History of Kelly Clarkson in Timeline
Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality who gained prominence as the first winner of American Idol. She has enjoyed a long and successful career in both music and television. She is known for her powerful vocals and versatility, leading to recognition as one of the greatest singers of all time.
April 24, 1982: Kelly Clarkson's Birth
On April 24, 1982, Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She is now known as an American singer, songwriter, and television personality.
2000: High School Graduation
In 2000, Kelly Clarkson graduated from Burleson High School, where she participated in several musicals.
2001: Move to Los Angeles
In 2001, Kelly Clarkson traveled to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, appearing as an extra in television series and working with Gerry Goffin.
May 2002: Audition for American Idol
In May 2002, Kelly Clarkson auditioned for the inaugural season of American Idol: The Search for a Superstar.
September 4, 2002: Winning American Idol
On September 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol at the Kodak Theatre, earning 58% of the votes against Justin Guarini.
September 17, 2002: Release of Debut Single
On September 17, 2002, Kelly Clarkson's debut double-A-side single, "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This", was released. It broke a 38-year-old record for the biggest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
2002: Chart Success
From 2002 to 2024, Kelly Clarkson's first seven studio albums generated a total of 12 top-ten hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2002: Signing with RCA Records and "A Moment Like This" Release
In 2002, Kelly Clarkson signed with RCA Records and released her debut single, "A Moment Like This." This became the best-selling single in the US for that year.
2002: Appearance on MADtv
In 2002, Kelly Clarkson, along with American Idol judges and hosts, participated in the season premiere of MADtv.
April 15, 2003: Release of "Thankful" Album
On April 15, 2003, Kelly Clarkson released her debut album, Thankful. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell over 4.5 million copies worldwide.
June 2003: Film Debut in "From Justin to Kelly"
In June 2003, Kelly Clarkson made her film debut with Justin Guarini in the musical romantic comedy film From Justin to Kelly. The film was poorly received and unsuccessful.
November 18, 2003: Release of "Miss Independent" Video Album
On November 18, 2003, Kelly Clarkson released her first video album, Miss Independent, which was certified gold by the RIAA.
December 25, 2003: Participation in World Idol
On December 25, 2003, Kelly Clarkson participated in the World Idol competition in London and ended up as the runner-up.
2003: Release of "Thankful" Album
In 2003, Kelly Clarkson released her debut album, Thankful, which entered the Billboard 200 at number one. The album was influenced by R&B and gospel music.
July 2004: Release of "Breakaway" as Soundtrack
In July 2004, Kelly Clarkson's title track "Breakaway" was originally released as the soundtrack for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
November 2004: Release of "Since U Been Gone"
In November 2004, Kelly Clarkson released "Since U Been Gone" as the lead single from Breakaway, becoming her most successful single on the Hot 100.
November 30, 2004: Release of Breakaway
On November 30, 2004, Kelly Clarkson released Breakaway, which became her most commercially successful album.
2004: Appearance on American Dreams
Between 2003 and 2004, Kelly Clarkson portrayed Brenda Lee in two episodes of the television drama American Dreams.
2004: Independent Tour
In 2004, Kelly Clarkson co-headlined the Independent Tour throughout the US with Clay Aiken.
2004: Genre shift with "Breakaway" Album
In 2004, Kelly Clarkson shifted genres to pop rock with her album Breakaway, which became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
March 29, 2005: Release of Behind Hazel Eyes
On March 29, 2005, Kelly Clarkson's second video album, Behind Hazel Eyes, was released.
2005: Billboard's Top Female Artist
In 2005, Billboard ranked Kelly Clarkson as the Top Female Artist of the Year.
2005: Commercial Success of Breakaway
In 2005, Kelly Clarkson's album, Breakaway, had longevity, allowing it to become the third-best-selling album of the year in the US. Clarkson was named the Top Female Artist of the Year by Billboard.
2005: Success of "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes"
In 2005, Kelly Clarkson's singles "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes" were among the top-ten biggest songs in the US.
May 2006: Re-release of "Breakaway"
In May 2006, Kelly Clarkson's song "Breakaway" was re-released as the album's fifth single and became a major success on adult contemporary radio.
2006: Breakaway Tour
From 2005 to 2006, Kelly Clarkson promoted the album Breakaway with the Breakaway Tour, Hazel Eyes Tour, and Addicted Tour.
2006: Diagnosis of Autoimmune and Thyroid Conditions
In 2006, Kelly Clarkson was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and a thyroid condition.
