours and she has received positive critical reviews for her live performances. Kelly Clarkson concert tickets sell rather well and she has sold out several venues throughout the US. She performed in the World Idol competition and finished in the number 2 spot, making her a commercial success throughout the world. With a start like this, it will not be a surprise if Kelly Clarkson remains a constant presence in the pop industry and charts.