View source for Kelly Clarkson

{{Short description|American singer and songwriter (born 1982)}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Kelly Clarkson
| image              = Kelly Clarkson 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony 14 - Cropped 01.jpg
| alt                = Clarkson facing a camera and smiling
| caption            = Clarkson in 2018
| birth_name         = Kelly Brianne Clarkson
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1982|04|24}}
| birth_place        = [[Fort Worth, Texas]] U.S.
| occupation         = {{Flatlist| <!--Only for "occupation(s) as given in the lead": [[Template:Infobox person#Parameters]] -->
* Singer
* songwriter
* television personality
}}
| years_active       = 2002–present
| spouse             = {{Marriage|Brandon Blackstock|2013|2022|end=divorced}}
| children           = 2
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kelly Clarkson|Full list]]
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed           = yes
| background      = solo_singer
| genre           = {{Flatlist|
* [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[pop rock]]
}}
| instruments     = Vocals<!---Only vocals--->
| label           = {{Flatlist|
* [[RCA Records|RCA]]
* [[19 Recordings|19]]
* [[S Records|S]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* High Road
}}
| website         = {{URL|kellyclarkson.com}}
}}
| signature          = Kelly Clarkson's Signature.png
}}

<!-- Legal name should be listed first, Per MOS:LEGALNAME -->'''Kelly Brianne'''{{efn|In February 2022, she removed her Clarkson [[surname]] from her [[legal name]] for personal reasons. She continues to use the professional name Kelly Clarkson.<ref name=namechanges>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kelly-clarkson-petition-change-name-kelly-brianne-152547870.html|title=Kelly Clarkson sets the record straight on name change to Kelly Brianne|publisher=Yahoo!|date=March 22, 2022|last=Byrne|first=Suzy|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331053922/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kelly-clarkson-petition-change-name-kelly-brianne-152547870.html|url-status=live | quote="I just got divorced, so I had to drop my married last name," Clarkson, 39, explained to People on Monday. Kelly Brianne will just be "for my personal life," she noted, and not a new stage or professional name.<br>"I'm still Kelly Clarkson," she clarified.}}</ref>}} (born '''Kelly Brianne Clarkson''', April 24, 1982), known professionally as '''Kelly Clarkson''', is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Phares |first=Heather |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kelly-clarkson-mn0000086927 |access-date=July 28, 2025 |publisher=AllMusic}}</ref> Rising to fame after winning the [[American Idol season 1|first season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'', she has established a multi-decade career in music and television and is credited with having a lasting impact on [[talent show|televised talent shows]].<!-- sources in the "Impact" section--> Known as a vocal powerhouse and versatile performer, she was named one of the greatest singers in history by publications such as ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' and ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''. 

Signed to [[RCA Records]] in 2002, Clarkson released her chart-topping debut single, "[[A Moment Like This]]", which became the best-selling single of the year in the US. Her [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[gospel music|gospel]]-influenced debut album, ''[[Thankful (Kelly Clarkson album)|Thankful]]'' (2003), entered the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] at number one. Clarkson shifted genres to [[pop rock]] for ''[[Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson album)|Breakaway]]'' (2004), one of the [[List of best-selling albums of the 21st century|best-selling albums of the 21st century]]. Its singles "[[Since U Been Gone]]" and "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" were among the [[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 2005|top ten charted songs of 2005]] in the US, while "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]" topped the charts in Europe. After the lukewarm reception to ''[[My December]]'' (2007), with its darker [[rock music]], Clarkson returned to radio-friendly pop rock sounds with ''[[All I Ever Wanted (album)|All I Ever Wanted]]'' (2009) and ''[[Stronger (Kelly Clarkson album)|Stronger]]'' (2011), which each produced number-one singles "[[My Life Would Suck Without You]]" and "[[Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)]]", respectively.

Clarkson ventured into [[Christmas music]] with ''[[Wrapped in Red]]'' (2013), which became the [[List of best-selling Christmas albums in the United States|best-selling holiday album of the year]] and featured "[[Underneath the Tree]]", [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]] (ASCAP)'s most popular Christmas song released in the 21st century. Following the release of the number-one album ''[[Piece by Piece (Kelly Clarkson album)|Piece by Piece]]'' (2015), she signed with [[Atlantic Records]] and recorded three further albums titled ''[[Meaning of Life (album)|Meaning of Life]]'' (2017), ''[[When Christmas Comes Around...]]'' (2021), and ''[[Chemistry (Kelly Clarkson album)|Chemistry]]'' (2023), with the latter serving as her final release on a major label. Clarkson returned to television as a coach on ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]'' for nine seasons between 2018 and 2023. She remains the female coach with the [[List of The Voice (American TV series) contestants|most winning contestants]] (four) in the show's history. Since 2019, she has hosted her own talk show, ''[[The Kelly Clarkson Show]]''.

With over 82 million records sold worldwide,<ref name="Brathwaite_9/19/2022">{{cite magazine | title=Kelly Clarkson's Walk of Fame induction was an American Idol reunion | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=April 12, 2023 |
url=https://ew.com/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-walk-of-fame-american-idol-reunion-paula-abdul-simon-cowell-randy-jackson/ | access-date=December 24, 2024}}</ref> Clarkson is one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|world's best-selling music artists]]. She has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Kelly Clarkson|various accolades]], including three [[Grammy Awards]], three [[MTV Video Music Award]]s, four [[American Music Awards]], eight [[Daytime Emmy Awards]], and a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]. ''Billboard'' ranked her as the [[Billboard Year-End|Top Female Artist of 2005]] and the 11th most successful female artist of the 21st century. Clarkson's [[Kelly Clarkson discography|first seven studio albums]] generated a total of 12 top-ten hits on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart between 2002 and 2024, as well as 10 top-ten singles in the [[UK singles chart|UK]], [[Canadian music charts|Canada]], and [[ARIA Charts|Australia]]. Having a [[Crossover music|crossover]] appeal on various [[radio formats]], she became the first act in history to top each of ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Pop Airplay|pop]], [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|adult contemporary]], [[Country Airplay|country]], and [[Dance/Mix Show Airplay|dance]] airplay charts. [[VH1]] ranked her nineteenth on their list of the [[The Greatest (VH1 TV series)|100 Greatest Women in Music]].

==Early life and career==
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982, [[Fort Worth, Texas]], to Jeanne Ann ({{Nee|Rose}}), a first-grade English teacher, and Stephen Michael Clarkson (1951–2018), a former [[engineer]].<ref name="FOX News Biography">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/kelly-clarkson-biography |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |date=August 1, 2007 |agency=[[Fox News]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618084350/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196530,00.html |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Murtaugh |first=Taysha |date=May 8, 2018 |title=Kelly Clarkson Opens Up About Why She Doesn't Have a Relationship With Her Dad |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a20506036/kelly-clarkson-father/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |magazine=Country Living}}</ref> She has an older brother, Jason, and an older sister, Alyssa.<ref name="FOX News Biography" /><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/15/strip-scribbles-jessica-lowndes-celebrates-her-22n/| title=Jessica Lowndes celebrates her 22nd birthday in Las Vegas| newspaper=Las Vegas Sun| date=November 15, 2010| access-date=February 6, 2013| first=Robin| last=Leach| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130145122/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/15/strip-scribbles-jessica-lowndes-celebrates-her-22n/| archive-date=January 30, 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref> The three have two younger half-brothers from their father's second marriage.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Emmerson |first=Kassidy |date=July 9, 2007 |title=Little Known Facts About Kelly Clarkson |url=https://www.yahoo.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140416145539/http://voices.yahoo.com/little-known-facts-kelly-clarkson-426454.html |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref> Stephen and Jeanne divorced when Clarkson was six years old, whereupon her brother went to live with their father, her sister went to live with an aunt, and she stayed with their mother.<ref name="FOX News Biography" /><ref name=":1" /> Clarkson's mother later married Jimmy Taylor. Clarkson is of [[English people|English]], [[Welsh people|Welsh]], [[Irish people|Irish]], and [[Greeks|Greek]] descent.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/kelly-clarkson-biography | publisher=Fox News | title=Kelly Clarkson Biography | date=August 1, 2007 | access-date=September 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618084350/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196530,00.html | archive-date=June 18, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Stated on ''[[Who Do You Think You Are? (U.S. TV series)|Who Do You Think You Are?]]'', July 23, 2012</ref> Jeanne is a descendant of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] state senator [[Isaiah Rose]] (Rose's background was discussed on Clarkson's episode of ''[[Who Do You Think You Are? (U.S. TV series)|Who Do You Think You Are?]]'' in 2013).<ref>{{cite news |last=Shawver |first=Sam |url=http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/576269/Singer-Kelly-Clarkson-visits-the-area.html?nav=5061 |title=Singer Kelly Clarkson visits the area |newspaper=[[The Parkersburg News and Sentinel]] |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193036/http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/576269/Singer-Kelly-Clarkson-visits-the-area.html?nav=5061 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clarkson was raised [[Southern Baptist]].<ref name="Washington Times 1">{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/papal-visit/2008/apr/19/kelly-clarkson-sings-ave-maria/ |title=Kelly Clarkson sings Ave Maria |date=August 19, 2008|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106173749/http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/papal-visit/2008/Apr/19/kelly-clarkson-sings-ave-maria/ |archive-date=November 6, 2008 }}</ref> She has said, "I always grew up in church. I was the leader of our youth group. I've always grown up pretty close to church and with God. But I think I've just gotten a lot closer just because He's the only one I can lean on."<ref name="ccm">{{cite magazine|title=Listening in ... R.J. Helton & Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/listening-in-with-rj-helton-and-kelly-clarkson-1263775.html|magazine=CCM Magazine|date=May 28, 2004|access-date=August 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115055/http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/listening-in-with-rj-helton-and-kelly-clarkson-1263775.html|archive-date=August 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> She later said of her upbringing, "My family was highly conservative; I had to go to church on Sunday and Wednesday."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Goldblatt|first1=Henry|title=Kelly Clarkson on the soundtrack of her life|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/31/kelly-clarkson-on-the-soundtrack-of-her-life-read-her-exclusive-ew-interview-here/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=August 24, 2014|date=August 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115745/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/31/kelly-clarkson-on-the-soundtrack-of-her-life-read-her-exclusive-ew-interview-here/|archive-date=August 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

Clarkson grew up in [[Burleson, Texas]] and was educated at Pauline Hughes Middle School. In the seventh grade, the school's choir teacher, Cynthia Glenn, overheard her singing in a hallway and asked her to audition for the school choir. Clarkson told her she had never received any professional vocal training.<ref name=":8" /> Clarkson graduated from [[Burleson High School]] in 2000, where she performed in several [[musical theater|musicals]], such as ''[[Annie Get Your Gun (musical)|Annie Get Your Gun]]'', ''[[Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (musical)|Seven Brides for Seven Brothers]]'', and ''[[Brigadoon]]''.<ref name="People 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/kelly_clarkson/biography/0,,,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019042445/http://www.people.com/people/kelly_clarkson/biography/0,,,00.html |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MTV Romania">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.ro/artisti/kelly-clarkson |title=Kelly Clarkson – Artist International |language=ro |agency=[[MTV|MTV Romania]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907054016/http://www.mtv.ro/artisti/kelly-clarkson |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clarkson started voice training, hoping to secure a college scholarship in music.<ref name="MTV Romania" />

After graduating from high school, Clarkson declined full scholarships to the [[University of Texas at Austin]], [[University of North Texas]], and [[Berklee College of Music]]. She later mentioned "I'd already written so much music and wanted to try on my own... I figured you're never too old to go to college."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nash |first=Alanna |title=Single Minded |url=http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/single-minded-/article42613.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525225258/http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/single-minded-/article42613.html |archive-date=May 25, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2022 |magazine=[[Reader's Digest]]}}</ref><ref name="MTV Romania" /> She worked several jobs to finance a demo, recording material and trying to market it to record labels, but she received little response. Clarkson turned down two recording contracts from [[Jive Records]] and [[Interscope Records]], saying, "They would have completely pigeonholed me as a bubblegum act. I was confident enough that something better would come along."<ref name="FOX News Biography" /> In 2001, she traveled to Los Angeles, pursuing a career in music. She appeared as an [[Extra (acting)|extra]] in a few television series such as ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 TV series)|Sabrina, the Teenage Witch]]'' and ''[[Dharma & Greg]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 25, 2007 |title=Five Questions with Kelly Clarkson |url=https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/q-and-a/a431/kelly-clarkson-0807/ |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=[[Seventeen (American magazine)|Seventeen]] |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503174807/https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/q-and-a/a431/kelly-clarkson-0807/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and briefly worked with musician [[Gerry Goffin]] to record five demo tracks in an effort to secure a record deal.<ref name="Biography Channel 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/kelly-clarkson.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |work=[[The Biography Channel]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712010839/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/kelly-clarkson.html |archive-date=July 12, 2012}}</ref> According to Clarkson, her early attempts to launch her music career floundered when she was turned down by almost every U.S. record label for sounding "too black".<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/04/kelly-clarkson-determination-celebrity-grammys-jane-austen-interview|title = Kelly Clarkson: 'I've had to cry in record label offices to get my singles released'|date = March 4, 2015|last = Sullivan|first = Caroline|work = [[The Guardian]]|location = London|access-date = December 12, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161209204727/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/04/kelly-clarkson-determination-celebrity-grammys-jane-austen-interview|archive-date = December 9, 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> Lack of other career opportunities and a fire incident in her apartment forced Clarkson to return to Burleson, where she worked different jobs.<ref name="Yahoo 2">{{cite web |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |url=http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006181308/http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]]}}</ref><ref name="About.com 1">{{cite web |url=http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |title=Kelly Clarkson Profile – Biography of Pop Star Kelly Clarkson |last=Lamb |first=Bill |work=About.com Entertainment |publisher=[[Dotdash Meredith]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041339/http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career==
===2002–2003: ''American Idol'', ''World Idol'', and ''Thankful''===
{{See also|American Idol season 1|label1=''American Idol'' season 1|World Idol|label2=''World Idol''}}

[[Image:Kelly Clarkson in September 2002.jpg|thumb|right|Clarkson at the [[Lincoln Memorial]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], on September 11, 2002, after her win on ''Idol'', exactly a year after the [[September 11 attacks|9/11 attacks]] ]]
Upon returning to Burleson, Clarkson was encouraged by her friends to audition for the first season of the reality television series ''[[American Idol|American Idol: The Search for a Superstar]]'' in May 2002. Despite receiving a "golden ticket", a pass to the Hollywood rounds, in the series premiere, Clarkson made her first appearance during the second episode. In an interview in 2012, Clarkson referred to the first season as "ghetto", explaining: "On our season we were like kids in camp. Nobody knew what to do. The show was ever changing every day. They did one season of ''[[Pop Idol]]'' in the UK, but America is a very different market. They dropped us off in a mall and said 'find some clothes to wear on national television'. I am maybe the closest to white trash you can get. What do I buy? White pants I guess? I definitely looked like a cocktail waitress."<ref name="The Hollywood Reporter 1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-mariah-carey-american-idol-dallas-cowboys-theme-361489|title=Kelly Clarkson Talks Football, 'Entitled' 'American Idol' Contestants and New Judge Mariah Carey|last=Angermiller |first=Michele Amabile|date=August 14, 2012|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815185823/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-mariah-carey-american-idol-dallas-cowboys-theme-361489|archive-date=August 15, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Clarkson went on to win the competition on September 4, 2002, at the [[Dolby Theatre|Kodak Theatre]] (now Dolby), earning 58% of the votes against runner-up [[Justin Guarini]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457324/kelly-clarkson-crowned-american-idol.jhtml |title=Kelly Clarkson Crowned 'American Idol' |publisher=MTV News |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029033822/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457324/kelly-clarkson-crowned-american-idol/ |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Immediately after winning ''American Idol'', Clarkson was signed to a record deal with [[RCA Records]], [[19 Recordings]], and [[S Records]] by talent manager [[Simon Fuller]], who created ''American Idol'', and music mogul [[Clive Davis]], who was slated to executive-produce her debut album. On September 17, 2002, her debut double-A-side single, "[[Before Your Love]]"/"[[A Moment Like This]]", was released. Both songs were performed by Clarkson during the season finale of ''American Idol''. After debuting at number 60 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] chart, the single climbed to number 52 the following week, and subsequently ascended to number one. It broke a 38-year-old record set by the British band [[The Beatles]] for the biggest leap to number one.<ref name="CBS News article">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kelly-clarkson-breakaway/ |title=Kelly Clarkson: Breakaway |first=Rome |last=Neal |agency=[[CBS News]] |date=August 16, 2004 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009065204/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/16/earlyshow/leisure/music/main636364.shtml |archive-date=October 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It eventually went on to become the [[List of best-selling singles in the United States#Best-selling single by year|best-selling single of 2002]] in the United States.<ref name="Best-selling 2002">{{cite news|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-20-years-of-top-songs.html |title=Chart Watch Extra: 20 Years Of Top Songs |first=Paul |last=Green |publisher=[[Yahoo Music]] |date=May 6, 2011 |access-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005162354/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-20-years-of-top-songs.html |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref>

{| | class="wikitable collapsible autocollapse" style="width:90%; margin:1em auto 1em auto;"
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#BFBFBF;" | ''American Idol'' season 1 performances and results<ref name="IdolDVD">{{cite AV media |title=American Idol: The Search for a Superstar|people=[[Simon Fuller|Fuller, Simon]]|publisher=[[Fremantle Media]]|year=2002 |oclc=974411073|medium=DVD Documentary }}</ref>
|-
!Week #
!Theme
!Song choice
!Original artist
!Order #
!Result
|-
|Audition
|[[Dallas]]
|"[[Express Yourself (Madonna song)|Express Yourself]]" <br />"[[At Last]]"
|[[Madonna]]<br />[[Glenn Miller]] and [[Glenn Miller Orchestra|His Orchestra]]
|rowspan="4"|N/A
|rowspan="5"|Advanced
|-
|Top 121
|Hollywood Round 1
|"[[Respect (song)|Respect]]"
|[[Otis Redding]]
|-
|Top 65
|Hollywood Round 2
|"[[I Say a Little Prayer]]"
|[[Dionne Warwick]]
|-
|Top 45
|Hollywood Round 3
|"[[Save the Best for Last]]"
|[[Vanessa Williams]]
|-
|Top 30
|Semifinal/Group 2
|"Respect"
|Otis Redding
|9
|-
|Top 10
|[[Motown]]
|"[[You're All I Need to Get By]]"
||[[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Tammi Terrell]]
|8
|rowspan="7"|Safe
|-
|Top 8
|1960s
|"[[(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman]]"
|[[Aretha Franklin]]
|rowspan="2"|5
|-
|Top 7
|1970s
|"[[Don't Play That Song (You Lied)]]"
|[[Ben E. King]]
|-
|Top 6
|Big Band
|"[[Stuff Like That There (song)|Stuff Like That There]]"
|[[Betty Hutton]]
|6
|-
|Top 5
|Burt Bacharach Love Songs
|"[[Walk On By (song)|Walk On By]]"
|Dionne Warwick
|1
|-
|Top 4
|1980s<br />1990s
|"[[It's Raining Men]]"<br />"[[I Surrender (Celine Dion song)|I Surrender]]"
|[[The Weather Girls]]<br />[[Celine Dion]]
|3<br />7
|-
|Top 3
|Idol's Choice<br />Judges' Choice
|"[[Think Twice (Celine Dion song)|Think Twice]]"<br />"[[Without You (Badfinger song)|Without You]]"
|Celine Dion<br />[[Badfinger]]
|3<br />6
|-
|Top 2
|Finale
|"[[A Moment Like This]]"<br />"Respect"<br />"[[Before Your Love]]"
|Kelly Clarkson<br />Otis Redding<br />Kelly Clarkson
|2<br />4<br />6
|Winner
|}

