The First The American Idol Kelly Clarkson

There is a lot more to the story that meets the eye, at least, where Kelly Clarkson, the American Idol, is concerned. Her rise to the top of the charts was not an easy one and any struggling singer-wannabe can probably identify with the grit and determination this young pop singer has shown. Kelly Clarkson was born Kelly Brianne Clarkson April 24th 1982 in the small town, Burleson in Texas.

Despite her very obvious talent on stage, her first ambition as a child was to become a marine biologist but watching the show "Jaws" scared her off her career. With her dreams dashed, she was clearly open to suggestions and when a teacher in her school, Pauline Hughes, heard Kelly Clarkson's rich voice, she was encouraged to join the school choir. And from there, Kelly Clarkson is smitten with singing. Kelly Clarkson soon upgraded her singing portfolio when she was included in the Texas All-State Choir.

Even with a voice like hers, she still failed to sell herself to record labels and having no luck at home, the far-sighted Kelly Clarkson saved up enough money from odd jobs as a pharmacy assistant, telemarketer, waitress and assistants in a movie theatre and the zoo, she managed to send herself to California.

In the land of Movie Stars, she landed herself as an extra in the popular TV series "Sabrina" and found herself working with the famous songwriter, Gerry Goffin. Apart from these minor roles, a record deal was not forthcoming. With Mr. Goffin falling ill, her roommate moving out and her apartment burning down, Kelly Clarkson packed her stuff and headed on back home.

Although Kelly Clarkson found a STABLE job as a promoter for Red Bull to help pay the bills, she has not given up on her dream. And when a friend told her that there was going to be a singing contest where the public gets to vote on the winner, she gave it a shot. Kelly Clarkson didn't have high expectations for this contest; with the memory of her failure to get a record deal still fresh in her mind. PLUS she was going to be pitching against 10,000 other talented Americans.

But what a surprise it was for Kelly Clarkson when her rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Respect" floored the judges. And it was only at that point in time that she realized that she really DID want to win! Feeling revitalized and motivated again, her rendition of Franklin's "You make me feel like a natural woman" won even the praise of the most notorious American Idol judge, Simon Cowell.

Her first single, "A Moment Like This", was released October 2002 and it jumped straight from No. 52 to No. 1 on the Billboard starts, creating history! The jump was noticeably bigger than the jump that the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love". "Can't Buy Me Love" only jumped from No.27 to No.1. Kelly Clarkson is now known around the world as the first ever American Idol who has her own brand of down-to-earth charm and a sense of humor to match. People can relate to Kelly Clarkson because we have watched her rise from a 'nobody' to the 'somebody' that she is today.

We know it's hard to tell when it comes to the staying power of pop stars but with Kelly Clarkson, we believe that she may be here to stay?.

Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.all-kelly-clarkson.info which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

---

Music Industry Insider: Tess Taylor of NARIP and LAMN

Members of LAMN (founded in 1988) and NARIP (founded in 1998), are able to more quickly gain the insight, knowledge, and contact information they need for career... Read More

Living Life Loud

Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists worldwide trying to get their music heard. Since the music industry is changing drastically, unsigned musicians are... Read More

Name That Tune - Tips For When You Can?t Remember The Song Title Or Artist

For years, you have been searching for a song lodged in your brain that is driving you nuts. Unfortunately, you have forgotten both the song title and... Read More

Everything I Play Sounds the Same

Many students want to create music that has a certain emotional quality. For example, I once had a student ask me to show her how to play... Read More

Music & Emotions: Can Music Really Make You a Happier Person?

How many times have you turned to music to uplift you even further in happy times, or sought the comfort of music when melancholy strikes?Music affects us... Read More

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only from other types of chords by virtue of instrument; they're simply a series of three or more... Read More

The First Step and Most Important Thing in Learning Guitar

Most of the guitar lovers playing guitar for few years but still unsatisfied with their progress. They feel like still stand at the starting point and can't... Read More

Micing a Kick Drum

This months tip deals with micing kick drums.You wouldn't believe how many people ask me about micing their kick drums. It leads me to believe people really... Read More

A Brief History of Gongs

The gong is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Archaeologists have unearthed gongs built almost four thousand years ago. No wonder when we hear... Read More

An Interview with Jon Bon Jovi ? 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Cant Be Wrong

The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept upping the ante with his label and ultimately they consented to a four-CD set of essentially new... Read More

Les Paul Vintage Gibson Guitars

Les Paul vintage Gibson guitars were first produced in 1952. These guitars were the first solid body electric that Gibson had made. The 1952 version of the... Read More

Creating Your Own Unique Music

Have you ever dreamed of penning your own compositions? Writing music has been a dream of mine for the longest time. And it's a dream I am... Read More

All About Eminem

Marshall Mathers, was born October 17, 72, and could be by far the most notorious and recognised rap music musicians of this age, having the alias Slimshady.... Read More

How Many Songs Are In Your Pocket?

The portable MP3 player continues to be the hot item for those who want music on the go. I was talking to a teen the other day... Read More

Memorizing Music - How Is It Best Achieved?

When memorizing music there are several things you can do that will make your job that much easier. Memorizing music is important as most people know you... Read More

Music Mini Course: Learn The Basics Of Reading Music On A Keyboard Instrument

Welcome to the wonderful world of music. As you begin reading this Music Mini Course it is fun to realize that you are also participating in a... Read More

The Life and Music of Beatle George Harrison

Propelled into fame as one of the Beatles, along with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr, George Harrison was known as the "quiet one" of the... Read More

Arpeggios and New Age Piano Playing

Chopin used them extensively. So did Beethoven and Mozart. Arpeggios are beautiful and are perfect for the New Age piano style too!You can hear them in George... Read More

So You Wanna Learn How To Start a Record Label?

Well, you love music so much that you have decided you want to start a record label of your own. This can be a very exciting step... Read More

Guitar Buying - The Pros and Cons of Vintage vs. Reissue

To most people, owning the "genuine article" is the only thing that will suffice. As a guitar player, and one who appreciates classic "vintage" instruments, I can... Read More

Beginning Clarinet: The Very Start

Like starting with any instrument, beginning clarinet is a process of learning that involves both great achievement and the occasional setback. However, if the beginning clarinetist follows... Read More

The Art of Music

Music is the art of arranging sounds in periodic time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.It... Read More

How Any DJ Can Increase Their Gigs and Profits By This Simple Strategy

The DJ industry is very competitive. There are many DJ's who are making huge amounts of money and then there are other DJ's who are struggling to... Read More

Self-Expression Without Criticism

When I was 9 years old I played the Saxophone and thought I was pretty good at it. Unfortunately, I had a teacher who didn't think so... Read More

Taps; Piping Military Honors: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers

It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and their families to specifically request a piper to not only pipe for a funeral, but to pipe... Read More

Reaching For The Soul Zone

Every searching artist wants to get there. It's that magical place where something takes over, you know, when something bigger than you whispers in your ear and... Read More