2008 Kelly Clarkson

The winner of the first season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson went from an anonymous talent to a nationally known singer performing for an audience of millions of viewers during the summer of 2002. Since that fateful summer Kelly has released 3 albums – 2003’s Thankful, 2004’s Breakaway and 2007’s My December. Kelly’s tour supporting her latest effort begins on July 7th at the blockbuster festival Live Earth. Tickets are already selling like wildfire – get yours today and see Kelly Clarkson live in 2007!

One of the American Idol’s most naturally gifted singers, the 25 year-old Burleson, Texas native's vocal talents were discovered when she was in seventh grade, when her school's choir teacher heard her singing and urged Clarkson to join the choir. In 2002, after encouragement from friends, Kelly Clarkson tried out for Fox's new show, American Idol: The Search for a Superstar. Kelly performed live every week for ten weeks, watched by an estimated 25 million viewers. During the show, she performed a variety of hits, from brill pop -- Otis Redding's "Respect" (sung by Aretha Franklin) and "Natural Woman" (also sung by Aretha Franklin) -- to adult contemporary soft rock -- Air Supply's "Without You." Her powerful voice and sweet personality made her a favorite among voters.

With 58 percent of the votes, Kelly Clarkson became the first American Idol. On the final show, Kelly performed "A Moment Like This," a song written especially for American Idol. After American Idol, Kelly received the show's prize of a one million dollar recording contract with RCA Records. She also signed a deal with Creative Artists Agency. Kelly then went on the seven week national American Idols Tour.

On September 11, 2002 Kelly sang the National Anthem in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. She released her first single, "A Moment Like This," two weeks after winning the title, American Idol. The single reached number one on the Billboard charts in just one week.

Although she became a superstar, Kelly opted not to move to Los Angeles or New York. Rather, she remained in Texas. In 2003 she released her self-titled, debut album. Her first single, "Miss Independent," received wide notice and acclaim. In April of the same year, Kelly Clarkson debuted in her first film with Idol runner-up, Justin Guarini. The movie, From Justin to Kelly, was a musical about two teens (Justin and Kelly) who fall in love while on Spring Break in Miami. The characters' romance gets sidetracked when their friends get in the way. Although the movie was not a blockbuster success, Kelly still remains a respected and known artist. Her influences are Bette Midler, Reba McIntyre, Gwen Stefani, and Aerosmith.

Early in 2004, she placed second in World Idol competition (first went to Kurt Nilsen, 24, the gap-toothed plumber father of two from Norway) on New Years' night, even though she'd been favored to win. The show aired in more than 22 countries and was seen by millions of viewers.

In January 2004, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, the runner-up from the second season of American Idol, announced they would begin a concert tour together. The announcement of the Kelly & Clay concert tour included tour dates and the full tour schedule, which consists of 30 concerts around the U.S. Fans of either Clay Aiken or Kelly Clarkson are sure to enjoy the shows!