Clarkson's debut album, ''[[Thankful (Kelly Clarkson album)|Thankful]]'', was released on April 15, 2003. The album contained aspects of [[pop music|pop]], [[contemporary R&B]], and [[gospel music]],<ref name="People 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625881,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's New CD 'Idol'-ize |author=Silverman, Stephen |date=April 23, 2003 |work=People |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329221924/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,625881,00.html |archive-date=March 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Entertainment Weekly 1">{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/04/25/thankful/ |title=Music Review – Thankful – Kelly Clarkson |author=Goldblatt, Henry |date=April 25, 2003 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912164027/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,444557,00.html |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> with several established musicians such as [[Rhett Lawrence]], [[Diane Warren]], [[The Underdogs (duo)|The Underdogs]], and [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]] contributing on to the tracks. Released during a time of urban-R&B dominance, the album was well received by several critics. [[AllMusic]] critic [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] praised the album for its vocal ability: "throughout this record, (Clarkson) makes it seem effortless and charming. She can croon, she can belt out a song, she can be sexy and sassy while still being graceful and as wholesome as the girl next door."<ref name="AllMusic – Thankful">{{cite web |author=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Thankful — Kelly Clarkson : Review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/thankful-mw0000662367 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827022201/http://www.allmusic.com/album/thankful-mw0000662367 |archive-date=August 27, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]}}</ref> Henry Goldblatt of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' remarked: "Clarkson glides through octaves with the masterful control of someone who's been doing this for decades."<ref name="Entertainment Weekly 1" /> ''Thankful'' was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart and went on to sell over 4.5 million copies worldwide.<ref name="People 2" /> It was later certified double platinum by the RIAA, platinum in Canada, and gold in Japan and Australia.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Clarkson,%20Kelly%22 |title=RIAA — Searchable Database: Clarkson, Kelly |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=June 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019004646/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Clarkson%2C%20Kelly%22 |archive-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref> ''Billboard'' ranked Clarkson 10th in their Top Pop Artist (female) list of 2003.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2003 The Year in Music: Hot 100 Singles & Tracks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68|access-date=February 11, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=December 27, 2003|page=YE-22}}</ref>

Its lead single, "[[Miss Independent (Kelly Clarkson song)|Miss Independent]]", became her first international hit, reaching the top ten in five national charts, including the US. It was later certified gold by the RIAA. It earned Clarkson her first [[Grammy Award]] nomination for "[[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]]" at the [[46th Grammy Awards]].<ref name="New York Times 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/movies/rap-rules-among-the-grammy-award-nominations.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm |title=Rap Rules Among the Grammy Award Nominations |author=Strauss, Neil |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |date=December 5, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908112412/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/movies/rap-rules-among-the-grammy-award-nominations.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was followed with two moderately successful singles, "[[Low (Kelly Clarkson song)|Low]]" and "[[The Trouble with Love Is]]"; the latter was used on the soundtrack of British romantic film ''[[Love Actually]]''. Her first video album, ''[[Miss Independent (video)|Miss Independent]]'', was released on November 18, 2003, and was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson" /> To support ''Thankful'', Clarkson and ''Idol'' [[American Idol (season 2)|second season]] runner-up [[Clay Aiken]] co-headlined the 2004 [[Independent Tour]] throughout the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484333/clay-aiken-kelly-clarkson-plan-tour.jhtml |title=Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson Plan Joint Headlining Tour |author=Moss, Corey |date=January 13, 2004 |work=MTV News |access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1323293302NXEDGXLXXK?url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1484333/clay-aiken-kelly-clarkson-plan-tour.jhtml |archive-date=December 7, 2011}}</ref>


Clarkson made her film debut with Guarini with the release of the musical romantic comedy film ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]'' in June 2003. The film was poorly received by critics<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/from_justin_to_kelly/ |title=From Justin to Kelly (2003) |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |date=June 20, 2003 |publisher=[[Flixster]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826145638/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/from_justin_to_kelly/ |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was unsuccessful at the box office, with Clarkson explaining that she was "contractually obligated" to do the film and didn't like it.<ref name="The Gadsden Times 1">{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E8MfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629,538075&dq=kelly+clarkson+from+justin+to+kelly&hl=en |title=Kelly Clarkson Didn't Like From Justin To Kelly' Either |date=February 3, 2006 |location=New York |work=[[The Gadsden Times]] |publisher=[[Halifax Media Group]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602211326/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E8MfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629,538075&dq=kelly+clarkson+from+justin+to+kelly&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Entertainment Weekly 2">{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2005/08/26/ew-asks-kelly-clarkson-stupid-questions/ |title=Stupid Questions with Kelly Clarkson |author=Snierson, Dan |date=August 19, 2006 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021145353/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1098338,00.html |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, Clarkson, along with ''American Idol'' judges [[Paula Abdul]] and [[Randy Jackson]] and hosts [[Brian Dunkleman]] and [[Ryan Seacrest]], participated in the season premiere of the [[MADtv season 8|eighth season]] of the television comedy series ''[[MADtv]]''. She also portrayed [[Brenda Lee]] in two episodes of the television drama ''[[American Dreams]]'' between 2003 and 2004. On December 25, 2003, Clarkson participated in the television special competition ''[[World Idol]]'' in [[London]], along with the first winners of the several ''[[Idol (TV series)|Idol]]'' television series around the world. Clarkson was contractually obligated to participate, and she performed [[Aretha Franklin]]'s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She ended up as the runner-up with 97 points, behind the first ''[[Idol (Norway)|Norwegian Idol]]'' [[Kurt Nilsen]].<ref name="People 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,627410,00.html |title=Norway's Nilsen Wins 'World Idol' Title |author=Silverman, Stephen |date=January 2, 2004 |work=People |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811052334/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,627410,00.html |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2004–2006: New management and ''Breakaway''===
[[File:Kelly Clarkson in Canberra, 2005 (3).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Clarkson performing while on her [[Breakaway World Tour]] on November 15, 2005, [[Canberra|Canberra, Australia]]]]

Trying to distance herself from her ''American Idol'' image, Clarkson decided to leave Fuller and [[19 Entertainment|19 Management]] and hired the services of talent manager [[Jeff Kwatinetz]] of [[The Firm, Inc.|The Firm]]. She reinvented herself to some extent, developing a more rock-oriented sound with her second studio album, ''[[Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson album)|Breakaway]]''. Davis served as the executive producer for the record, while Clarkson co-wrote six of the tracks with pop and rock songwriters such as former [[Evanescence]] band members [[Ben Moody]] and [[David Hodges]], [[Kara DioGuardi]], [[Dr. Luke]] and [[Max Martin]]. ''Breakaway'' received critical acclaim, with Erlewine of ''AllMusic'' remarking: "What gives ''Breakaway'' its spine are the driving, anthemic pop tunes, numbers that sound simultaneously mainstream and youthful, which is a hard trick to pull off, and they are the tracks that illustrate Clarkson is a rare thing in the 2000s: a pop singer who's neither hip nor square, just solidly and enjoyably in the mainstream."<ref name="AllMusic – Breakaway">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/breakaway-mw0000633392 |title=Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : AllMusic |author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |work=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008052506/http://www.allmusic.com/album/breakaway-mw0000633392 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Breakaway'' was released on November 30, 2004, and became Clarkson's most commercially successful album. After debuting at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="Entertainment Weekly 3">{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/12/08/jay-zlinkin-park-mash-tops-album-chart/ |title=Comfortably 'Numb' |author=Suzman, Gary |date=December 8, 2004 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619213458/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,945354,00.html |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> its longevity allowed it to become the third-best-selling album of 2005 in the US and was certified sextuple platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson" /><ref name="Washington Post 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/music-events/kelly-clarkson,1091737/critic-review.html#reviewNum1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205193731/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/music-events/kelly-clarkson,1091737/critic-review.html%23reviewNum1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Clarkson Pops Back From Cold 'December' |author=J. Freedom du Lac |date=March 10, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=September 14, 2012}}</ref> The album also enjoyed success throughout the world; it topped the charts in the Netherlands and Ireland, became the world's seventh-best-selling album of 2005 and went on to sell more than twelve million copies worldwide.<ref name="NME 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/22665 |title=Coldplay had biggest selling album of 2005 |author=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry |date=March 31, 2006 |work=[[NME]] |publisher=Time, Inc. |access-date=September 14, 2012 |author-link=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421050704/http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/22665 |archive-date=April 21, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TV by the Numbers 1">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/21/kelly-clarkson-and-bruno-mars-to-perform-on-the-x-factor-results-show/111378/ |title=Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars on 'The X Factor' |author=Suzman, Gary |date=November 21, 2011 |work=[[TV by the Numbers]] |publisher=[[Tribune Media Services]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122172401/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/21/kelly-clarkson-and-bruno-mars-to-perform-on-the-x-factor-results-show/111378/ |archive-date=November 22, 2011}}</ref> Clarkson was named the [[Billboard Year-End|Top Female Artist of the Year]] by ''Billboard''.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 24, 2005 |title=The 2005 Year in Music & Touring |page=YE-39 |magazine=Billboard |volume=117 |issue=52 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2005/BB-2005-12-24.pdf }}</ref> She promoted the album with the [[Breakaway Tour]], [[Hazel Eyes Tour]], and [[Addicted Tour]] which took place from 2005 to 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500899/kelly-clarkson-turns-23-extends-tour.jhtml|title=Kelly Clarkson Turns 23; Fans' Tour Wishes Come True|author=Davis, Carolyn E.|date=April 27, 2005|work=MTV News |access-date= July 22, 2019|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1323340963WYMHXKOPLD?url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500899/kelly-clarkson-turns-23-extends-tour.jhtml|archive-date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>

Five singles were released to promote ''Breakaway''. Its title track, "[[Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson song)|Breakaway]]", was originally released in July 2004, as the soundtrack for [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]] film ''[[The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement]]'' and was later re-released as the album's fifth single in May 2006. It became Clarkson's third top-ten single on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 with a peak of number six. It was a major success on [[adult contemporary music|adult contemporary]] radio, topping the [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|''Billboard'' Adult Contemporary]] for 21 weeks and the Adult Contemporary Audience chart for 28 weeks (her longest number one on any charts).<ref name="Billboard Biz 1">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/american-idol-s-tenth-anniversary-kelly-1007278152.story |title=American Idol's Tenth Anniversary: Kelly Clarkson's Journey to 73 Billboard Chart Toppers |author=Bronson, Fred |date=June 11, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114165241/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/american-idol-s-tenth-anniversary-kelly-1007278152.story |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "[[Since U Been Gone]]" was released as the album's [[lead single]] in November 2004 and became Clarkson's most successful single on the Hot 100 despite peaking at number two.<ref name="Billboard Biz 1" /> The second and third singles, "[[Behind These Hazel Eyes]]" and "[[Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)|Because of You]]", also followed suit—peaking at number six and number seven on the Hot 100, respectively. "Because of You" became Clarkson's biggest single worldwide, reaching number one on the [[European Hot 100 Singles]] chart and the national charts in Brazil, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58658/ward-gnarls-barkley-lock-down-uk-charts|title=Ward, Gnarls Barkley Lock Down U.K. Charts|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=May 2, 2017|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105181626/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58658/ward-gnarls-barkley-lock-down-uk-charts|archive-date=January 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The fourth single, "[[Walk Away (Kelly Clarkson song)|Walk Away]]", peaked at number twelve on the Hot 100. According to [[Mediabase]], Clarkson was the most-played artist of 2006 in the U.S.<ref name="Mediabase 1">{{cite press release|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061221/lath017.html?.v=86|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319151546/http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061221/lath017.html?.v=86|archive-date=March 19, 2007|title=Mediabase Announces 2006 Radio Airplay Leaders|publisher=Premiere Radio Networks, Inc|date=December 21, 2006 |access-date=September 14, 2012}}</ref>

''Breakaway'' garnered Clarkson many accolades, including two trophies at the [[48th Grammy Awards]]—the [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] for "Since U Been Gone" and the [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album|Best Pop Vocal Album]].<ref name="grammycom">{{cite news|url=https://www.grammy.com/artist/kelly-clarkson|title=Kelly Clarkson|newspaper=Grammy.com |date=January 18, 2013 |publisher=[[Grammy Award]]|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221025427/https://www.grammy.com/artist/kelly-clarkson|archive-date=February 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> She also won [[Best Female Video]] two years in a row, for "Since U Been Gone" and "Because of You", at the [[MTV Video Music Awards]]. Clarkson's second video album, ''[[Behind Hazel Eyes]]'', was released on March 29, 2005. In 2005, she performed and participated during the [[Saturday Night Live season 30|thirtieth season]] of the American sketch-comedy series, ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', and the reality series ''[[Damage Control (TV series)|Damage Control]]'' with [[Simple Plan]] frontman [[Pierre Bouvier]]. She performed "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" at Game{{nbsp}}2 of the [[2005 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]].<ref name="NBA Finals 2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasymusicleague.com/artist.php?id=7585|title=Kelly Clarkson To Final Four Fest|last=Desens|first=Krista Desens|publisher=fantasymusicleague|access-date=March 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818071618/http://www.fantasymusicleague.com/artist.php?id=7585|archive-date=August 18, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> She performed during the festivities [[2005 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]]<ref name="NBA 2005">{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/b/2005/06/09/will-smith-kelly-clarkson-alanis-morissette-stevie-wonder-entertain-at-nba-finals.htm |title=Will Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette, Stevie Wonder Entertain At NBA Finals |last=Lamb |first=Bill |date=June 9, 2005 |publisher=About.com |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604231820/http://top40.about.com/b/2005/06/09/will-smith-kelly-clarkson-alanis-morissette-stevie-wonder-entertain-at-nba-finals.htm |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> and the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in [[Torino, Italy]];<ref name="Olympics 2006">{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/b/2006/01/30/winter-olympics-concerts-kelly-clarkson-whitney-houston-avril-lavigne-and-more.htm|title=Winter Olympics Concerts: Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Avril Lavigne, and More|last=Lamb|first=Bill|date=January 30, 2006|publisher=About.com|access-date=March 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604231826/http://top40.about.com/b/2006/01/30/winter-olympics-concerts-kelly-clarkson-whitney-houston-avril-lavigne-and-more.htm|archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> In 2006, Clarkson recorded "Go" as a free download for the [[Ford Motor Company]] advertising campaign.<ref name="Video – Go 1">{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23329 |title="Bold Moves" puts consumers at center of all Ford-brand marketing |publisher=[[Ford Motor Company]] |access-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005091148/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23329 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Video – Go 2">{{cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23926 |title=Kelly Clarkson fans may be addicted to Ford |publisher=[[Ford Motor Company]] |access-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130154657/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=23926 |archive-date=January 30, 2013 }}</ref>

===2007–2009: ''My December'' and ''All I Ever Wanted''===
Clarkson's third studio album, ''[[My December]]'', was released on June 22, 2007. The album relied on darker themes and heavier rock music.<ref name="Rolling Stone 1">{{cite magazine |last=Georgi |first=Maya |title=Kelly Clarkson Biography |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kelly-clarkson/biography |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709081245/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kelly-clarkson/biography |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=Wenner Media LLC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2008/01/kelly-clarkson-my-december-rca/|title=Kelly Clarkson, 'My December' (RCA)|first=Michael|last=Endelman|date=January 18, 2008|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152809/https://www.spin.com/2008/01/kelly-clarkson-my-december-rca/|archive-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She replaced Davis as the executive producer and co-wrote all the tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-december-mw0000475112/credits|title=My December > Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022828/https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-december-mw0000475112/credits|archive-date=October 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She opted to collaborate with her band members rather than her previous producers and collaborators.<ref name="Rolling Stone 1"/><ref name="Journal 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/main.php?content=journal |title=Kelly Clarkson // Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610055222/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/main.php?content=journal |archive-date=June 10, 2007 }}</ref> Its production and release became a subject of a dispute with RCA, particularly with Davis. He noted the album's lack of professional production input and wanted her to re-record tracks with a more mainstream appeal, which she refused.<ref name="Rolling Stone 1"/> Clarkson defended herself saying, "I've sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and still nobody listens to what I have to say. I couldn't give a crap about being a star. I've always just wanted to sing and write."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elle.com/coverstory/11273/kelly-clarkson-page6.html |title=Kelly Clarkson - ELLE |access-date=June 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609171340/http://www.elle.com/coverstory/11273/kelly-clarkson-page6.html |archive-date=June 9, 2007}}</ref> The album received positive response, but lack of promotion due to reluctance of RCA led Clarkson to dismiss Kwatinetz and [[Live Nation]] to cancel its accompanying tour, the [[My December Tour]], and reschedule it into a smaller scale with supporting acts [[Jon McLaughlin (musician)|Jon McLaughlin]], [[Sean Kingston]] and [[Mandy Moore]].<ref name="Rolling Stone 1"/><ref name="Billboard 1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049543/kelly-clarkson-unveils-fall-tour-plans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414013304/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049543/kelly-clarkson-unveils-fall-tour-plans|archive-date=April 14, 2013|title=Kelly Clarkson Unveils Fall Tour Plans|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan |date=September 4, 2007 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=March 20, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Music Week 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/uk-album-chart-analysis-coldplays-mylo-xyloto-smashes-through-200k-sales-barrier/047131 |title=UK Album Chart analysis: Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto smashes through 200k sales barrier |last=Jones |first=Alan |work=[[Music Week]] |publisher=Intent Media |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019004646/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/uk-album-chart-analysis-coldplays-mylo-xyloto-smashes-through-200k-sales-barrier/047131 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clarkson later hired talent manager Narvel Blackstock of Starstruck Management. Blackstock was the husband of country artist [[Reba McEntire]], of whom Clarkson is a close friend. Clarkson later issued an apology to Davis, citing him as "a key advisor" in her success.<ref name="CBS 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kelly-clarkson-under-new-management/ |title=Kelly Clarkson: Under New Management |author=Faber, Judy |date=February 11, 2009 |work=[[CBS News]] |publisher=CBS Corporation |access-date=September 14, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson - Encore.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Clarkson and [[Reba McEntire]] during the [[2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour]] in [[Minneapolis]] in 2008]]
''My December'' debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson" /> The album went on to sell over 2.5 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Daily Record 1">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2009/02/27/i-m-not-as-controversial-as-the-media-portrays-me-says-american-idol-winner-kelly-clarkson-86908-21156403/|title=I'm not as controversial as the media portrays me, says original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson|last=Fulton|first=Rick|date=February 27, 2009|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=March 20, 2009|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172415/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/im-not-as-controversial-as-the-media-portrays-1011678|url-status=live}}</ref> It featured only one major hit single, "[[Never Again (Kelly Clarkson song)|Never Again]]", which debuted and peaked at number eight on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100—her highest debut on the chart ever. On July 7, 2007, Clarkson performed on the [[Live Earth concert, New York City|American leg]] of [[Live Earth]] concert.<ref name="Live Earth">{{cite web |url=http://music.msn.com/artists/kellyclarkson/ |title=Live Earth on MSN: The Concerts For A Climate In Crisis |publisher=[[MSN]] |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211204737/http://music.msn.com/artists/kellyclarkson/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Clarkson partnered with [[NASCAR]] during their 2007 season, appearing in televised advertisements, performed at pre-race concerts, promoted NASCAR Day, and appeared at the Champions' Banquet in December.<ref name="NASCAR">{{cite web|url=http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=461 |title=NASCAR and Kelly Clarkson Announce Unprecedented Partnership |date=January 19, 2007 |publisher=nascar.com |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727011555/http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=461 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 }}</ref>

