Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982 in Fort Worth, Texas) is an American singer-songwriter and actress who has enjoyed success in the pop and rock music genres. Clarkson made her debut under RCA Records after she won the highly publicized first season of the television series American Idol in 2002. She was originally marketed as a pop musician with her debut album Thankful (2003). With the release of her multi-platinum second album Breakaway (2004), Clarkson moved to a more pop rock-oriented style of music, and won two Grammy Awards. Clarkson's new album, entitled My December, is scheduled to be released on July 24, 2000.
In December 2003, a competition titled World Idol was held in London, England, gathering the winners of the first seasons of Idol from across the globe. Clarkson placed second behind Norwegian Idol Kurt Nilsen. She performed Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman". Because she left immediately after the competition, she was chided by some in the media for what they saw as poor sportsmanship. Clarkson later explained to fans that she was suffering from illness.
On February 18, 2007 Clarkson debuted the song "One Minute" at the Daytona 500.
The first single from My December is Never Again, which made its radio debut on April 13, 2007. The song was released on iTunes on April 20, 2007 but was taken down and replaced with a notice that said that the song was not available until April 23, 2007.
Clarkson and Reba McEntire recorded an hour-long CMT Crossroads special at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium on February 22, 2007. It is scheduled to debut on CMT and MHD in Fall 2007. Previously, Clarkson was a performer on CMT's Giants: Reba McEntire. where she sang McEntire's hit song "Why Haven't I Heard From You" introduced Dolly Parton, and later also sang Reba's hit Does He Love You? with Martina McBride. Clarkson also appeared on an episode of McEntire's sitcom Reba, which aired on January 14, 2007.
Kelly Clarkson will sing a duet with Reba on the Academy of Country Music Awards. Clarkson and McEntire will sing a cover of Clarkson's 2005 single, "Because of You," which will be the lead single from Reba's upcoming album of all-star duets.
