Kelly's Ups and Downs

Her success story seems like a fairy tale, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Clarkson

- 

American Idol

The singer, who took home the top prize on the show’s first season, reflected on her win in 2025: “To everyone that took time 23 years ago to call in and vote for me, thank you,” she said, adding, “winning American Idol changed my life.”

Breakout Album

Her second studio album, 2004’s Breakaway (which featured hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Miss Independent”), sold 12 million copies and earned Clarkson her first two Grammys.

Awards Galore

She took home her third Grammy for “Stronger” in 2013. “You focus on the music, and sometimes the stars align, and sometimes they don’t,” she’s said of her incredible success.