Clarkson collaborated with Reba McEntire in an hour-long ''[[Crossroads (CMT TV series)|CMT Crossroads]]'' special at [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]]'s [[Ryman Auditorium]] on February 22, 2007.<ref name="Reba 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4600290-1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717064901/http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4600290-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |title=Clarkson Duets With Reba On 'idol' Reunion |publisher=Allbusiness.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 }}</ref> Introduced by [[Dolly Parton]], Clarkson performed "[[Why Haven't I Heard from You]]" and "[[Does He Love You (Reba McEntire song)|Does He Love You]]" with [[Martina McBride]] on the television special ''CMT Giants: Reba McEntire''. She also appeared on an episode of McEntire's sitcom ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'', which aired on January 14, 2007. At the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16, 2007, Clarkson and McEntire sang a [[Because of You (Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson song)|country version]] of "Because of You", which also became the lead single from the album ''[[Reba: Duets]]''. It peaked at number two on the [[Hot Country Songs|''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs]] chart and was nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals]]. Throughout 2008, Clarkson and McEntire embarked on the [[2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour]] to support ''Reba: Duets'' and ''My December''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1574453/20071115/mcentire_reba.jhtml| title=Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson Plan Tour Together|date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Country Music Television|publisher=MTV Networks| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071219003311/http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1574453/20071115/mcentire_reba.jhtml| archive-date= December 19, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Kelly Clarkson, Women's World Awards 2009 a.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Kelly Clarkson, Women's World Awards 2009|Clarkson at the Women's World Awards 2009 in [[Vienna (Austria)|Vienna]]]]
Clarkson's fourth album, ''[[All I Ever Wanted (album)|All I Ever Wanted]]'', was released on March 6, 2009. Clarkson continued to co-write her own material, but this time she returned to a mainstream-oriented sound by reuniting with previous collaborators Dr. Luke, Martin, and DioGuardi, and new collaborators [[Howard Benson]], [[Claude Kelly]], [[Ryan Tedder]], [[Glen Ballard]], [[Matt Thiessen]] and [[Katy Perry]] in contributing tracks for the album. The release of ''All I Ever Wanted'' was met with positive acclaim from music critics for its lighter themes.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer 1">{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Music-Kelly-Clarkson-s-All-I-Ever-Wanted-1302088.php?dpfrom=thead |title=Music: Kelly Clarkson's 'All I Ever Wanted' |date=March 11, 2009 |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908115349/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Music-Kelly-Clarkson-s-All-I-Ever-Wanted-1302088.php?dpfrom=thead |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and remaining there for two weeks.<ref name="Billboard 3">{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-chart-kelly-clarkson-heartbeat-song-debuts/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128083233/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6450394/hot-100-chart-kelly-clarkson-heartbeat-song-debuts|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Kelly Clarkson's 'Heartbeat Song' Debuts in Top 40 |first=Gary|last=Trust|magazine=Billboard|date=January 23, 2015|access-date=January 28, 2015|url-status=live|archive-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref> The album has sold over a million copies in the U.S. and garnered Clarkson a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the [[52nd Grammy Awards]].<ref name="bbsales"/><ref name="Grammy – All I Ever Wanted">{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2009&genre=All |title=The 52nd Grammy Award Nominees List |publisher=Grammy.com |year=2009 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206065013/http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2009&genre=All |archive-date=December 6, 2010}}</ref>

Its first single, "[[My Life Would Suck Without You]]", became an international hit. It entered the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 97 and rose to the top position the following week, breaking the record for the biggest jump to number one in a single week previously held by [[Britney Spears]]' "[[Womanizer (song)|Womanizer]]".<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1">{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/01/kelly-clarksons.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's 'My Life' makes history |author=Martens, Todd |date=January 28, 2009 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107183131/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/01/kelly-clarksons.html |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hungary. It was followed with two more top-twenty singles, "[[I Do Not Hook Up]]" and "[[Already Gone (Kelly Clarkson song)|Already Gone]]". The release of "Already Gone" became a subject of another dispute between Clarkson and RCA, after she realized its similarities with [[Beyoncé]]'s song "[[Halo (Beyoncé Knowles song)|Halo]]", both of which were produced by Tedder.<ref name="Already Gone – Halo">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617011/kelly-clarkson-i-didnt-rip-off-beyonce.jhtml |title=Think Kelly Clarkson's 'Already Gone' Sounds Like Beyonce's 'Halo?' So Does Kelly ... |author=Montgomery, James |date=July 27, 2009 |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103074107/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617011/kelly-clarkson-i-didnt-rip-off-beyonce.jhtml |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Further promotion for the album was abruptly ended with the limited success of its fourth and final singles, "[[All I Ever Wanted (Kelly Clarkson song)|All I Ever Wanted]]" and "[[Cry (Kelly Clarkson song)|Cry]]". Clarkson supported ''All I Ever Wanted'' with the [[All I Ever Wanted Tour]] from 2009 to 2010. She also performed as one of many main artists for the return of ''[[VH1 Divas]]'' in September 2009.<ref name="VH1 Divas 2009">{{cite web |url=http://blog.vh1.com/2009-07-21/adele-kelly-clarkson-leona-lewis-and-miley-cyrus-head-vh1-divas-lineup/ |title=Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus Head VH1 Divas Lineup! |author=Juzwiak, Rich |date=July 21, 2009 |work=[[VH1]] |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620134421/http://blog.vh1.com/2009-07-21/adele-kelly-clarkson-leona-lewis-and-miley-cyrus-head-vh1-divas-lineup/ |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Clarkson became a guest mentor on the Dutch television series ''[[X Factor (Netherlands)|X Factor]]'' in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kelly Clarkson blij met billen |url=http://www.rtl.nl:80/components/actueel/rtlboulevard/miMedia/2009/week12/do_chubby_clarkson.avi_plain.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323162120/http://www.rtl.nl/components/actueel/rtlboulevard/miMedia/2009/week12/do_chubby_clarkson.avi_plain.xml |language=nl |publisher=[[RTL Nederland|RTL]] |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2010–2012: ''Stronger'', ''Duets'', and ''Greatest Hits – Chapter One''===
{{see also|Duets (TV series)|label1=''Duets'' (TV series)}}
Clarkson recorded a country duet with [[Jason Aldean]], "[[Don't You Wanna Stay]]", for his 2010 album ''[[My Kinda Party]]''.<ref name="Jason Aldean 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.countrymusicislove.com/2010/08/jason-aldean-to-release-my-kinda-party-november-2.html |title=Jason Aldean To Release 'My Kinda Party' November 2 – Country Music Is Love |publisher=Countrymusicislove.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708200620/http://www.countrymusicislove.com/2010/08/jason-aldean-to-release-my-kinda-party-november-2.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref> It became her first number-one song on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart and has sold over 2.7 million copies,<ref name="bbsales"/> making it the best-selling country collaboration in history.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-july-17-2011-songs-demis-breakthrough.html |title=Week Ending July 17, 2011. Songs: Demi's Breakthrough |work=Yahoo |date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2013 |first=Paul |last=Grein |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201234545/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-july-17-2011-songs-demis-breakthrough.html |archive-date=February 1, 2013 }}</ref> It received numerous country-related accolades, including a nomination for a [[Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance]] at the 54th Grammy Awards.<ref name="Grammy – Don't You Wanna Stay">{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=8 |title=The 54th Grammy Award Nominees List |publisher=Grammy.com |year=2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727025507/http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=8 |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clarkson incorporated a slight country vibe into her fifth studio album, ''[[Stronger (Kelly Clarkson album)|Stronger]]'', which was also influenced by [[Prince (singer)|Prince]], [[Tina Turner]], [[Sheryl Crow]], and [[Radiohead]]. She worked with several producers including [[Greg Kurstin]], [[Ester Dean]], [[Rodney Jerkins|Darkchild]], [[Toby Gad]], [[Steve Jordan (drummer)|Steve Jordan]], and [[Howard Benson]]. Released on October 21, 2011, ''Stronger'' debuted at number two on the ''[[Billboard 200]]'' and was certified platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson" /> It was also critically applauded and won the [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album]] at the [[55th Annual Grammy Awards|2013 Grammy Awards]], making her the first artist to win the award twice.<ref name="Huff Post 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/04/best-pop-vocal-album-kelly-clarkson_n_2618173.html |title=Best Pop Vocal Album – Kelly Clarkson |work=[[Huffington Post]] |access-date=February 13, 2013 |first=Christopher |last=Rosen |date=February 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213030305/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/04/best-pop-vocal-album-kelly-clarkson_n_2618173.html |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Kelly Clarkson live in Sudbury 2011.jpg|thumb|Clarkson performing in [[Greater Sudbury|Sudbury, Canada]] in 2011]]
''Stronger''{{'}}s lead single, "[[Mr. Know It All]]", was released in September 2011. It reached number one in Australia and South Korea and attained a top-ten position in seven countries, including the U.S., where it became her ninth top-ten hit on the ''[[Billboard Hot 100]]'' chart. It also became a [[crossover (music)|crossover hit]] to the country charts, prompting RCA to reissue a country version. "[[Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)]]" served as the second single in January 2012, and topped sixteen ''Billboard'' charts, becoming her third number one on the Hot 100.<ref name="Hollywood Reporter 2">{{cite news |title='American Idol' on the Charts: Fantasia Looks for Another 'Win' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-fantasia-looking-427131 |last=Bronson |first=Fred |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313090839/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-fantasia-looking-427131 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also reached number one in Poland and Slovakia and reached the top ten in many other charts worldwide. It remains Clarkson's best-selling single, with 4.9 million copies sold in the U.S. alone.<ref name="bbsales"/> The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards—[[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]], [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]], and [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance|Best Pop Solo Performance]].<ref name="Huff Post 1" /> "[[Dark Side (Kelly Clarkson song)|Dark Side]]" was released as the third and final single in June 2012, and it achieved a modest success. It became her eleventh top-ten hit on the [[Adult Top 40|''Billboard'' Adult Pop Songs]] chart, and she surpassed Sheryl Crow and Katy Perry as the female artist with the most top-ten songs on the chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/480620/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki|title=Weekly Chart Notes: Kylie Minogue's 9th No. 1 Dance Hit, Scissor Sisters' 'Kiki' Debuts|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529042751/http://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/480620/weekly-chart-notes-kylie-minogues-9th-no-1-dance-hit-scissor-sisters-kiki|archive-date=May 29, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The release of ''Stronger'' was accompanied by two EPs, ''[[The Smoakstack Sessions]]'' and [[iTunes Session (Kelly Clarkson EP)|''iTunes Session'']].<ref name="myplaydirect">{{cite web |url=http://www.myplaydirect.com/kelly-clarkson/details/25839075 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711125204/http://www.myplaydirect.com/kelly-clarkson/details/25839075 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson's Official Website Store |publisher=Myplaydirect.com |access-date=August 6, 2011 }}</ref> The latter debuted at number 85 on the ''[[Billboard 200]]'', and it was promoted by its only single, a cover of "[[I'll Be Home for Christmas]]". Clarkson co-wrote "Tell Me a Lie", which was recorded by British boy band [[One Direction]] for their debut album, ''[[Up All Night (One Direction album)|Up All Night]]'' (2011). Clarkson promoted ''Stronger'' with two concert tours, the [[Stronger Tour]] and the co-headlining the [[Kelly Clarkson / The Fray Tour]] with the alternative rock band [[The Fray]]. On February 5, 2012, she performed "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" at [[Super Bowl XLVI]] to widespread critical acclaim.<ref name="NY Daily 1">{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/super-bowl-2012-kelly-clarkson-sings-national-anthem-madonna-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-tackle-halftime-show-article-1.1017886| title=Kelly Clarkson sings National Anthem at Super Bowl: 'I've never been more nervous in my life'| work=NY Daily News| date=February 6, 2012| access-date=February 8, 2012| first=Joyce| last=Chen| location=New York| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055315/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/super-bowl-2012-kelly-clarkson-sings-national-anthem-madonna-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-tackle-halftime-show-article-1.1017886| archive-date=February 9, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Billboard 4">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269179/kelly-clarkson-tops-billboard-200|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524071623/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269179/kelly-clarkson-tops-billboard-200|archive-date=May 24, 2009|title=Kelly Clarkson Tops Billboard 200|last=Caulfield|first=Keith |date=March 18, 2009|magazine=Billboard.com|access-date=March 20, 2009}}</ref> She later released a promotional single, "[[Get Up (A Cowboys Anthem)]]", for use in [[Pepsi]]'s [[NFL]] advertising campaign.<ref name="Get Up">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/playbook/sounds/post/_/id/3009/mccoy-giants-ribs-clarkson-cowboys |title=McCoy (Giants) ribs Clarkson (Cowboys) |work=[[ESPN]] |access-date=September 14, 2012 |date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228075743/http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/sounds/post/_/id/3009/mccoy-giants-ribs-clarkson-cowboys |archive-date=February 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Clarkson served as a mentor and judge, alongside [[John Legend]], [[Jennifer Nettles]], and [[Robin Thicke]], on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] television show ''[[Duets (TV series)|Duets]],'' which premiered on May 24, 2012.<ref name="Duets">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20576801,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Among Singers Starring in Duets |magazine=People Magazine |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421023714/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20576801,00.html |archive-date=April 21, 2012 }}</ref> The show concluded on July 19, 2012, with Clarkson's contestant [[Jason Farol]] finishing as the second runner-up. She also became a guest mentor to [[Blake Shelton]]'s team on the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 2|second season]] of ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]''.<ref name="Duets" /> The two later collaborated on a cover of "There's a New Kid in Town" for Shelton's 2012 Christmas album, ''[[Cheers, It's Christmas]]''.<ref name="Taste of Country">{{cite web |last=Pacella |first=Megan |title='Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Special' Leaves Viewers in Stitches |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-not-so-family-christmas-special/ |work=Taste of Country |date=December 4, 2012 |publisher=[[Townsquare Media]] |access-date=June 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314204828/http://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-not-so-family-christmas-special/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of her career in music, Clarkson released her first [[greatest hits album]], ''[[Greatest Hits – Chapter One (Kelly Clarkson album)|Greatest Hits – Chapter One]]'', on November 19, 2012. Three new songs were recorded for the compilation—"[[Catch My Breath]]", "[[Don't Rush (Kelly Clarkson song)|Don't Rush]]" (featuring country musician [[Vince Gill]]) and "[[People Like Us (Kelly Clarkson song)|People Like Us]]"—were all released as singles. "Catch My Breath" became her 14th top-twenty hit on the Hot 100 chart as well as her 13th million-selling single in the United States.<ref name="bbsales"/> According to ''Billboard'', it was the third biggest [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|adult contemporary]] song of 2013.<ref name="The Hollywood Reporter">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-alums-end-668522|title='American Idol' on the Charts: Alums End 2013 on High Notes|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 5, 2014|access-date=January 5, 2014|first=Fred|last=Bronson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111045131/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-charts-alums-end-668522|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, its follow-up singles performed moderately well on the charts. Clarkson earned more nominations from the country music industry, including [[Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance|Best Country Duo/Group Performance]] for "Don't Rush" at the [[56th Annual Grammy Awards]] and Female Vocalist of the Year at the [[2012 Country Music Association Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|title=Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813121343/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5819883/grammy-awards-2014-full-nominations-list-complete-nominees|archive-date=August 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Chapter One'' was eventually certified gold in Australia, the UK and the U.S.<ref name="RIAA – Kelly Clarkson" />