January 14, 2007: Appearance on Reba Sitcom
On January 14, 2007, Kelly Clarkson appeared on an episode of Reba McEntire's sitcom, Reba.
February 22, 2007: CMT Crossroads Special
On February 22, 2007, Kelly Clarkson collaborated with Reba McEntire in an hour-long CMT Crossroads special at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
April 2007: Participation in "Idol Gives Back"
In April 2007, Kelly Clarkson participated in "Idol Gives Back", a fundraiser for poverty relief in Africa and the U.S., performing "Up to the Mountain" with Jeff Beck.
May 16, 2007: Academy of Country Music Awards Performance
On May 16, 2007, at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire sang a country version of "Because of You", which became a lead single and was nominated for a Grammy.
June 22, 2007: Release of My December
On June 22, 2007, Kelly Clarkson's third studio album, My December, was released, showcasing darker themes and heavier rock music. Clarkson took on the role of executive producer, co-writing all the tracks and collaborating with her band members.
July 7, 2007: Live Earth Performance
On July 7, 2007, Kelly Clarkson performed on the American leg of the Live Earth concert.
2007: Release of "My December"
In 2007, Kelly Clarkson released "My December", featuring darker rock music, which received a lukewarm reception.
2008: 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour
Throughout 2008, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire embarked on the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour.
March 10, 2009: Release of All I Ever Wanted
On March 10, 2009, Kelly Clarkson's fourth album, All I Ever Wanted, was released. It was met with acclaim and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
September 2009: VH1 Divas Performance
In September 2009, Kelly Clarkson performed as one of the main artists for the return of VH1 Divas.
November 2009: Guest Mentor on X Factor
In November 2009, Kelly Clarkson became a guest mentor on the Dutch television series X Factor.
2009: Release of "All I Ever Wanted"
In 2009, Kelly Clarkson returned to radio-friendly pop rock sounds with "All I Ever Wanted", which produced the number-one single "My Life Would Suck Without You".
2010: Collaboration with Jason Aldean
In 2010, Kelly Clarkson recorded a country duet with Jason Aldean, "Don't You Wanna Stay", for his album My Kinda Party.
September 2011: Release of Mr. Know It All
In September 2011, Kelly Clarkson released "Mr. Know It All" as the lead single from Stronger.
October 21, 2011: Release of Stronger
On October 21, 2011, Kelly Clarkson released her fifth studio album, Stronger, which incorporated a country vibe.
2011: Co-wrote Tell Me a Lie
In 2011, Kelly Clarkson co-wrote "Tell Me a Lie", which was recorded by British boy band One Direction for their debut album, Up All Night.
2011: Release of "Stronger"
In 2011, Kelly Clarkson released "Stronger", which produced the number-one single "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)".
January 2012: Release of Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
In January 2012, Kelly Clarkson released "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" as the second single from the album Stronger.
February 5, 2012: Super Bowl XLVI Performance
On February 5, 2012, Kelly Clarkson performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLVI.
February 2012: Started Dating Brandon Blackstock
In February 2012, Kelly Clarkson began dating talent manager Brandon Blackstock.
May 24, 2012: Premiere of Duets
On May 24, 2012, Kelly Clarkson served as a mentor and judge on the ABC television show Duets, which premiered on this date.
June 2012: Release of Dark Side
In June 2012, Kelly Clarkson released "Dark Side" as the third and final single from the album Stronger.
July 19, 2012: Duets Season Finale
On July 19, 2012, the show Duets concluded, with Kelly Clarkson's contestant Jason Farol finishing as the second runner-up.
November 19, 2012: Release of Greatest Hits - Chapter One
On November 19, 2012, Kelly Clarkson released her first greatest hits album, Greatest Hits – Chapter One.
2012: Interview on American Idol Season
In 2012, Kelly Clarkson described the inaugural season of American Idol as chaotic, explaining the show was ever changing.
January 2013: Inauguration Performance
In January 2013, Kelly Clarkson performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" at the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.
February 2013: Grammy Tribute Performances
In February 2013, Kelly Clarkson performed "Tennessee Waltz" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards as tributes to Patti Page and Carole King.
March 1, 2013: Benefit Concert for Opportunity Education Foundation
On March 1, 2013, Kelly Clarkson performed in a benefit concert supporting the Omaha-based Opportunity Education Foundation, which provides access to education for children worldwide.
June 2013: Release of "Tie It Up"
In June 2013, Kelly Clarkson released a non-album single, "Tie It Up", exclusively to country music stations.
August 1, 2013: Honda Civic Tour Start
On August 1, 2013, Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5 started the 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour.
