Kelly Clarkson
Biography
Life Story
Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Jeanne Ann (Rose), a teacher of English, and Stephen Michael Clarkson, an engineer. She was the first winner of the series American Idol, in 2002. Kelly is also a strong believer in God. She has been married to Brandon Blackstock since October 20, 2013. They have two children.
Family
Trivia
Originally wanted to be a marine biologist but changed her mind when she saw the movie Jaws (1975).
Attended and graduated from Burleson High School, Burleson, Texas (2000).
She won the first "American Idol" contest, September 4, 2002. Her first single came out in late September of that year.
Was a cocktail waitress at a comedy club in Arlington, Texas and at Hyena's Comedy Club in Downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
Daughter of Jeanne Clarkson and Joseph Clarkson.
Her first single sold nearly 250,000 copies in its first week.
Her first single, "A Moment Like This", set records by jumping from number 52 to the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Beat out more than 10,000 people to land a $1 million recording contract on American Idol (2002).
Has two siblings: Jason Clarkson (born 1973) and Alyssa Clarkson (born 1976).
Kelly stayed up all night before her American Idol (2002) audition so she would not sleep through the alarm, which she frequently did in high school.
Used to work at Hollywood Theatres in Burleson, Texas. Used to work at a bookstore and at a zoo.
Sang the National Anthem at The Day of Service in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2002.
Personal Quotes
[on boys] You need to establish yourself before you let someone else in - I'm still finding myself.
I'm petite but I was the biggest girl on my season. Everyone else weighed 100 pounds. Reporters would ask, "So what's it like being a big girl?" and I thought, "Big? What?" It was like "Wait, what am I doing wrong?" Luckily, I had a great mom and dad who helped me grow up feeling comfortable in my own skin. I have a curvy figure, which guys like. And performing isn't about looking the best or being the most beautiful. I do it because I love it. Look, nobody else has my butt. Nobody has my eyes. Nobody has my nose. It's all mine. And that's what makes me different from everyone.
I'm only 27, not 40 and still single! I enjoy being single, I love work and I think people are so passive with relationships and I'm not that person.
I'm an extremist, I'm either in a relationship or I'm not. I'm honest about it and I'll tell people, it's just there's nothing to tell. I have a very good life.
I love my body. I'm very much okay with it. I don't think artists are ever the ones who have the problem with their weight, it is other people.
The rumors are not helping me on the dating front! I prefer the boys. I'm extremely flattered when I do get hit on by girls, and I think it's hot, but I'm not into it. I like boys.
[on taking criticism from the judges] I come from a very sarcastic and loving family at the same time, but I'm very thick-skinned. So it's really not going to affect me to an extent. I really feel for the people that it does.
[on fiancé Brandon Blackstock] I've never been truly loved like I am right now.
[on her album "Wrapped in Red"] A Christmas album is fun because you don't get labeled anything. So there's rock 'n' roll on there, there's R&B. there's country, there's pop stuff. I have a hard time being cheesy, but you can be cheesy with Christmas music, so I felt I could be vulnerable.
[on talent shows] They will last as long as people keep watching them. People don't realize that Frank Sinatra got into the business through a competition. I don't think it matters how you got there. It matters if you're good enough to hang around.
I'm usually barefoot. That's how I'm most comfortable. I like my feet on the ground. I like to jump around, I like to fly across the state.