===2013–2015: ''Wrapped in Red'' and ''Piece by Piece''===
{{see also|Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale|label1=''Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale''}}
[[File:Kelly Clarkson 2013 Honda Civic Tour.JPG|upright|thumb|Clarkson performing at the [[12th Annual Honda Civic Tour]] in August 2013]]
In January 2013, Clarkson performed "[[My Country, 'Tis of Thee]]" at the [[Second inauguration of Barack Obama|second inauguration]] of U.S. President [[Barack Obama]].<ref name="MTV 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1699862/beyonce-kelly-clarkson-obama-Inauguration.jhtml |title=Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson To Perform At President Obama's Second Inauguration |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom Media Networks |access-date=January 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112002606/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1699862/beyonce-kelly-clarkson-obama-inauguration.jhtml |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Her live rendition was acclaimed by critics, who contrasted it with [[Beyoncé]]'s pre-recorded performance during the same event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/kelly-clarkson-was-not-lip-sync-singer-my-country-tis-of-thee_n_2527535.html|title=Kelly Clarkson Was Not Lip-Syncing: Singer's Rendition Of 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee' Was Live|date=January 22, 2013|website=Huffingtonpost.com|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325201837/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/kelly-clarkson-was-not-lip-sync-singer-my-country-tis-of-thee_n_2527535.html|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2013, she performed "[[Tennessee Waltz]]" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the [[55th Annual Grammy Awards]] as a tribute to [[Patti Page]] and [[Carole King]].<ref name="Zap2it">{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/02/grammys-2013-kelly-clarksons-natural-woman-and-tennessee-waltz-in-tribute-to-carole-king-and-patti-p.html |title=Kelly Clarkson's Natural Woman and Tennessee Waltz in Tribute to Carole King and Patti Page |work=[[Zap2it]] |publisher=[[Tribune Media Services]] |access-date=February 13, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212043948/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/02/grammys-2013-kelly-clarksons-natural-woman-and-tennessee-waltz-in-tribute-to-carole-king-and-patti-p.html |archive-date=February 12, 2013 }}</ref> She also released a non-album single, "[[Tie It Up]]", exclusively to country music stations in June 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/10/kelly-clarkson-tie-it-up-new-song/ |title=Kelly Clarkson goes country on new single, 'Tie It Up': Hear it here! |first=Adam |last=Carlson |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613140529/http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/10/kelly-clarkson-tie-it-up-new-song/ |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Clarkson and [[Maroon 5]] performed at 24 concerts as part of the [[12th Annual Honda Civic Tour]], starting on August 1, 2013, and ending on October 6, 2013. She was featured on the re-recorded version of "[[Foolish Games]]" for [[Jewel (singer)|Jewel]]'s first compilation, ''[[Greatest Hits (Jewel album)|Greatest Hits]]'' (2013).<ref name="Billboard 2">{{cite magazine| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1481504/jewel-releasing-greatest-hits-on-feb-5| title=Jewel Releasing 'Greatest Hits' on Feb. 5| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Prometheus Global Media| date=December 10, 2012| access-date=February 6, 2013| first=Gary| last=Graff| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528123949/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1481504/jewel-releasing-greatest-hits-on-feb-5| archive-date=May 28, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson also collaborated with singer [[Robbie Williams]] on the song "[[Little Green Apples]]" for his 2013 album ''[[Swings Both Ways]]''.<ref name="Swings Both Ways">{{cite web|title=Robbie Williams announces new album 'Swings Both Ways'-video|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a514634/robbie-williams-announces-new-album-swings-both-ways-video.html|website=Digital Spy|access-date=September 11, 2013|date=September 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913155822/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a514634/robbie-williams-announces-new-album-swings-both-ways-video.html|archive-date=September 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Clarkson's sixth studio album and first Christmas record, ''[[Wrapped in Red]]'', was solely produced by Greg Kurstin. She co-wrote all five original songs and recorded eleven cover versions of [[Christmas music#Popular Christmas songs|Christmas standards]] and [[Christmas carol|carols]]. Released on October 25, 2013, the album debuted at number one on the [[Top Holiday Albums|''Billboard'' Top Holiday Albums]] and at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.contactmusic.com/press/kelly-clarkson-s-wrapped-in-red-debuts-at-number-3-on-billboard-top-200|title= Kelly Clarkson's 'Wrapped In Red' Debuts At Number 3 On Billboard Top 200|publisher= Contact Music|date= December 2013|access-date= January 7, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131110230739/http://www.contactmusic.com/press/kelly-clarkson-s-wrapped-in-red-debuts-at-number-3-on-billboard-top-200|archive-date= November 10, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref> By December 2013, ''Wrapped in Red'' had already been certified platinum by the RIAA and eventually became the [[List of best-selling Christmas/holiday albums in the United States|best-selling holiday album of the year]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcarecords.com/news/kellys-clarksons-wrapped-red-certified-platinum-riaa |title=Kelly's Clarkson's Wrapped In Red Certified Platinum By The RIAA |work=[[RCA Records]] |date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213060401/http://www.rcarecords.com/news/kellys-clarksons-wrapped-red-certified-platinum-riaa |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }}</ref> The album's lead single, "[[Underneath the Tree]]", was an adult contemporary number-one hit in both the U.S. and Canada. Clarkson subsequently became ''Billboard''{{'}}s ninth top adult contemporary act of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcharts.com.br/index.php/mediabase-year-end-charts-2013/ |title=Mediabase: Year-End Charts 2013 |work=[[Mediabase]] |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216084406/http://www.bcharts.com.br/index.php/mediabase-year-end-charts-2013/ |archive-date=December 16, 2013}}</ref> On December 11, 2013, her first Christmas special debut, ''[[Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale]],'' garnered over 5.3 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-sing-off-tops-x-factor-while-survivor-leads-cbs-wednesday |title=TV Ratings: 'Sing-Off' tops 'X Factor', while 'Survivor' leads CBS Wednesday |work=[[Hitfix]] |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213152348/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-sing-off-tops-x-factor-while-survivor-leads-cbs-wednesday |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2013, [[Citizen Watch Co.]] announced Clarkson as their newest Brand Ambassador.<ref>{{cite web|title=CITIZEN Introduces Grammy Award Winner Kelly Clarkson as New Brand Ambassador |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/16/6004650/citizen-introduces-grammy-award.html |publisher=[[Citizen Watch Company]] |access-date=December 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190206/http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/16/6004650/citizen-introduces-grammy-award.html |archive-date=December 16, 2013 }}</ref> Retaining her relationship with country music acts in 2014, Clarkson collaborated with [[Martina McBride]] on "In the Basement" (originally by [[Etta James]] and [[Sugar Pie DeSanto]]) for McBride's album ''[[Everlasting (Martina McBride album)|Everlasting]]'' and with [[Trisha Yearwood]] on "[[PrizeFighter (song)|PrizeFighter]]" for Yearwood's compilation ''[[PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://martinamcbride.com/story/martina-mcbride-enlists-don-was-for-a-dream-come-true/ |title=Enlists Don Was for a "Dream Come True" |publisher=Martina McBride |date=January 15, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402183713/http://martinamcbride.com/story/martina-mcbride-enlists-don-was-for-a-dream-come-true/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref> Clarkson also performed a rendition of "[[All I Ask of You]]" with [[Josh Groban]] on his seventh studio album, ''[[Stages (Josh Groban album)|Stages]]'', and its companion television special.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Goodman|first1=Jessica|title=See Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban perform 'All I Ask Of You' for PBS special|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/03/kelly-clarkson-josh-groban-pbs-special|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Inc.|access-date=November 18, 2015|date=November 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119214947/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/03/kelly-clarkson-josh-groban-pbs-special|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> She was featured on [[Ben Haenow]]'s "[[Second Hand Heart (Ben Haenow song)|Second Hand Heart]]", the lead single from his [[Ben Haenow (album)|debut studio album]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.etonline.com/news/173067_kelly_clarkson_featured_on_new_song_after_canceling_more_tour_dates/ |title=Kelly Clarkson Featured on New Song After Canceling More Tour Dates |first=Sophie |last=Schillaci |work=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |publisher=[[CBS]] |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001234237/http://www.etonline.com/news/173067_kelly_clarkson_featured_on_new_song_after_canceling_more_tour_dates/ |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2015, Clarkson released ''[[Piece by Piece (Kelly Clarkson album)|Piece by Piece]]'', her seventh and final studio album under her recording contract with RCA Records.<ref name="Time 3">{{cite magazine|last1=Feeney|first1=Nolan|title=Kelly Clarkson: I Will Never Tell My Daughter About From Justin to Kelly|url=https://time.com/3725769/kelly-clarkson-piece-by-piece-interview/|access-date=February 27, 2015|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306134813/http://time.com/3725769/kelly-clarkson-piece-by-piece-interview/|archive-date=March 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Musically, it is an [[electropop]] and dance album, featuring collaborations with Kurstin, [[Jesse Shatkin]], [[Sia]], [[John Legend]], and [[Shane McAnally]], among others. ''Piece by Piece'' received a reasonably positive response from music critics<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/piece-by-piece/kelly-clarkson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306231849/http://www.metacritic.com/music/piece-by-piece/kelly-clarkson |title='Piece By Piece' reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> and became her third album to debut at the top of the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref name="Billboard 6">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kelly-clarkson-third-no-1-album-on-billboard-200/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311151739/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6495183/kelly-clarkson-third-no-1-album-on-billboard-200|title=Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> To promote the album, Clarkson appeared in several televised performances, including the [[American Idol season 14|fourteenth season]] of ''American Idol'', where she became the only alumnus ever to be dedicated with a competing week featuring her discography.<ref name="Kelly Clarkson Week">{{cite web|last1=Slezak|first1=Michael|title=American Idol: Kelly Clarkson Week Song Spoilers Revealed!|url=http://tvline.com/2015/03/30/american-idol-kelly-clarkson-week-song-spoilers-top-9/|website=tvline.com|publisher=[[TVLine]] Media, LLC|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=April 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423175043/http://tvline.com/2015/03/30/american-idol-kelly-clarkson-week-song-spoilers-top-9/|archive-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> She also supported the [[Piece by Piece Tour]] throughout 2015, which was cut short of its worldwide visits following medical recommendations for a vocal rest during the year.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bliss|first1=Karen|title=Kelly Clarkson's Canadian & U.K. Tour Dates Canceled|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarksons-canadian-uk-tour-dates-canceled-6708097/|website=Billboard.com|date=September 26, 2015|publisher=Billboard|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929000153/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6708097/kelly-clarksons-canadian-uk-tour-dates-canceled|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Piece by Piece'' spawned three singles. The first one, "[[Heartbeat Song (Kelly Clarkson song)|Heartbeat Song]]", peaked at number 21 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and became a top-ten hit in the UK, Austria, Poland, and South Africa. However, Clarkson failed to achieve a similar success with the second single, "[[Invincible (Kelly Clarkson song)|Invincible]]". The third and final single, "[[Piece by Piece (Kelly Clarkson song)|Piece by Piece]]", debuted and peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 chart, following Clarkson's emotional performance on the [[American Idol season 15|fifteenth season]] of ''American Idol''. It became her eleventh U.S. top-ten hit and matched "Never Again" as her highest debut on the chart.<ref name="Radio & Records 1">
{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05/18/2015&Format=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507231322/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=05%2F18%2F2015&Format=10 |title=Radio & Records: Going For Adds: Hot AC |work=[[Radio & Records]] |date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}
</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|publisher=All Access Media Group|access-date=October 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029053326/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|archive-date=October 29, 2015}}</ref> At the [[58th Annual Grammy Awards]], the album and "Heartbeat Song" were nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance, respectively. At the [[59th Annual Grammy Awards|following year]], the title track also received a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.<ref name="Grammy nods">{{cite web|last1=Gage|first1=Jeff|title=Dallas Gets Grammy Nods with Leon Bridges, Kelly Clarkson and More|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dallas-gets-grammy-nods-with-leon-bridges-kelly-clarkson-and-more-7835700|website=Dallas Observer|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209021719/http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dallas-gets-grammy-nods-with-leon-bridges-kelly-clarkson-and-more-7835700|archive-date=December 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2016–2018: Children's books, ''Meaning of Life'', and ''The Voice''===
{{see also|The Voice (American TV series)|label1=''The Voice'' (American TV series)}}
In February 2016, it was announced that Clarkson had signed a book deal with [[HarperCollins]]. Her first children's book, ''[[River Rose and the Magical Lullaby]]'' was released on October 4, 2016. The book features an original [[lullaby]] written and performed by Clarkson.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Announces New Children's Book|url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/river-rose/|date=February 9, 2016|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210162601/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/river-rose/|archive-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref> On the possibility of writing any more books in the future, Clarkson told ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'', "I've got a few ideas – there could be a lullaby for each book. We've got a plethora of stories, and I've already written seven songs, full out, so we'll just have to see which ones might pan out to be a book. But yes, there will definitely be more."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Maughan|first1=Shannon|title=Q&A with Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/71544-q-a-with-kelly-clarkson.html|website=Publishers Weekly|date=September 22, 2016|access-date=September 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926135752/http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/71544-q-a-with-kelly-clarkson.html|archive-date=September 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The second book featuring River Rose, ''[[River Rose and the Magical Christmas]],'' was released on October 24, 2017, and included an original song written and sung by Clarkson, "[[Christmas Eve (Kelly Clarkson song)|Christmas Eve]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062697646/|title=River Rose and the Magical Christmas – Kelly Clarkson – Hardcover|first=Kelly|last=Clarkson|website=HarperCollins US|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811110425/https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062697646/|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Kelly Clarkson 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony 11.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Clarkson performing at the 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony]]

On March 15, 2016, First Lady [[Michelle Obama]] released "This Is for My Girls", a collaborative track featuring vocals from Clarkson, [[Janelle Monáe]], [[Kelly Rowland]], [[Lea Michele]], [[Zendaya]], and [[Missy Elliott]] to coincide with Barack Obama's SXSW speech and to promote the First Lady's third-world educational initiative [[Let Girls Learn]].<ref name="mygirls">{{cite web|last=Lindner|first=Emilee|title=Michelle Obama Teams with Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae, Zendaya & More for New Song|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/03/michelle-obama-missy-elliott-janelle-monae-zendaya-song-sxsw-this-is-for-my-girls?campaign=scl%7Ctwt%7Cfsc|publisher=[[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]]|date=March 15, 2016|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825225111/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/03/michelle-obama-missy-elliott-janelle-monae-zendaya-song-sxsw-this-is-for-my-girls?campaign=scl%7Ctwt%7Cfsc|archive-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson recorded a solo version of "[[It's Quiet Uptown]]" for ''[[The Hamilton Mixtape]]''. Her version was released on November 3, 2016, as a promotional single for the album.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kelly-clarkson-the-roots-hamilton-mixtape-covers-stream-7565679/|title=Kelly Clarkson, The Roots Share First 2 Covers Off 'The Hamilton Mixtape': Listen|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708122211/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7565679/kelly-clarkson-the-roots-hamilton-mixtape-covers-stream|archive-date=July 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> She also recorded a duet called "Love Goes On" with [[Aloe Blacc]] for the original soundtrack of ''[[The Shack (2017 film)|The Shack]],'' which was released in the United States on March 3, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7669833/tim-mcgraw-kelly-clarkson-lady-antebellum-skillet-the-shack|title=Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Skillet and More Contribute New Songs to 'The Shack' Soundtrack: Listen|website=Billboard.com|date=January 27, 2017|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023180124/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7669833/tim-mcgraw-kelly-clarkson-lady-antebellum-skillet-the-shack|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 11, 2017, it was announced that Clarkson would join ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]'' as a coach for the series' [[The Voice (American TV series) season 14|fourteenth season]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins ''The Voice'' Season 14 as Coach (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/kelly-clarkson-the-voice-1202424125/|access-date=May 12, 2017|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511234053/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/kelly-clarkson-the-voice-1202424125/|archive-date=May 11, 2017|location=United States}}</ref>

On June 24, 2016, Clarkson announced she had signed a long-term worldwide deal with [[Atlantic Records]], with the intentions of releasing a soul-influenced eighth studio album in 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Kelly Clarkson Signs Long-Term Deal With Atlantic, Preparing Soul/R&B-Inspired Album for 2017 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7416473/kelly-clarkson-atlantic-deal-2017-album |access-date=June 24, 2016 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=June 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627033635/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7416473/kelly-clarkson-atlantic-deal-2017-album |archive-date=June 27, 2016 |location=United States |url-status=dead }}</ref> Her lead single "[[Love So Soft]]", was released on September 7, 2017, along with the song "[[Move You]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |date=September 7, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson Reappears With A Pair Of New Singles, 'Love So Soft' And 'Move You' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/09/07/kelly-clarkson-reappears-with-a-pair-of-new-singles-love-so-soft-and-move-you/?sh=7b7043db54fc |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=[[Forbes]] |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503174754/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/09/07/kelly-clarkson-reappears-with-a-pair-of-new-singles-love-so-soft-and-move-you/?sh=7b7043db54fc |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 6, 2017, Clarkson announced that her album, ''[[Meaning of Life (album)|Meaning of Life]]'', would be released on October 27, 2017. The album went on to debut and peak at number 2 on the [[Billboard 200|Billboard 200 chart]], selling 79,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |title=Kelly Clarkson, Chris Brown And Several Rappers Post New Albums Inside The U.S. Top 10 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/11/06/kelly-clarkson-chris-brown-and-several-rappers-post-new-albums-inside-the-u-s-top-10/#1088ad336153 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |date=November 6, 2017 |magazine=Forbes}}</ref> With the release of ''Meaning of Life'', Clarkson revealed that she had discussions with Atlantic Records about the sound of the follow-up record and has expressed interest in venturing deeper into R&B and soulful pop music.

Clarkson opened the [[American Music Awards of 2017|45th American Music Awards]] with [[Pink (singer)|P!nk]], and together they performed [[R.E.M.]]'s "[[Everybody Hurts]]" to honor [[first responder]]s. Later in the show, she performed "Miss Independent" and "Love So Soft".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson & Pink Join Forces to Open 2017 American Music Awards|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Kelly-Clarkson-Pink-Join-Forces-to-Open-2017-AMERICAN-MUSIC-AWARDS-20171116|author=TV News Deck|publisher=[[BroadwayWorld]]|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002116/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Kelly-Clarkson-Pink-Join-Forces-to-Open-2017-AMERICAN-MUSIC-AWARDS-20171116|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> "Love So Soft" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the [[60th Annual Grammy Awards]], giving her the record for the most nominations in that category with four.<ref>[https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/60th-grammy-awards-full-nominees-list 60th GRAMMY Awards: Full Nominees List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128121536/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/60th-grammy-awards-full-nominees-list |date=January 28, 2018 }} Grammy Awards, November 28, 2017</ref>

Clarkson lent her voice in the animated film ''[[The Star (2017 film)|The Star]]'', alongside [[Oprah Winfrey]], [[Steven Yeun]], [[Tyler Perry]], and others. The film is based on the [[Nativity of Jesus]]. Developed by [[Sony Pictures Animation]], the film was released on November 17, 2017. This was the first film in which Clarkson performed a voice role.<ref name="THR2017Forecast">{{cite magazine|last1=Masters|first1=Kim|title=Studios' 2017 Forecast: Big Bets, Franchise Fears and Executive Intrigue|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-movies-biggest-gambles-justice-league-mummy-960935/item/sony-what-watch-2017-960933|access-date=January 6, 2017|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106013951/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-movies-biggest-gambles-justice-league-mummy-960935/item/sony-what-watch-2017-960933|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson also had a guest voice role in the [[Netflix]] animated series ''[[Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh]]'', portraying herself in the series' 2017 animated Christmas special, ''Home for the Holidays'', alongside [[Ben Schwartz]].<ref name="homefortheholidays">{{Cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-gets-animated-dreamworks-home-holidays-christmas-special-exclusive-91235|title=Kelly Clarkson Gets Animated in 'DreamWorks Home For the Holidays' Christmas Special (Exclusive)|last=Boone|first=John|date=November 17, 2017|work=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162734/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-gets-animated-dreamworks-home-holidays-christmas-special-exclusive-91235|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2018, Clarkson released "I've Loved You Since Forever", a ballad version of the children's book by [[Hoda Kotb]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-hoda-kotb-ive-loved-you-since-forever-8238624/|title=Kelly Clarkson Turns Children's Book 'I've Loved You Since Forever' Into a Heartwarming Lullaby Watch Kelly Clarkson Turn a Children's Book Into a Heartwarming Lullaby|magazine=Billboard|last=Braca|first=Nina|date=March 8, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309003453/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8238624/kelly-clarkson-hoda-kotb-ive-loved-you-since-forever|archive-date=March 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson hosted and performed at the [[2018 Billboard Music Awards|2018 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]] on May 20, 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8456842/billboard-music-awards-2018-winners-list-bbmas|title=Billboard Music Awards Winners 2018: The Complete List|magazine=Billboard|date=May 20, 2018|access-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127221441/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8456842/billboard-music-awards-2018-winners-list-bbmas|archive-date=January 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[The Voice (American season 14)|fourteenth season]] of ''The Voice'', [[Brynn Cartelli]] was crowned the winner, giving Clarkson her first victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwlp.com/entertainment/brynn-cartelli-of-longmeadow-wins-season-14-of-nbcs-the-voice/1193498933|title=Brynn Cartelli of Longmeadow wins season 14 of NBC's 'The Voice'|last=Crombleholme|first=Hayley|work=WWLP |date=May 22, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523172719/http://www.wwlp.com/entertainment/brynn-cartelli-of-longmeadow-wins-season-14-of-nbcs-the-voice/1193498933|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 15|fifteenth season]] of ''The Voice'', [[Chevel Shepherd]] was crowned the winner, giving Clarkson her second consecutive victory and making her the first female coach to win multiple seasons.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

===2019–2022: ''The Kelly Clarkson Show'' and ''When Christmas Comes Around...''===
{{see also|The Kelly Clarkson Show|label1=''The Kelly Clarkson Show''}}

On February 28, 2019, it was announced that she would return to host the [[2019 Billboard Music Awards|2019 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]], which aired on May 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/news/kelly-clarkson-to-return-as-host-for-2019-billboard-music-awards/ar-BBUdW2Y?li=$filter=(%27_links.feed.href%27eq%27cms/api/amp/feed/AA17fsN%27)and(%27$type%27eq%27article%27)&$orderby=%27displayPublishedDateTime%27+desc|title=Kelly Clarkson to Return as Host for 2019 Billboard Music Awards|website=www.msn.com|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329222620/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/news/kelly-clarkson-to-return-as-host-for-2019-billboard-music-awards/ar-BBUdW2Y?li=%24filter%3D%28%27_links.feed.href%27eq%27cms%2Fapi%2Famp%2Ffeed%2FAA17fsN%27%29and%28%27%24type%27eq%27article%27%29%26%24orderby%3D%27displayPublishedDateTime%27+desc|archive-date=March 29, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Clarkson voiced Moxy and provided original songs in the animated musical comedy film ''[[UglyDolls]]'', which was released on May 3, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kelly-clarkson-joins-uglydolls-film-1126110|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins 'UglyDolls' Voice Cast|author=Gregg Kilday|date=July 10, 2018|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711023542/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kelly-clarkson-joins-uglydolls-film-1126110|archive-date=July 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 27, 2019, she released "[[Broken & Beautiful (song)|Broken & Beautiful]]", the lead single from the ''[[UglyDolls (soundtrack)|UglyDolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]''.<ref name="Broken & Beautiful">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-broken-and-beautiful-ugly-dolls-soundtrack-listen-8504334/|title='UglyDolls' Soundtrack Features New Music From Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson & More: See Track List|first=Angelica|last=Acevedo|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=March 27, 2019|access-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329052333/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8504334/kelly-clarkson-broken-and-beautiful-ugly-dolls-soundtrack-listen|archive-date=March 29, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson also began hosting the daytime variety talk show, ''[[The Kelly Clarkson Show]]'', which premiered on September 9, 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/19/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show/|title=Kelly Clarkson officially launching a daytime talk show|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=September 19, 2018|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920053705/https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/19/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show/|archive-date=September 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, [[Jake Hoot]] was crowned the winner of the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 17|seventeenth season]] of ''The Voice'', giving Clarkson her third victory as a coach in four seasons.

In November 2019, Clarkson announced a [[Las Vegas]] residency, Kelly Clarkson: Invincible. The residency was due to take place at the [[Zappos Theater]]. It was supposed to run from April to September 2020, but it was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref name="KSNV 1">{{cite web|last=Seeman|first=Matthew|title=Kelly Clarkson postpones Las Vegas residency to 2021|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/kelly-clarkson-postpones-las-vegas-residency-to-2021|website=[[KSNV]]|date=May 1, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521094620/https://news3lv.com/news/local/kelly-clarkson-postpones-las-vegas-residency-to-2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Residency Billboard">{{cite magazine |last1=Sheckells|first1=Melinda|title=Kelly Clarkson Sets 2020 ''Invincible'' Residency at Las Vegas' Zappos Theater: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8541970/kelly-clarkson-2020-invincible-shows-las-vegas-zappos-theater|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Eldridge Industries]]|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101132704/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8541970/kelly-clarkson-2020-invincible-shows-las-vegas-zappos-theater|archive-date=November 1, 2019|location=United States |date=November 1, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Also in November 2019, Clarkson made an appearance on the [[Apple TV+]] drama series ''[[The Morning Show (American TV series)|The Morning Show]]'' as herself, performing her song "Heat" and interacting with the fictional hosts of the show.<ref name="MorningShow">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/07/the-morning-show-kelly-clarkson-clip/|title=Kelly Clarkson meets Reese Witherspoon's Bradley Jackson in The Morning Show sneak peek|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2021|archive-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219165358/https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/07/the-morning-show-kelly-clarkson-clip/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2020, Clarkson became a brand ambassador for [[Wayfair]]. In addition, Wayfair released "an 'exclusive' collection of furniture and decor inspired by Clarkson and her Texan roots."<ref name="Wayfair">{{cite web|last1=Dumcius|first1=Gintautas|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2020/02/19/kelly-clarkson-tapped-as-wayfair-s-first-brand.html|title=Kelly Clarkson tapped as Wayfair's first 'brand ambassador'|website=Boston Business Journal|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=February 25, 2020|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515145030/https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2020/02/19/kelly-clarkson-tapped-as-wayfair-s-first-brand.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, 2020, ''[[Trolls World Tour]]'', which featured a character voiced by Clarkson, was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/kelly-clarkson-trolls-2-perform-original-song-1202476507/|title=Kelly Clarkson Joins 'Trolls 2' & Will Perform Original Song|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last1=N'Duka|first1=Amanda|last2=D'Alessandro|first2=Anthony|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005014655/https://deadline.com/2018/10/kelly-clarkson-trolls-2-perform-original-song-1202476507/|archive-date=October 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 16, 2020, Clarkson released the standalone single "[[I Dare You (Kelly Clarkson song)|I Dare You]]" in English, as well as duets in five different languages with five native-speaking artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-talks-about-recording-new-single-i-dare-you-in-6-languages-145016|title=Kelly Clarkson Talks About Recording New Single 'I Dare You' in 6 Languages|work=Entertainment Tonight|last=Seemayer|first=Zach|date=April 16, 2020|access-date=April 18, 2020|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424192820/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-talks-about-recording-new-single-i-dare-you-in-6-languages-145016|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, ''[[The Kelly Clarkson Show]]''  earned seven Emmy nominations, the most for any talk show,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/05/21/daytime-emmys-nominations-list-2020-nominees-kelly-clarkson/|title=Daytime Emmy Nominations: GH Tops Soaps, Kelly Clarkson Leads Talkers|work=[[TVLine]]|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521191045/https://tvline.com/2020/05/21/daytime-emmys-nominations-list-2020-nominees-kelly-clarkson/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Clarkson winning in the category [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host#2020s|Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Daytime Emmys 2020: 'Jeopardy,' 'The View,' 'Ellen,' Alex Trebek, 'Young and the Restless' Among Top Winners |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/daytime-emmys-2020-winners-complete-list-1234692002/ |access-date=May 3, 2023 |magazine=Variety}}</ref>

[[File:P20210220AS-0334.jpg|thumb|right|Clarkson with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Joe Biden]] and [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Jill Biden]] in 2021]]
In June 2020, it was announced that she would receive a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 2021, being inducted into the category of Recording.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/6/18/kelly-clarkson-to-receive-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fa.html|title=Kelly Clarkson to receive star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame|agency=ABC News Radio|last=Dresdale|first=Andrea|date=June 18, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619163145/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/6/18/kelly-clarkson-to-receive-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fa.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, NBC announced that Clarkson's show would take over the time slot of ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' after it ends in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kelly Clarkson to replace Ellen DeGeneres on US TV |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57261113 |access-date=28 May 2021 |agency=[[BBC News]] |date=May 28, 2021 |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527113617/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57261113 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2021, Clarkson won two [[Daytime Emmy Awards]], including [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment|Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment]] and a second consecutive win for [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host|Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/daytime-emmys-2021-winners-list-1234781818/|title=Daytime Emmys Winners List – Updating Live|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628144727/https://deadline.com/2021/06/daytime-emmys-2021-winners-list-1234781818/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 23, 2021, Clarkson released "[[Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)]]", the lead single off her ninth studio album and second Christmas album, ''[[When Christmas Comes Around...]]''<ref name="'Christmas Isn't Canceled">{{cite magazine|last1=Mamo|first1=Heran|title=Kelly Clarkson Announces New Holiday Single 'Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9630643/kelly-clarkson-announces-new-holiday-single-christmas-isnt-canceled-just-you|magazine=Billboard|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916013526/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9630643/kelly-clarkson-announces-new-holiday-single-christmas-isnt-canceled-just-you/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on October 15, 2021, to positive reviews and earned Clarkson a nomination for the [[Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=White|first1=Jack|title=Kelly Clarkson to release second festive album When Christmas Comes Around... on October 15|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-clarkson-to-release-second-festive-album-when-christmas-comes-around-on-october-15__34095/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=September 22, 2021|date=September 22, 2021|archive-date=September 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923001731/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-clarkson-to-release-second-festive-album-when-christmas-comes-around-on-october-15__34095/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Taila|title=2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners & Nominees List|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list|access-date=March 26, 2023|date=November 15, 2022|archive-date=November 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115181333/https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, Clarkson performed at the second annual iHeartRadio Holiday Special.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Atkinson|first=Katie|title=Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train to Bring Holiday Hits to iHeartRadio Christmas Concert|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9655637/kelly-clarkson-michael-buble-pentatonix-train-iheartradio-christmas-concert/|date=November 5, 2021|access-date=November 7, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107133921/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/holiday/9655637/kelly-clarkson-michael-buble-pentatonix-train-iheartradio-christmas-concert|url-status=live}}</ref> She hosted her second [[Christmas special]], ''Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around'', which premiered on December 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/life/2021/12/how-to-watch-kelly-clarkson-presents-when-christmas-comes-around.html|title=How to Watch "Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around"|last=Dwortz|first=Mallory|date=December 1, 2021|work=[[MLive]]|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203000237/https://www.mlive.com/life/2021/12/how-to-watch-kelly-clarkson-presents-when-christmas-comes-around.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in December 2021, [[Girl Named Tom]] were crowned winners of the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 21|twenty-first season]] of ''The Voice''. They are the first group act to win an American season & secured Clarkson's final victory as a coach.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Avery |title='The Voice' Recap: A Historic Winner Is Crowned The Season 21 Champion |url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2021/12/14/who-won-the-voice-season-21-girl-named-tom-winner-recap/ |website=Hollywood Life |date=15 December 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215042311/https://hollywoodlife.com/2021/12/14/who-won-the-voice-season-21-girl-named-tom-winner-recap/|url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2022, Clarkson and [[Snoop Dogg]] were named co-hosts of the singing competition series ''[[American Song Contest]]''. It is an adaptation of the popular international songwriting competition ''[[Eurovision Song Contest]]''. The series premiered on March 21, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Snoop Dogg & Kelly Clarkson To Host NBC's 'American Song Contest' Reality Series|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/snoop-dogg-kelly-clarkson-cohost-nbc-american-song-contest-competition-1234932551/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=February 13, 2022|access-date=February 13, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214010331/https://deadline.com/2022/02/snoop-dogg-kelly-clarkson-cohost-nbc-american-song-contest-competition-1234932551/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 9, 2022, Clarkson released ''[[Kellyoke (EP)|Kellyoke]]'', an [[Extended play|EP]] consisting of six cover songs that Clarkson covered during her "Kellyoke" segment on her talk show.<ref name="Kellyoke">{{cite magazine|last1=Aniftos|first1=Rania|title=Kelly Clarkson Announces 'Kellyoke' EP With New Cover of Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-kellyoke-ep-happier-than-ever-cover-1235075108/|magazine=Billboard|date=May 25, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525043139/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-kellyoke-ep-happier-than-ever-cover-1235075108/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> She also revealed that her tenth studio album since was complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1n4UPWiDNk|title=Kelly Clarkson is Ready to Put Out a New Album but We Have to Wait &#124; E! Red Carpet & Award Shows|website=[[YouTube]]|date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2022|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530135646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1n4UPWiDNk | url-status=live }}</ref> That same month, Clarkson won two [[Daytime Emmys]], including [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment|Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment]] for the second consecutive year and [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host|Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host]] for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/lists/daytime-emmys-2022-winners/|title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2022 Winners List|website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|date=June 24, 2022|access-date=November 25, 2022|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109095049/https://tvline.com/lists/daytime-emmys-2022-winners/|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] on September 19, 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brathwaite|first=Lester Fabian|date=September 19, 2022|title=Kelly Clarkson's Walk of Fame induction was an American Idol reunion|url=https://ew.com/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-walk-of-fame-american-idol-reunion-paula-abdul-simon-cowell-randy-jackson/|access-date=September 19, 2022|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326213357/https://ew.com/celebrity/kelly-clarkson-walk-of-fame-american-idol-reunion-paula-abdul-simon-cowell-randy-jackson/|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson appeared on the [[Kelsea Ballerini]] song, "[[You're Drunk, Go Home]]" along with [[Carly Pearce]], which was released in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Norwin|first1=Alyssa|title=Carly Pearce Teases 'Super Fun' New Song With Kelsea Ballerini & Kelly Clarkson|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/09/12/carly-pearce-kelly-clarkson-kelsea-ballerini-song-acm-honors-interview/|website=Hollywood Life|date=September 12, 2022|access-date=September 23, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110032231/https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/09/12/carly-pearce-kelly-clarkson-kelsea-ballerini-song-acm-honors-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2023–2024: ''Chemistry''===
On February 9, 2023, Clarkson hosted the [[12th NFL Honors]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson to host 12th annual NFL Honors|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kelly-clarkson-to-host-12th-annual-nfl-honors|website=NFL|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC.|date=December 16, 2022|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216164954/https://www.nfl.com/news/kelly-clarkson-to-host-12th-annual-nfl-honors|url-status=live}}</ref> After taking the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 22|twenty-second season]] of ''The Voice'' off, it was announced in October 2022 that she would return for the [[The Voice (American TV series) season 23|twenty-third season]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/the-voice-new-coaches-season-23-announcement?amp|title=The Voice Season 23 Coaches Have Been Revealed—See the Brand New Lineup|last=Jean-Philippe|first=McKenzie|website=NBC|date=October 11, 2022|accessdate=October 12, 2022|archive-date=October 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012123534/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/the-voice-new-coaches-season-23-announcement?amp|url-status=live}}</ref> She covered [[Cole Porter]]'s "[[Don't Fence Me In (song)|Don't Fence Me In]]" on [[Jeff Goldblum|Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra]]'s EP, ''Play Well with Others'' released in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeff Goldblum taps Kelly Clarkson for upcoming EP Play Well With Others|url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/jeff-goldblum-taps-kelly-clarkson-120000829.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIBJzKKJe9xIKkwh-lWpo2PZ4XEX2_nQl9fGGfA3X-hpYpJPJMaU9ecMImQlfpqosaexNZJb9Xn3FY9YB7oBmLat8bh0SD9745afgVxDnSB_yrbv1meQyPsl6CfC8FZrlBeVxMPf0ju-e2uW4f6iH7fFp-LPkYRDuC0abmH1SqoO|website=Yahoo! Life|date=January 27, 2023|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127163322/https://uk.style.yahoo.com/jeff-goldblum-taps-kelly-clarkson-120000829.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIBJzKKJe9xIKkwh-lWpo2PZ4XEX2_nQl9fGGfA3X-hpYpJPJMaU9ecMImQlfpqosaexNZJb9Xn3FY9YB7oBmLat8bh0SD9745afgVxDnSB_yrbv1meQyPsl6CfC8FZrlBeVxMPf0ju-e2uW4f6iH7fFp-LPkYRDuC0abmH1SqoO|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 26, 2023, she announced her tenth studio album, ''[[Chemistry (Kelly Clarkson album)|Chemistry]]'',<ref name="Chemistry">{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Alexis|title=Kelly Clarkson Details New Album ''Chemistry'': 'The Arc of an Entire Relationship'|url=https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-details-new-album-chemistry-about-divorce/|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=March 26, 2023|date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412173426/https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-details-new-album-chemistry-about-divorce/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|title=Kelly Clarkson Details New Album ''Chemistry''|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-1234703936/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=March 26, 2023|location=United States|date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=April 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402203405/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-1234703936/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |title=Kelly Clarkson Announces Post-Divorce Album ''Chemistry'', Explains Meaning Behind the Title |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-announcement-title-meaning-1235292799/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 26, 2023 |location=United States |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412063243/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-chemistry-album-announcement-title-meaning-1235292799/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which was released on June 23, 2023.<ref name="Clarkson Save Daytime">{{cite web|last1=Wagmeister|first1=Elizabeth|title=Can Kelly Clarkson Save Daytime? The Host on Taking Over Ellen's Spot, Touring Again and Broadway Dreams|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/features/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show-ellen-touring-broadway-1235360945/|website=Variety|date=September 7, 2022|publisher=Variety Media, LLC|access-date=September 7, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628115451/https://variety.com/2022/music/features/kelly-clarkson-daytime-talk-show-ellen-touring-broadway-1235360945/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album's [[A-side and B-side#Double A-side|double A-side]] lead singles, "[[Mine (Kelly Clarkson song)|Mine]]" and "[[Me (Kelly Clarkson song)|Me]]" were released on April 14, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson Is Coming for What's Hers |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/kelly-clarkson-mine-me-chemistry.html |access-date=May 3, 2023 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201042524/https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/kelly-clarkson-mine-me-chemistry.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 27, 2023, Clarkson announced a ten night Las Vegas residency, [[Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson]], which ran from July 28 to August 19, 2023, at the [[Bakkt Theater]]. Four additional dates were added for December 2023 and February 2024.<ref name="Vegas This Summer">{{cite web|last1=Weisholtz|first1=Drew|title=Kelly Clarkson is playing Vegas this summer. Here's how to get tickets |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-las-vegas-chemistry-residency-2023-rcna76783 |website=Today|publisher=NBC Universal|date=March 27, 2023|access-date=March 27, 2023|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628153557/https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-las-vegas-chemistry-residency-2023-rcna76783|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Katsilometes|first1=John|title=Kelly Clarkson to play NYE, Super Bowl weekends at Planet Hollywood|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/kelly-clarkson-to-play-nye-super-bowl-weekends-at-planet-hollywood-2926405/|website=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|date=October 23, 202|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023143213/https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/kelly-clarkson-to-play-nye-super-bowl-weekends-at-planet-hollywood-2926405/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, Clarkson relocated and moved production of ''[[The Kelly Clarkson Show]]'' from Los Angeles to New York City to start its fifth season.<ref name=KellyClarksonShowNYC>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/why-kelly-clarkson-moved-talk-show-to-nyc-new-york?amp|title=This Is Why Kelly Clarkson Moved Her Talk Show from LA to NYC|author=Jackie Manno|publisher=NBCUniversal Media|date=October 17, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023104839/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/why-kelly-clarkson-moved-talk-show-to-nyc-new-york?amp|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 8, 2023, Clarkson launched her own [[Sirius XM]] channel, ''Kelly Clarkson Connection''. The channel features Clarkson's own music, music she loves, and music from artists who inspire her. She also tells stories about her own music.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Iahn|first1=Buddy|title=Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, John Mayer launching SiriusXM channels|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/kelly-clarkson-dolly-parton-john-mayer-launching-siriusxm-channels/?feed_id=6581&_unique_id=654bc51188add|website=Music Universe|date=November 8, 2023|access-date=November 8, 2023|archive-date=November 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108175946/https://themusicuniverse.com/kelly-clarkson-dolly-parton-john-mayer-launching-siriusxm-channels/?feed_id=6581&_unique_id=654bc51188add|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 10, 2023, Clarkson's studio album ''Chemistry'' earned her a sixth nomination for the [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album]], making her the most nominated performer in the category.<ref>{{cite web|title=SZA leads Grammy nominees, Miley could get 1st win and Taylor Swift is poised to make history|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/11/10/grammy-nominations-2024-list-biggest-news/71523834007/|last1=McClellan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Ruggieri|first2=Melissa|website=USA Today|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 10, 2023|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110163333/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/11/10/grammy-nominations-2024-list-biggest-news/71523834007/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 15, 2023, Clarkson won two awards at the delayed [[50th Daytime Emmy Awards]], including [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series|Outstanding Daytime Talk Series]] and [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host|Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host]], and she won another award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series at the subsequent [[51st Daytime Emmy Awards]] on June 7, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Daytime Emmy Awards: 'General Hospital' Wins Outstanding Drama – Full Winners List |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/2023-daytime-emmy-winners-1235669863/ |last=Rice |first=Lynette |website=Deadline |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216021057/https://deadline.com/2023/12/2023-daytime-emmy-winners-1235669863/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Clarkson featured on a duet version of [[James Arthur]]'s song "From the Jump", which was released in April 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/james-arthur-kelly-clarkson-duet-from-the-jump-1235006897/|title=James Arthur Enlists Kelly Clarkson for a Soulful Duet of 'From the Jump'|website=Rolling Stone Magazine|date=April 19, 2024|access-date=June 22, 2024|archive-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419041049/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/james-arthur-kelly-clarkson-duet-from-the-jump-1235006897/|url-status=live}}</ref> She is featured on [[Terri Clark]]'s song "[[If I Were You (Terri Clark song)|If I Were You]]", from Clark's 2024 album ''[[Terri Clark: Take Two|Take Two]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Nicholson |first1=Jessica |title=Terri Clark Welcomes Kelly Clarkson, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and More For 'Take Two' Collaborative Album: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/terri-clark-take-two-album-collaborations-kelly-clarkson-lainey-wilson-1235643530/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 22, 2024|date=March 29, 2024}}</ref> On September 27, 2024, she released "[[You For Christmas]]" the lead single from the deluxe reissue of ''When Christmas Comes Around...'', which released on November 1 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Arevalo |first1=Gabriela|title=Fans Say Kelly Clarkson Might 'Dethrone Mariah as the Queen of Christmas' With Upcoming Holiday Song|url=https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-announcees-new-holiday-song-you-for-christmas-2024 |website=Parade|access-date=September 27, 2024|date=September 23, 2024}}</ref> On December 4, 2024, she returned to host and perform on NBC's ''[[Christmas in Rockefeller Center]]'' for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |title=Kelly Clarkson to Return as Host of NBC's ''Christmas in Rockefeller Center'' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-return-host-nbc-christmas-in-rockefeller-center-1235821036/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Eldridge Industries]] |access-date=November 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241106135732/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-return-host-nbc-christmas-in-rockefeller-center-1235821036/ |archive-date=November 6, 2024 |location=United States |issn=0006-2510 |oclc=732913734 |date=November 6, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=DiNardo |first1=Georgina |title=Kelly Clarkson is Hosting the 2024 Rockfeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/news/kelly-clarkson-hosting-2024-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-rcna178646 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal Media]] |date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241106174337/https://www.today.com/popculture/news/kelly-clarkson-hosting-2024-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-rcna178646 |archive-date=November 6, 2024 |location=United States}}</ref>

===2025: Independent music and ''Songs & Stories''===
In January 2025, Clarkson revealed on her talk show she had launched her own record label, with plans to release her own music independently for the first time in her career.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 22, 2025 |title=Keke Palmer & Kelly Clarkson Vibe In Hilarious High-Energy Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnhXRYBtzHk&t=435 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |time=7:13 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The following month, [[Live Nation (events promoter)|Live Nation]] announced [[Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions]], an eighteen-date residency at [[the Colosseum at Caesars Palace]] in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Irvin |first1=Jack |title=Kelly Clarkson Teases She's 'Bringing the Studio to the Stage' with New 18-Date Las Vegas Residency |url=https://people.com/kelly-clarkson-studio-sessions-las-vegas-residency-8786718 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |publisher=[[Dotdash Meredith]] |access-date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206152849/https://people.com/kelly-clarkson-studio-sessions-las-vegas-residency-8786718 |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |location=United States |issn=0093-7673 |oclc=794712888 |date=February 6, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ruggieri |first1=Melissa |title=Kelly Clarkson in Vegas: How to score tickets to her Caesars Palace residency |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/06/kelly-clarkson-vegas-tickets/78262268007/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206153815/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/06/kelly-clarkson-vegas-tickets/78262268007/ |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |location=United States |issn=0734-7456 |oclc=8799626}}</ref> On April 18, she announced her new single, "[[Where Have You Been (Kelly Clarkson song)|Where Have You Been]]".<ref name="Parade 1">{{cite magazine |last1=Hawkins |first1=Mary |title=Kelly Clarkson Drops Major Announcement and Fans Are Freaking Out |url=https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-drops-major-announcement |magazine=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] |publisher=[[Parade Media]] |access-date=April 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250418184543/https://parade.com/news/kelly-clarkson-drops-major-announcement |archive-date=April 18, 2025 |location=United States |oclc=1772138 |date=April 18, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 1, 2025, Clarkson premiered the song exclusively on her Sirius XM channel, the day before it was released worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson's New Single, 'Where Have You Been,' Premieres on SiriusXM |url=https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/kelly-clarkson-where-have-you-been |publisher=[[Sirius XM]]|date=May 1, 2025|access-date=May 1, 2025}}</ref>

In July 2025, it was announced that Clarkson would return to ''The Voice'' for its twenty-ninth season in the spring of 2026.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=July 22, 2025 |title='The Voice' Renewed for Season 29 With Format Revamp; Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Adam Levine Returning |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/the-voice-renewed-season-29-kelly-clarkson-adam-levine-1236467132/|access-date=July 22, 2025|magazine=Variety}}</ref> In August 2025, Clarkson began hosting a new show, ''[[Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson]]'', which is based on an occasional segment she has on her talk show.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kimont|first1=Kaitlin|title=Kelly Clarkson Will Interview These Musicians in NBC's "Songs & Stories" Special |url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/songs-and-stories-with-kelly-clarkson-premiere-date-how-to-watch|publisher=NBC|access-date=July 29, 2025 |date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>

==Artistry==
===Voice===
{{listen
 | filename = Kelly Clarkson - Dark Side.ogg
 | title = "Dark Side"
 | description = Clarkson displaying her upper soprano range, displaying variations in [[vibrato]] as well as her noted dynamic and emotive delivery
 | filename2 = Kelly Clarkson - Don't Rush.ogg
 | title2 = "Don't Rush"
 | description2 = Clarkson displaying a softer, breathier [[timbre]] to her vocal while also demonstrating her harmonizing capabilities in her duet with [[Vince Gill]]
 | format = [[Ogg]]
}}

Critics have said Clarkson has a [[soprano]] voice.<ref name="Corner">{{cite news| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a347180/kelly-clarkson-stronger-album-review.html| title=Kelly Clarkson – Stronger Review| publisher=[[Digital Spy]]| date=October 26, 2011| access-date=October 26, 2011| first=Lewis| last=Corner| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027062415/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a347180/kelly-clarkson-stronger-album-review.html| archive-date=October 27, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.popjustice.com/interviewsandfeatures/kelly-clarkson-does-interview-results-are-spectacular/74599/| title = Kelly Clarkson – Interview| publisher = [[Popjustice]]| date = October 2011| access-date = December 11, 2011| first = Peter| last = Robinson| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130616231055/http://www.popjustice.com/interviewsandfeatures/kelly-clarkson-does-interview-results-are-spectacular/74599/| archive-date = June 16, 2013| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-20120315| title = Kelly Clarkson – Q&A| magazine = [[Rolling Stone]]| date = March 15, 2012| access-date = March 29, 2017| first = Austin| last = Scaggs| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170330084101/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-20120315| archive-date = March 30, 2017| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2017/10/25/kelly-clarkson-pours-her-soul-into-meaning-life/syK9buLe6723Eo7ZkgN8II/story.html| title = Kelly Clarkson pours her soul into 'Meaning of Life'| newspaper = [[The Boston Globe]]| date = October 26, 2017| access-date = October 28, 2017| first = Isaac| last = Feldberg| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012702/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2017/10/25/kelly-clarkson-pours-her-soul-into-meaning-life/syK9buLe6723Eo7ZkgN8II/story.html| archive-date = October 29, 2017| url-status = dead}}</ref> Arion Berger of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' wrote that "her high notes are sweet and pillowy, her growl is bone-shaking and sexy, and her mid-range is amazingly confident."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070818233849/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kellyclarkson/albums/album/321297/review/5942494/thankful Kelly Clarkson: Thankful : Music Reviews] Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2009.</ref> In reviewing a live performance of Clarkson's, Jon Caramanica of ''[[The New York Times]]'' said she "showed off a voice that moved in all sorts of ways, without ever appearing to strain", continuing "Ms. Clarkson, who has a malleable voice and a boatload of vocal confidence, might be a soul siren in the making". However, in a separate review of ''Stronger'', Caramanica said Clarkson's voice is "too huge, too violent" for warmer and sweeter vocal stylings, stating "she's on a par with [[Taylor Swift]] when it comes to vengeance, and she'll do it louder and with more brutality in comparison to her contemporary."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-at-radio-city-music-hall-review.html?_r=0| title=Happily Up to Her Ears in Angst| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| date=January 22, 2012| access-date=February 2, 2013| first=Jon| last=Caramanica| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908115843/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-at-radio-city-music-hall-review.html?_r=0| archive-date=September 8, 2014| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-and-deer-tick-new-album-reviews.html| title=Former 'American Idol' Now the Voice of Vengeance| newspaper=The New York Times| date=October 24, 2011| access-date=February 10, 2012| first1=Jon | last1=Caramanica |first2=Nate |last2=Chinen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124171229/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/arts/music/kelly-clarkson-and-deer-tick-new-album-reviews.html| archive-date=January 24, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> In a live review as part of her [[Stronger Tour]], Sophie Sinclair of ''Hit The Floor'' said "Kelly's strong and powerful voice was flawless throughout the night, and some may even say she sounds better live than she does on her albums".<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/reviews/live-review-kelly-clarkson-wembley-arena-201012| title=Live Review: Kelly Clarkson – Wembley Arena 2012| magazine=Hit The Floor | date=October 22, 2012| access-date=April 25, 2013| first=Sophie| last=Sinclair| archive-date=July 21, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172446/https://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/reviews/live-review-kelly-clarkson-wembley-arena-201012/| url-status=live}}</ref> Mark Deming from ''[[Phoenix New Times]]'' stated that "in an era when pop music means over-singing a song into a bloody pulp, Clarkson has consistently displayed both charisma and a welcome sense of restraint, knowing how to sound passionate and heartfelt without forgetting where the melody and the root note is supposed to go."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/why-kelly-clarkson-is-the-american-idol-winner-who-actually-matters-7590593| title=Why Kelly Clarkson Is the American Idol Winner Who Actually Matters| newspaper=[[Phoenix New Times]]| date=August 24, 2015| access-date=March 29, 2017| first=Mark| last=Deming| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325203344/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/why-kelly-clarkson-is-the-american-idol-winner-who-actually-matters-7590593| archive-date=March 25, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Dr. Luke]], who produced some of Clarkson's hits, said "She has powerful lungs. She's like the [[Lance Armstrong]] of vocal cords."<ref>Kaufman, Gil [https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141437/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1599233/20081113/clarkson_kelly.jhtml Kelly Clarkson's New Single Could Recapture Her 'Since U Been Gone' Glory, Producer Says] VH1. Retrieved August 13, 2009.</ref>
In an interview with ''[[Good Morning America]]'', [[Simon Cowell]] was asked of the then six ''American Idol'' winners, who he thought had the best voice. Cowell immediately answered that Clarkson did "by a mile", noting that she was "up there" with other great singers such as [[Celine Dion]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3207996 Simon Cowell: The Full Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624210750/http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3207996 |date=June 24, 2016 }} ABC News. Retrieved August 13, 2009.</ref> ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' wrote that Clarkson has "the best voice in the history of pop music".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 75 Greatest Women of All Time|url=http://www.esquire.com/women/women-issue/greatest-women-in-history#slide-72|magazine=Esquire|access-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113114558/http://www.esquire.com/women/women-issue/greatest-women-in-history#slide-72|archive-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewing ''Stronger'', Jody Rosen of ''Rolling Stone'' states, Clarkson has "one of music's most remarkable voices."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/stronger-20111025| title=Kelly Clarkson – Stronger Review| magazine=Rolling Stone| date=October 25, 2011| access-date=December 29, 2012| first=Jody| last=Rosen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711152814/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/stronger-20111025| archive-date=July 11, 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> Jason Lipshutz from ''Billboard'' considered Clarkson as one of the greatest singers in pop music.<ref name="greatest">{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson, 'Stronger': Track-By-Track Review |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/465527/kelly-clarkson-stronger-track-by-track-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708120648/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/465527/kelly-clarkson-stronger-track-by-track-review |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Regarding the controversial practice of [[lip-sync]]ing, Clarkson says she never has and never will lip-sync, elaborating in an interview with Cory Myers, "I've actually never done that because I'm terrified; if I ever did that, something horrible would happen, the track would skip. I have a really unhealthy fear about it. So no, I've never done that".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.country925.com/pages/electricbarnyard.html?article=10742272| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215183400/http://www.country925.com/pages/electricbarnyard.html?article=10742272| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 15, 2013| title=Kelly Clarkson Has Never Lip-Synced| work=Electric Barnyard| date=January 29, 2013| access-date=February 2, 2012| first=Cory| last=Myers}}</ref> Clarkson has earned the title "Queen of Covers" for her ability to perform songs from artists of various genres.<ref>Various sources:
* {{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1686158/phillip-phillips-american-idol-digital-sales.jhtml |title='American Idol' Phillip Phillips' 'Home' Scores Huge Debut |agency=[[MTV News]] |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=Only the original "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson, can boast a bigger digital sales week: |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702072433/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1686158/phillip-phillips-american-idol-digital-sales.jhtml |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts-articles/chart-alert/kelly-clarkson-drives-stronger-to-hot-100-1006125552.story |title=Kelly Clarkson Drives 'Stronger' to Hot 100 Summit |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=The uptempo pop anthem becomes the original "American Idol" champion's third leader on the list. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623222325/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts-articles/chart-alert/kelly-clarkson-drives-stronger-to-hot-100-1006125552.story |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarksons-5-outrageous-quotes-263080 |title=Kelly Clarkson's 5 Outrageous Quotes Cut From Her 'Unplugged' Special |first=Jillian |last=Mapes |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=November 17, 2011 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |quote=The original American Idol has always been known for speaking her mind and letting that sense of humor rip. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221034019/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarksons-5-outrageous-quotes-263080 |archive-date=December 21, 2011 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/3968782/best-kelly-clarkson-covers/ |first=Samantha |last=Grossman |title=15 Times Kelly Clarkson Totally Nailed a Cover Song |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=July 23, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=''American Idol'' alum Kelly Clarkson is the undisputed Queen of Covers. She consistently borrows other artists' songs and puts her signature spin on them, often producing something even better than the original. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622150550/http://time.com/3968782/best-kelly-clarkson-covers/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/kelly-clarkson-tour-covers-ranked |first=Jessica |last=Goodman |title=Every Kelly Clarkson tour cover — ranked |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=The Queen of Covers has been asking fans to submit requests for every stop of her [[Piece by Piece Tour]]. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512014716/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/kelly-clarkson-tour-covers-ranked |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2507980/demi-lovato-kelly-clarkson-lil-wayne/ |first=Patrick |last=Hosken |title=Demi Lovato Can Sing Kelly Clarkson And Lil Wayne Songs Like It's NBD |agency=[[MTV News]] |date=November 16, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |quote=Kelly is herself an undisputed Queen of Covers, as we've pointed out before, so maybe there's a bit of torch-passing here? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809011432/http://www.mtv.com/news/2507980/demi-lovato-kelly-clarkson-lil-wayne/ |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite magazine |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a43871/queen-of-covers-kelly-clarkson-does-blank-space-taylor-swift-approves/ |first=Rebecca |last=Rose |title=Queen of Covers Kelly Clarkson Does "Blank Space," Taylor Swift Approves |magazine=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622083926/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a43871/queen-of-covers-kelly-clarkson-does-blank-space-taylor-swift-approves/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Songwriting===
In terms of songwriting, Clarkson has described herself as "an emotional writer", explaining that, unlike some of her peers and collaborators, she is unable to write music without a personal connection to the material.<ref name=":3" /> She stated, "I have to be feeling something, going through something, or inspired by something" in order to create songs,<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Benitez-Eves |first=Tina |date=June 23, 2023 |title=The Writer's Block: Kelly Clarkson on Writing from Emotion, Her Future on 'The Voice,' and the Itch to Make a Country Album |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-writers-block-kelly-clarkson-on-writing-from-emotion-her-future-on-the-voice-and-itch-to-make-a-country-album/ |access-date=May 6, 2025 |magazine=[[American Songwriter]]}}</ref> approaching songwriting as an emotional outlet.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Kelly Clarkson shares how 'Miss Independent' changed her career |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/kelly-clarkson-songwriting-outlet-emotions-miss-independent-rcna23137 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref>  Following her 2020 divorce from Brandon Blackstock, Clarkson began performing a revised version of "Piece by Piece" during live shows, replacing several references to her ex-husband with lyrics about self-empowerment.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Travis |first=Emlyn |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Watch Kelly Clarkson change the lyrics to 'Piece By Piece' after divorce |url=https://ew.com/music/watch-kelly-clarkson-change-the-lyrics-to-piece-by-piece/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>

At the same time, she prefers not to write in the same location as other artists, opting for privacy and describing herself as "not a vulnerable writer".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson recalls the time she accidentally dissed Mariah Carey |url=https://ew.com/music/kelly-clarkson-accidentally-dissed-mariah-carey-by-turning-down-writing-collaboration/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> When she is credited for songwriting, she has usually contributed to both lyrics and melody.<ref name=":3" /> She considers "Miss Independent" to be the first song that helped establish her as a songwriter, setting a precedent for her career and paving the way for other songs she would write or co-write.<ref name=":4" /> In 2013, Clarkson published an open letter disputing claims made by Davis in his memoir ''The Soundtrack of My Life''. Davis had written that Clarkson cried hysterically in his office after being pressured to record "Since U Been Gone".<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Amabile Angermiller |first1=Michele |last2=Willman |first2=Chris |date=February 19, 2013 |title=Kelly Clarkson Slams Clive Davis: 'I Refuse to Be Bullied' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/kelly-clarkson-slams-clive-davis-422397/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Clarkson countered that she became emotional not over that song, but in response to remarks Davis allegedly made about her songwriting on "Because of You", including criticism that its lyrics did not rhyme and suggesting that she "should just shut up and sing".<ref name=":5" /> She also criticized Davis for omitting his role in blaming the underperformance of ''My December'' on its lack of radio-friendly singles and her involvement in its songwriting.<ref name=":5" />

Clarkson has stated that there have been several instances throughout her career where she declined songwriting credit on songs, despite making changes to them.<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson Says She Gave Up 'Millions' in Songwriting Royalties to Show How Much She Dislikes Dr. Luke |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-dr-luke-my-life-would-suck-without-you-7964900/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> However, she noted that she will typically request credit if she believes her contributions warrant it.<ref name=":6" /> In 2017, Clarkson said that she refused songwriting credit on "My Life Would Suck Without You", one of her biggest hits, as a form of protest against being forced by her record label to work with producer [[Dr. Luke]] after expressing that she had not enjoyed working with him prior.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Feeney |first=Nolan |date=September 14, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson protested Dr. Luke — and potentially lost 'millions' |url=https://ew.com/music/2017/09/14/kelly-clarkson-dr-luke-my-life-would-suck-without-you/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Chen |first=Joyce |date=September 14, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson: I Lost 'Millions' for Dropping Co-Writing Credit With Dr. Luke |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-i-lost-millions-for-dropping-co-writing-credit-with-dr-luke-201453/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819225104/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-i-lost-millions-for-dropping-co-writing-credit-with-dr-luke-201453/ |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> She has suggested that by doing so, she may have forfeited millions of dollars in potential [[royalties]],<ref name=":7" /> but maintains that she is against recording artists stealing credit from professional songwriters.<ref name=":6" />

===Influences===
[[File:Aretha_Franklin_1968.jpg|thumb|Soul singer [[Aretha Franklin]] was a major influence on Clarkson. Franklin herself remarked of Clarkson's potential to be an "enduring pop star" and a prospective broadway singer.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Aretha Franklin Predicted Kelly Clarkson's Success |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHm8H9jHJnY |website=[[Inside Edition]] |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=August 26, 2025 |date=March 6, 2019}}</ref>]]
At age eight, Clarkson was first inspired to venture into music during a visit to an [[Black church|African-American church]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]]. She recalled: "I was like, 'Wow, whatever they're feeling, I want to feel it too'."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/uk/biography| title = Kelly Clarkson – UK Biography| work = Sony Music Entertainment| access-date = February 8, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120109065905/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/uk/biography| archive-date = January 9, 2012| df = mdy-all}}</ref> Clarkson has been influenced by musicians across various genres. She cited soul singer [[Aretha Franklin]] as her major influence. Many of her chosen ''Idol'' numbers were Aretha Franklin covers, including "[[(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman]]", which is considered her breakout moment during the competition.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7318959/american-idol-beginning-season-1-memories-kelly-clarkson|title='American Idol' Begins: When Kelly Clarkson Wasn't Even on the Radar & More Season 1 Memories|magazine=Billboard|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103104731/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7318959/american-idol-beginning-season-1-memories-kelly-clarkson|archive-date=November 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other soul acts who influenced Clarkson were [[Whitney Houston]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-190857/|title=Kelly Clarkson on Loving Whitney Houston, Adele and More|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406003158/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-clarkson-on-loving-whitney-houston-adele-and-more-190857/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=        https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-saving-all-her-love-latest-whitney-houston-cover-t232895|title=        Kelly Clarkson is 'saving all her love' in latest Whitney Houston cover|date= October 2021|access-date=        April 6, 2022|archive-date=        April 6, 2022|archive-url=        https://web.archive.org/web/20220406004218/https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-saving-all-her-love-latest-whitney-houston-cover-t232895|url-status=        live}}</ref> [[Mariah Carey]], [[Etta James]] and [[Stevie Wonder]].<ref name="MTV">{{cite news| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658041/kelly-clarkson-new-album.jhtml| title=Kelly Clarkson Influenced By Prince, Aretha Franklin, Others For New Album| agency=MTV News| date=February 15, 2011| access-date=February 8, 2012| first=James| last=Dinh| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210123522/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658041/kelly-clarkson-new-album.jhtml| archive-date=February 10, 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref> Clarkson was also influenced by [[Christina Aguilera]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-147019/christina-aguilera-7-46198/|title=100 Greatest Singers of All Time|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=December 3, 2010|access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref> by rock acts such as [[Radiohead]], [[Garbage (band)|Garbage]], [[Aerosmith]], and [[Jimi Hendrix]],<ref name="MTV"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485507/kelly-clarkson-talks-new-album.jhtml|title=Kelly Clarkson's Rockin', Soulful Side To Show On New LP|agency=MTV News|date=March 2, 2004|access-date=February 8, 2012|first=Cory|last=Moss|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103054005/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485507/kelly-clarkson-talks-new-album.jhtml|archive-date=November 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as [[Reba McEntire]], [[Bette Midler]], and [[Rosemary Clooney]].<ref name="ccm"/> Regarding her musical influence, Clarkson explained:

<blockquote>I grew up with three totally different parents that were into different music. My stepfather is into [[Willie Nelson]] and [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] and all that kind of stuff. And my real father is into Whitney and Mariah, and Aretha, all those soulful singers. My mom is into more, like, adult contemporary—[[Celine Dion]], [[Barbra Streisand|Barbra [Streisand]]], [[Bette Midler]], all those types of things. And then my brother is a big influence on me. He's like ten years older than me, so you always wanna be around your cool brother and hang out, so I grew up loving [[Guns N' Roses]]. I was all about [[Metallica]]. I was all about all those bands, and I still am. I love [[Aerosmith]] and [[No Doubt]]. I have so many influences on me that are so different. And even country. I love Reba McEntire. I could listen to her all the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471265/as-kelly-clarkson-drops-lp-shes-thankful-for-simons-barbs/|title=As Kelly Clarkson Drops LP, She's Thankful For Simon's Barbs|website=[[MTV]] |agency=MTV News|access-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826160510/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471265/as-kelly-clarkson-drops-lp-shes-thankful-for-simons-barbs/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote>
In 2006, Clarkson said she does not consider herself to be a pop singer, explaining, "Rock is what I love".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |author-link=Josh Tyrangiel |date=February 5, 2006 |title=Miss Independent |url=https://time.com/archive/6676228/miss-independent/ |access-date=May 5, 2025 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Clarkson often covers rock songs on her Kellyoke segment of her talk show, such as Metallica's "[[Sad but True]]", and [[Heart (band)|Heart]]'s "[[Crazy on You]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/kelly-clarkson-metallica-sad-but-true|title=Kelly Clarkson covers Metallica's Sad But True: It has never sounded so angelic|magazine=Classic Rock|date=May 7, 2024}}</ref>

===Musical style===
Although Clarkson's music primarily incorporates [[Pop music|pop]], her discography also spans [[Rock music|rock]], [[Country music|country]], and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref name=":8" /> Her style has been described as [[pop rock]],<ref name="NPR">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2009/11/16/120442498/the-decade-in-music-kelly-clarksons-since-u-been-gone-2005|title=The Decade In Music: Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone' (2005)|publisher=[[NPR]]|first=Stephen|last=Thompson|date=November 16, 2009|access-date=November 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-clarkson-talks-waving-goodbye-to-pop-rock-for-her-sensual-new-album-the-meaning-of-life-interview__21017/|title=Kelly Clarkson talks waving goodbye to pop-rock for her "sensual" new album The Meaning of Life - Interview|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|first=Rob|last=Copsey|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 30, 2025}}</ref> [[pop-punk]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Uitti |first=Jacob |date=May 13, 2025 |title=2 Kelly Clarkson Songs You Didn't Know Were Almost Recorded by Somebody Else |url=https://americansongwriter.com/2-kelly-clarkson-songs-you-didnt-know-were-almost-recorded-by-somebody-else/ |access-date=July 19, 2025 |magazine=[[American Songwriter]] }}</ref> and [[power pop]].<ref name="All I Ever Wanted">{{cite magazine |date=March 3, 2009 |title=All I Ever Wanted |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/all-i-ever-wanted-190340/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319153834/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/all-i-ever-wanted-190340/ |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>

==Impact==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Kelly Clarkson}}

Clarkson has scored over 100 number ones on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' charts]] and has a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]. Clarkson has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide, including 14 million albums and 35 million digital singles in the United States alone.<ref name="bbsales">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-kelly-clarksons-career-sales-wild-thoughts-about/ |title=Ask Billboard: Kelly Clarkson's Career Sales & 'Wild Thoughts' About Rihanna |first=Gary |last=Trust |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=September 10, 2017 |access-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819133218/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7957889/ask-billboard-kelly-clarksons-career-sales-wild-thoughts-about |url-status=live }}</ref> She became the first artist to top each of ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Pop Songs|pop]], [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|adult contemporary]], [[Country Airplay|country]] and [[Dance/Mix Show Airplay|dance]] charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/504443/hot-stuff-why-this-weeks-billboard-hot-100-is-history-making|title=Hot Stuff: Why This Week's Billboard Hot 100 Is History-Making|website=Billboard.com|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123062050/https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/504443/hot-stuff-why-this-weeks-billboard-hot-100-is-history-making|archive-date=November 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> She was ranked nineteenth on [[VH1]]'s list of [[The Greatest (VH1 TV series)|100 Greatest Women in Music]]. Television channel [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] included Clarkson among "30 Greatest Musicians to Come From Singing Competitions" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2014/11/best-musicians-contestants-singing-competitions|title=30 Greatest Musicians to Come From Singing Competitions|publisher=Fuse|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006211637/https://www.fuse.tv/2014/11/best-musicians-contestants-singing-competitions|archive-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked her 194 on their list of 200 Best Singers of All Time in 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/kelly-clarkson-9-1234642332/ |access-date=March 4, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> In 2025, ''Billboard'' ranked Clarkson at number 11 on its "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.<ref>{{cite magazine |first1=Trevor |last1=Anderson |first2=Jim |last2=Asker |first3=Pamela |last3=Bustios |first4=Keith |last4=Caulfield |first5=Eric |last5=Frankenberg |first6=Kevin |last6=Rutherford |first7=Gary |last7=Trust |first8=Xander |last8=Zellner |date=March 19, 2025 |title=Billboard's Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century Chart: Nos. 100-1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-women-artists-21st-century-chart/ |access-date=March 19, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319183615/https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-women-artists-21st-century-chart/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 19, 2025}}</ref>

Music executive [[Simon Cowell]] believed that "What [Clarkson] sold in the UK, Europe, Asia had nothing to do with ''American Idol''. It had everything to do with the fact that she made a great record and she's got an incredible voice. She's not a girl who got lucky in a talent competition; we got lucky to find her."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20038861%2C00.html |title=Simon Defends Kelly |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023163924/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20038861%2C00.html |archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> According to ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', Clarkson is "the embodiment of the perfect pop star. Her unmistakable pipes are a powerful presence in top 40 and country, with forays into anthemic rock and dance."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-american-idol-367946|title=Kelly Clarkson's 'American Idol' Victory, 10 Years Later|first=Michele Amabile|last=Angermiller|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006161640/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/kelly-clarkson-american-idol-367946|archive-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Nolan Feeney from ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' asserted that Clarkson "has had more of a lasting impact on the pop music landscape than casual listeners might realize."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4169319/american-idol-impact-legacy/|title=Here Are 7 Ways 'American Idol' Influenced Pop Culture|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324060046/http://time.com/4169319/american-idol-impact-legacy/|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to ''Billboard'', Clarkson was a "phenomenon" who "helped legitimize" the impact of [[talent show]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/american-idol-legacy-6561235/|title=The Legacy of 'American Idol': It Was Always About the Stars|magazine=Billboard|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211121340/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6561235/american-idol-legacy|archive-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' wrote that "Clarkson's powerhouse voice and dynamic presence signaled that the music industry should take these reality show contestants seriously: Her first two albums, ''Thankful'' and ''Breakaway'', sold about ten million copies combined, and her pop tunes became empowerment anthems across the globe."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/you-may-scoff-at-american-idol-now-but-it-changed-pop-culture-forever/2016/03/31/6440d81a-ecd5-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html|title=You may scoff at 'American Idol' now, but it changed pop culture forever|first1=Emily|last1=Yahr|date=March 31, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516140951/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/you-may-scoff-at-american-idol-now-but-it-changed-pop-culture-forever/2016/03/31/6440d81a-ecd5-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html|archive-date=May 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, journalist [[Nekesa Mumbi Moody]] reported that the success of ''Breakaway'' in particular was the true pivotal moment in establishing ''American Idol''<nowiki/>'s credibility, proving that the show was capable of "finding someone who would have a career with longevity".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moody |first=Nekesa Mumbi |author-link=Nekesa Mumbi Moody |date=January 11, 2007 |title='American Idol's' music cred growing |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/american-idols-music-cred-growing-wbna16580946 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |via=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref> Glenn Gamboa of ''[[Newsday]]'' believed Clarkson "has set the standard for all singing competition contestants with her savvy mix of pop, rock and country."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/shaggy-pop-and-reggae-star-from-long-island-ready-for-his-comeback-1.10476102|title=LI's Shaggy poised to make a comeback|newspaper=Newsday|date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517050725/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/shaggy-pop-and-reggae-star-from-long-island-ready-for-his-comeback-1.10476102|archive-date=May 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Fox Broadcasting Company]] said that Clarkson gave "lasting credibility" to ''American Idol'' and "in so many ways she cleared a road" for all of the next contestants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/american-idol/article/this-week-on-idol-2|title=Check out This Week On Idol – American Idol on FOX|website=Fox.com|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325204733/http://www.fox.com/american-idol/article/this-week-on-idol-2|archive-date=March 25, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> George Varga from ''[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]'' underlined the difference of Clarkson from most other talent show contestants is that she "writes or co-writes a fair number of [her] own songs. She is also the only one whose quest to follow her artistic instincts—the better to rock out and break free from the ''Idol'' [[cookie-cutter]] pop mold—prompted her to fire her management team and engage in a prolonged public battle with her record company, RCA."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kelly-clarkson-grows-stronger-more-determined-2012apr05-htmlstory.html|title=Kelly Clarkson grows stronger, more determined|first=George|last=Varga|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012854/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-kelly-clarkson-grows-stronger-more-determined-2012apr05-htmlstory.html|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jon Lisi from ''[[PopMatters]]'' named Clarkson as one of the forces of female domination in pop music of the 2000s. He explained that "Clarkson's anti-sexual image appealed to those who were uncomfortable with [[Britney Spears]]' overt exhibitionism. When Clarkson performed 'Since U Been Gone' at the [[2005 MTV Video Music Awards]], for instance, she only showed her midriff, and it was clear that she was marketing herself to an alternative group of young females who liked pop music's conventional sound but didn't want to be confronted with sexual imagery."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/feature/185488-how-women-dominated-pop-music-in-the-00s/|title=How Women Dominated Pop Music in the '00s|website=PopMatters|date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014064522/http://www.popmatters.com/feature/185488-how-women-dominated-pop-music-in-the-00s/|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Mickey Rapkin of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine, who called Clarkson a role model and compared her vocals to golden-era Aretha Franklin, stated that Clarkson "has never shied away from speaking her mind, whether in her propulsive pop anthems or on her filter-free Twitter feed."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/8053999/kelly-clarkson-billboard-women-in-music-powerhouse-interview|title=Billboard Women in Music 'Powerhouse' Kelly Clarkson on Finally Finding Artistic Freedom|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227002259/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/women-in-music/8053999/kelly-clarkson-billboard-women-in-music-powerhouse-interview|archive-date=February 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson has influenced other artists including [[Vanessa Hudgens]],<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Glenn |last=Rowley |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/vanessa-hudgens-career-the-kelly-clarkson-show-interview-watch-1235055480/ |title=Vanessa Hudgens Credits Kelly Clarkson with Inspiring Her Career |magazine=Billboard |date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502091217/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/vanessa-hudgens-career-the-kelly-clarkson-show-interview-watch-1235055480/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Demi Lovato]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/07/album-reviews-demi-lovatos-here-we-go-again-and-jordin-sparks-battlefield.html|title=Album reviews: Demi Lovato's 'Here We Go Again' and Jordin Sparks' 'Battlefield'|date=July 20, 2009|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060716/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/07/album-reviews-demi-lovatos-here-we-go-again-and-jordin-sparks-battlefield.html|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live|quote=... Lovato who's most influenced by Kelly Clarkson's style.}}</ref> [[Ava Max]],<ref name="The Kelly Clarkson Show">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ujMWu8Ucig |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/8ujMWu8Ucig| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Ava Max - Interview and "Kings & Queens" Performance with The Kelly Clarkson Show|via=YouTube|publisher=NBC|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=October 12, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Jordin Sparks]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a157414/jordin-sparks-157414/ |title=Jordin Sparks |publisher=Digital Spy |date=May 29, 2009 |accessdate=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172442/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a157414/jordin-sparks-157414/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ashley Tisdale]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/j9jy9z/ashley-tisdale-embraces-her-inner-kelly-clarkson-on-guilty-pleasure |title=Ashley Tisdale Embraces Her Inner Kelly Clarkson On 'Guilty Pleasure' |publisher=MTV News |date=July 28, 2009 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721172445/https://www.mtv.com/news/j9jy9z/ashley-tisdale-embraces-her-inner-kelly-clarkson-on-guilty-pleasure |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Avril Lavigne]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.spin.com/2022/02/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-avril-lavigne/|title=5 Albums I Can't Live Without: Avril Lavigne|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|last=Lentini|first=Liza|date=February 18, 2022|accessdate=October 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219085113/https://www.spin.com/2022/02/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-avril-lavigne/|archive-date=February 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kelsea Ballerini]], and [[Priscilla Block]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.eonline.com/videos/283777/kelsea-ballerini-says-kelly-clarkson-inspired-her-to-do-music | title=Kelsea Ballerini Says Kelly Clarkson Inspired Her to do Music |agency=E! | access-date=July 21, 2022 | archive-date=July 16, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716152354/https://www.eonline.com/videos/283777/kelsea-ballerini-says-kelly-clarkson-inspired-her-to-do-music | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1841111/priscilla-block-says-kelly-clarkson-changed-her-life/ |title=Priscilla Block Says Kelly Clarkson Changed Her Life |publisher=CMT |date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713100025/http://www.cmt.com/news/1841111/priscilla-block-says-kelly-clarkson-changed-her-life/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Personal life==
In February 2012, Clarkson began dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock, son of her former manager Narvel Blackstock and former stepson of [[Reba McEntire]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|title=Kelly Clarkson Marries Fiance Brandon Blackstock In Tennessee – All the Details!|work=Us Weekly|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Stephanie|last=Webber|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171525/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/387882/reba-mcentire-thrilled-to-death-to-have-kelly-clarkson-as-daughter-in-law|title=Reba McEntire "Thrilled to Death" to Have Kelly Clarkson as Daughter-in-Law|work=E!|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Bruna|last=Nessif}}</ref> She married Blackstock on October 20, 2013, at [[Blackberry Farm (Tennessee)|Blackberry Farm]] in [[Walland, Tennessee]].<ref name="us2013">{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|title=Kelly Clarkson Marries Fiance Brandon Blackstock – All the Details!|work=Us Weekly|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 21, 2013|first=Stephanie|last=Webber|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021171525/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kelly-clarkson-marries-fiance-brandon-blackstock-in-tennessee----all-the-details-20132110|archive-date=October 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> During their marriage, Brandon was her manager.<!--Kelly is no longer listed on Starstruck's roster--><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-opens-about-working-her-hubby-t138514|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals secret to working with her hubby: 'It comes down to respect'|work=Today|last=Vivinetto|first=Gina|date=October 1, 2018|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227040615/https://www.today.com/popculture/kelly-clarkson-opens-about-working-her-hubby-t138514|archive-date=December 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> They had two children, a daughter born June 12, 2014, and a son born April 12, 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 15, 2014|title=River Rose Blackstock is Kelly Clarkson's baby's name|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/06/15/River-Rose-Blackstock-is-Kelly-Clarksons-babys-name/8511402845835/|access-date=May 3, 2023|website=[[United Press International]]|archive-date=January 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123151213/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/06/15/River-Rose-Blackstock-is-Kelly-Clarksons-babys-name/8511402845835/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4306522/kelly-clarkson-son-photos/|title=Kelly Clarkson Shares First Photos of Her Son Remington|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174424/http://time.com/4306522/kelly-clarkson-son-photos/|archive-date=March 30, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock, citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{cite web |last=Drysdale |first=Jennifer |title=Kelly Clarkson Files for Divorce From Husband Brandon Blackstock |url=https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-files-for-divorce-from-husband-brandon-blackstock-147959 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |access-date=June 11, 2020 |location=United States |date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611184741/https://www.etonline.com/kelly-clarkson-files-for-divorce-from-husband-brandon-blackstock-147959 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/21/kelly-clarkson-reveals-she-definitely-didnt-see-her-divorce-coming/5860265002/|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals she 'definitely didn't see' her divorce coming on talk show premiere|first=Charles|last=Trepany|publisher=USA Today|date=September 21, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116004004/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/21/kelly-clarkson-reveals-she-definitely-didnt-see-her-divorce-coming/5860265002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, it was reported their divorce had been finalized.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Jakiel |first=Olivia |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Kelly Clarkson Settles Divorce, Will Pay Brandon Blackstock Over $1.3M Plus Monthly Spousal Support |url=https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-settles-divorce-from-brandon-blackstock/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206130023/https://people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-settles-divorce-from-brandon-blackstock/ |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=November 26, 2022 |magazine=People}}</ref> On November 21, 2023, Clarkson was awarded more than $2.6 million from Blackstock for commissions paid to him for business deals he procured as her manager. The California Labor Commissioner ruled that Blackstock violated the state's [[Talent Agencies Act (California)|Talent Agencies Act]] by handling these deals, which should have been managed by Clarkson's talent agents at [[Creative Artists Agency]]. The ruling included commissions from Clarkson's role on ''The Voice'' and other promotional agreements, but did not require repayment for deals related to ''The Kelly Clarkson Show''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Ordered To Repay Her $2.6M Over 'Unlawfully Procured' Business Deals |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/kelly-clarkson-ex-husband-ordered-repay-2-6-million-1235518785/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201155645/https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/kelly-clarkson-ex-husband-ordered-repay-2-6-million-1235518785/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Blackstock died of [[melanoma]] on August 7, 2025, aged 48.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=Ilana |last2=Mandell |first2=Sean |date=11 August 2025 |title=Brandon Blackstock's Official Cause of Death Confirmed After Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson Died at 48 |url=https://people.com/brandon-blackstock-official-cause-of-death-confirmed-melanoma-11786548 |access-date=11 August 2025 |work=People}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=DeSantis |first1=Rachel |last2=Chiu |first2=Melody |date=August 7, 2025 |title=Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Dead at 48 from Cancer |url=https://people.com/brandon-blackstock-kelly-clarkson-ex-husband-dead-11727669 |access-date=August 7, 2025 |work=People}}</ref>

In October 2019, Clarkson said that she has been managing an [[autoimmune]] condition and a [[thyroid]] condition since 2006,<ref>{{Cite web|first=Kelly|last=Clarkson|title=Kelly Opens Up About Her Autoimmune Disease & How A Book Changed Her Life {{!}} The Kelly Clarkson Show|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJhTbU-HKM4|via=YouTube|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227210750/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJhTbU-HKM4|archive-date=December 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/health/kelly-clarkson-reveals-weight-loss-side-effect-controlling-thyroid-issue-t130537|title=Kelly Clarkson reveals weight loss is 'side effect' of controlling thyroid issue|work=Today|date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115142501/https://www.today.com/health/kelly-clarkson-reveals-weight-loss-side-effect-controlling-thyroid-issue-t130537|archive-date=November 15, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> which she had previously addressed on ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'' in 2018.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kelly-clarkson-thyroid-condition-what-we-know-8460051/|title=What We Know About Kelly Clarkson's Thyroid Issue|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012003845/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8460051/kelly-clarkson-thyroid-condition-what-we-know|archive-date=October 12, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2022, Clarkson changed her legal name to Kelly Brianne. In an interview, she said she did so due to a strained relationship with her late father, and that her professional name would not change.<ref name=namechanges />

===Political views===
In 2011, Clarkson said, "I am a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] but I actually voted [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[2008 United States presidential election|last election]]", and expressed support for [[Ron Paul]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanabe |first=Karin |date=December 29, 2011 |title=Kelly Clarkson supports Ron Paul |url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2011/12/kelly-clarkson-supports-ron-paul-108994 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |newspaper=[[Politico]]}}</ref> Clarkson later said she would vote for [[Barack Obama]] in the [[2012 United States presidential election]], telling the [[Daily Star (United Kingdom)|''Daily Star'']], "I can't support [[Mitt Romney|Romney]]'s policies as I have a lot of gay friends and I don't think it's fair they can't get married." She added, "I'm not a hardcore feminist but we can't be going back to the '50s."<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2012 |title=Kelly Clarkson Endorses Obama: 'I Have A Lot Of Gay Friends' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kelly-clarkson-endorses-obama-gay-marriage-stance_n_2006018 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |website=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Kelly Clarkson Isn't Afraid To Get Political |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseymckinney/missindependent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113070802/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kelseymckinney/missindependent |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2025 |work=BuzzFeed News |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[2016 United States presidential election]], Clarkson endorsed [[Hillary Clinton]] and said that [[Donald Trump]] made her "genuinely frightened for our nation".<ref name=":2" /> In 2017, Clarkson said she was now a Democrat.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Kelly Clarkson honored for her work with XQ Super School at Variety's Power of Women |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i-XDXZl_jA |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}} Event occurs at 4:40</ref>

==Philanthropy==
[[File:Kelly ClarksonLive Earth.jpg|thumb|left|Clarkson performing at the 2007 [[Live Earth (2007 concert)|Live Earth]] charity concert]]
In April 2007, Clarkson took part in "[[Idol Gives Back]]", a fundraiser for people in poverty in Africa and the U.S., performing "[[Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)|Up to the Mountain]]" with [[Jeff Beck]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson Stamps for Idol Gives Back|url=http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-events-kelly-clarksons-stamps-for-idol-gives-back|publisher=Trend Hunter|access-date=September 15, 2012|date=April 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130153411/http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-events-kelly-clarksons-stamps-for-idol-gives-back|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> She also performed a five-song set later that year on the American leg of [[Live Earth (2007 concert)|Live Earth]] concerts promoting environmental [[Climate change education|awareness about climate change]]. She has served as ambassador for the [[March of Dimes]] since she was on ''American Idol'', raising money regularly and assisting in volunteer service, having walked for "[[March for Babies]]" for the cause of improvement of the health of mothers and babies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson|url=http://www.marchofdimes.org/spotlights/spotlight-on-kelly-clarkson.aspx|work=[[March of Dimes]]|publisher=March of Dimes Foundation|access-date=September 15, 2012|year=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225190951/http://www.marchofdimes.org/spotlights/spotlight-on-kelly-clarkson.aspx|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Clarkson also got involved in the organization Houses of Hope, which builds orphanages for children in [[South Africa]] affected by [[HIV/AIDS]], abuse, and poverty.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kelly Clarkson – Kelly Clarkson Visits South African Orphanage|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/kelly-clarkson-visits-south-african-orphanage_1210824|magazine=[[Contactmusic.com]]|access-date=September 15, 2012|author=Contactmusic|date=April 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130161501/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/kelly-clarkson-visits-south-african-orphanage_1210824|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> She has visited those children and also participated in "A Night for Hope" fund-raiser concert (held by Clarkson's background vocal singers, Jill and Kate), performing a song she wrote after her trip to South Africa, "You Still Won't Know What It's Like". Clarkson also supports the charities [[Save the Children]], [[UNICEF]], "[[Do Something]]" and "STOMP Out Bullying", and music causes like the [[Save the Music Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kelly Clarkson Charity Work, Events and Causes|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/498-kelly-clarkson|work=Look To The Stars|access-date=September 15, 2012|year=2006–2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726114632/http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/498-kelly-clarkson|archive-date=July 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Charity |url=http://www.kellyclarkson.com/us/charity |work=Kelly Clarkson |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=September 15, 2012 |year=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915134019/http://www.kellyclarkson.com/us/charity |archive-date=September 15, 2012 }}</ref>

Clarkson had a ranch in Texas for unwanted animals, which included amputee goats, blind dogs, and horses that survived colic; there are more than 80 animals at the sanctuary. She helped provide veterinary care for them and found them an adoptive family.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} On March 1, 2013, she performed in a benefit concert supporting the [[Omaha]]-based Opportunity Education Foundation, which provides access to education for children around the world, saying, "Education was a key part of my childhood, and I am better for it. Anything for education I am really into and especially for kids. A lot of people don't have computers, and they can't afford them. Without education, you get far behind. As long as they have a chance, you know, I think that's important. I want every kid to have a chance."<ref name="Tarradell">{{cite news | url=http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/2013/03/kelly-clarkson-wants-to-be-an-annie-and-shes-got-soulful-swagger-during-sold-out-benefit-concert-at-verizon-theatre.html/ | title=Kelly Clarkson wants to be an "Annie," and she's got soulful swagger during sold-out benefit concert at Verizon Theatre | location=Dallas | work=[[The Dallas Morning News|Morning News]] | first=Mario | last=Tarradell | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304033103/http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/2013/03/kelly-clarkson-wants-to-be-an-annie-and-shes-got-soulful-swagger-during-sold-out-benefit-concert-at-verizon-theatre.html/ | archive-date=March 4, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2013, Clarkson teamed with [[State Farm Insurance]] to support teen safe driving as a part of Celebrate My Drive program,<ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrate My Drive |url=https://www.celebratemydrive.com |access-date=August 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926233346/http://www.celebratemydrive.com/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013}}</ref> and supported [[Feeding America]] and [[The Ad Council]] and its Child Hunger PSA Campaign, which provides food for children facing hunger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63152-feeding-america-and-ad-council-child-hunger-psa-with-savannah-guthrie|title=More than One in Five Children in the U.S. Face Hunger, According to New USDA Report|publisher=[[MultiVu]], [[Feeding America]], [[The Ad Council]]|access-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109074518/http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63152-feeding-america-and-ad-council-child-hunger-psa-with-savannah-guthrie|archive-date=November 9, 2013}}</ref> Also in 2013, she participated in [[Green Mountain Coffee Roasters|Green Mountain Coffee]]'s Great Coffee, Good Vibes, Choose Fair Trade campaign, traveling to coffee farms in Peru to draw attention to the importance of [[Fair trade certification|Fair Trade]] certification.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kelly Clarkson Trades Bridal Duties for a Trip to Peru|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20734184,00.html|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918064853/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20734184,00.html|archive-date=September 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Kelly Clarkson discography|List of songs written by Kelly Clarkson|List of songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson}}
;Studio albums
* ''[[Thankful (Kelly Clarkson album)|Thankful]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson album)|Breakaway]]'' (2004)
* ''[[My December]]'' (2007)
* ''[[All I Ever Wanted (album)|All I Ever Wanted]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Stronger (Kelly Clarkson album)|Stronger]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Wrapped in Red]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Piece by Piece (Kelly Clarkson album)|Piece by Piece]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Meaning of Life (album)|Meaning of Life]]'' (2017)
* ''[[When Christmas Comes Around...]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Chemistry (Kelly Clarkson album)|Chemistry]]'' (2023)

==Tours and residencies==
{{Main|List of Kelly Clarkson concert tours|List of Kelly Clarkson promotional tours}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col 2}}

===Headlining===
* [[The Breakaway Tour]] (2005–2006)
* [[Hazel Eyes Tour]] (2005)
* [[Addicted Tour]] (2006)
* [[My December Tour]] (2007–2008)
* [[All I Ever Wanted Tour]] (2009–2010)
* [[Stronger Tour]] (2012)
* [[Piece by Piece Tour]] (2015)
* [[Meaning of Life Tour]] (2019)
{{col 2}}

===Co-headlining===
* [[American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002]] (2002) (with the [[American Idol season 1|''American Idol'' season one finalists]])
* [[Independent Tour]] (2004) (with [[Clay Aiken]])
* [[2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour]] (2008) (with [[Reba McEntire]])
* [[List of Kelly Clarkson concert tours#Kelly Clarkson/The Fray Tour (2012)|Kelly Clarkson / The Fray Tour]] (2012) (with [[The Fray]])
* [[12th Annual Honda Civic Tour]] (2013) (with [[Maroon 5]])

===Residencies===
* [[Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson]] (2023–2024)
* [[Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions]] (2025)
{{col-end}}

==Filmography==
{{Main|Kelly Clarkson videography}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col 2}}
;Films starred
<!-- Only starring roles as indicated on the poster's billing block-->
* ''[[Issues 101]]'' (2002)
* ''[[From Justin to Kelly]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Star (2017 film)|The Star]]'' (2017)
* ''[[UglyDolls]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Trolls World Tour]]'' (2020)
{{col 2}}
;Television series
<!-- Do NOT include TV specials and guest/one-time appearances -->
* ''[[American Idol]]'' (2002)
* ''[[American Dreams]]'' (2003–2004)
* ''[[Duets (TV series)|Duets]]'' (2012)
* ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]'' (2018–2021, 2023, 2026)
* ''[[The Kelly Clarkson Show]]'' (2019–present)
* ''[[American Song Contest]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson]]'' (2025)
{{col-end}}

==Written works==
* {{cite book|last=Clarkson|first=Kelly|title=River Rose and the Magical Lullaby|location=New York|publisher=[[HarperCollins]]|year=2016|isbn=978-0-0624-2756-4|title-link=River Rose and the Magical Lullaby}}
* {{cite book|last=Clarkson|first=Kelly|title=River Rose and the Magical Christmas|location=New York|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2017|isbn=978-0-0626-9764-6|title-link=River Rose and the Magical Christmas}}

==See also==
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart]]
* [[List of Idols winners|List of ''Idols'' winners]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* Phares, Heather. [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000086927/biography|pure_url=yes}} "Kelly – Biography"]. ''[[Allmusic]]''. <!-- Retrieved February 11, 2006. --><!-- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kelly-clarkson-mn0000086927/biography -->
* Lamb, Bill. [http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm "Kelly Clarkson – Profile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041339/http://top40.about.com/od/artistsac/p/kclarksonpr.htm |date=November 10, 2012 }}. [[About.com]]. Retrieved February 11, 2006.
* Phares, Heather. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121006181308/http://music.yahoo.com/kelly-clarkson/biography/ "Kelly Clarkson – Biography"]. Yahoo [[LAUNCHcast]]. Retrieved February 11, 2006.
* [http://www.popsugar.com/Kelly-Gets-Cocky-5143 ''Kelly Gets Cocky''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821192119/http://www.popsugar.com/Kelly-Gets-Cocky-5143 |date=August 21, 2011 }}. ''Idol'' winner fires Simon Fuller. PopSugar.com. ''Blog Archives''. Retrieved February 25, 2006.
* Croatto, Pete. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110805015444/http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/2003/from-justin-to-kelly/?OpenDocument ''From Justin to Kelly'']. [''Watching From Justin to Kelly, one question looms over the entire production: Why was this movie made?''] Retrieved May 4, 2006.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q483507|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|wikt=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=kelly-clarkson-mn0000086927}}
* {{IMDb name|1225628}}
* {{Discogs artist|Kelly Clarkson}}
* {{NYTtopic|people/c/kelly_clarkson}}

{{Kelly Clarkson|state=expanded}}
{{Kelly Clarkson songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kelly Clarkson|Awards for Kelly Clarkson]]
|list =
{{American Music Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist}}
{{American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist}}
{{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Talk Show Host}}
{{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Female Singer}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music – Female Artist}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music Single}}
}}
{{American Idol 1}}
{{American Idol}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clarkson, Kelly}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:19 Recordings artists]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Actresses from Fort Worth, Texas]]
[[Category:American Christians]]
[[Category:American feminist musicians]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American Idol winners]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:American people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Welsh descent]]
[[Category:American pop rock singers]]
[[Category:American soul singers]]
[[Category:American sopranos]]
[[Category:American television talk show hosts]]
[[Category:American voice actresses]]
[[Category:American women children's writers]]
[[Category:American women pop singers]]
[[Category:American women philanthropists]]
[[Category:American women record producers]]
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American women television hosts]]
[[Category:American women television producers]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host winners]]
[[Category:Daytime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Judges in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Kelly Clarkson| ]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:MTV Video Music Award winners]]
[[Category:My Band Y'All members]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:People from Burleson, Texas]]
[[Category:Musicians from Fort Worth, Texas]]
[[Category:RCA Records artists]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas]]
[[Category:Singers with a three-octave vocal range]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Texas]]
[[Category:Television producers from Texas]]
[[Category:Writers from Fort Worth, Texas]]