October 6, 2013: Honda Civic Tour End
On October 6, 2013, Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5 ended the 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour.
October 20, 2013: Marriage to Brandon Blackstock
On October 20, 2013, Kelly Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.
October 25, 2013: Release of Wrapped in Red
On October 25, 2013, Kelly Clarkson's sixth studio album and first Christmas record, Wrapped in Red, was released.
December 11, 2013: Debut of Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale
On December 11, 2013, Kelly Clarkson's first Christmas special debuted.
December 2013: Brand Ambassador for Citizen Watch Co.
In December 2013, Kelly Clarkson was announced as the newest Brand Ambassador for Citizen Watch Co.
2013: "Catch My Breath" success
In 2013, "Catch My Breath" from Greatest Hits - Chapter One became the third biggest adult contemporary song of the year, according to Billboard.
2013: Appearance on "Who Do You Think You Are?"
In 2013, Kelly Clarkson appeared on "Who Do You Think You Are?", where her mother's descendant, Republican state senator Isaiah Rose, was discussed.
2013: Release of "Wrapped in Red"
In 2013, Kelly Clarkson ventured into Christmas music with the release of "Wrapped in Red", which became the best-selling holiday album of the year and featured "Underneath the Tree".
2013: Grammy Award for Stronger
In 2013, Kelly Clarkson won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album for Stronger, making her the first artist to win the award twice.
June 2014: Birth of Daughter
In June 2014, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock had their first child, a daughter.
2014: Collaborations
In 2014, Kelly Clarkson collaborated with Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, and Josh Groban.
February 2015: Release of Piece by Piece
In February 2015, Kelly Clarkson released Piece by Piece, her seventh and final studio album under her recording contract with RCA Records.
2015: Release of "Piece by Piece"
In 2015, Kelly Clarkson released the number-one album Piece by Piece.
February 2016: Signed Book Deal with HarperCollins
In February 2016, Kelly Clarkson signed a book deal with HarperCollins, marking her entry into children's literature.
March 15, 2016: Release of "This Is for My Girls"
On March 15, 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama released "This Is for My Girls," a collaborative track featuring vocals from Kelly Clarkson and other artists to promote the Let Girls Learn initiative.
April 2016: Birth of Son
In April 2016, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock welcomed their second child, a son.
June 24, 2016: Signed with Atlantic Records
On June 24, 2016, Kelly Clarkson announced that she had signed a long-term worldwide deal with Atlantic Records, with the intention of releasing a soul-influenced album in 2017.
October 4, 2016: Release of 'River Rose and the Magical Lullaby'
On October 4, 2016, Kelly Clarkson's first children's book, 'River Rose and the Magical Lullaby,' was released. The book includes an original lullaby written and performed by Clarkson.
November 3, 2016: Release of "It's Quiet Uptown"
On November 3, 2016, Kelly Clarkson's solo version of "It's Quiet Uptown" was released as a promotional single for 'The Hamilton Mixtape'.
March 3, 2017: Release of "Love Goes On"
On March 3, 2017, Kelly Clarkson's duet with Aloe Blacc, called "Love Goes On", for the original soundtrack of 'The Shack' was released in the United States.
May 11, 2017: Joined The Voice as a Coach
On May 11, 2017, it was announced that Kelly Clarkson would join 'The Voice' as a coach for the series' fourteenth season, marking a significant television role.
September 6, 2017: Announced 'Meaning of Life' Album
On September 6, 2017, Kelly Clarkson announced that her album, 'Meaning of Life', would be released on October 27, 2017.
September 7, 2017: Released "Love So Soft"
On September 7, 2017, Kelly Clarkson released her lead single "Love So Soft" along with the song "Move You".
October 24, 2017: Release of 'River Rose and the Magical Christmas'
On October 24, 2017, Kelly Clarkson released her second children's book featuring River Rose, titled 'River Rose and the Magical Christmas'. The book includes an original song written and sung by Clarkson, "Christmas Eve".
October 27, 2017: Release of 'Meaning of Life' Album
On October 27, 2017, Kelly Clarkson's album 'Meaning of Life' was released, debuting and peaking at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
November 17, 2017: Release of 'The Star'
On November 17, 2017, Kelly Clarkson lent her voice to the animated film 'The Star'.
2017: Release of "Meaning of Life"
In 2017, Kelly Clarkson signed with Atlantic Records and recorded Meaning of Life.
March 2018: Released "I've Loved You Since Forever"
In March 2018, Kelly Clarkson released "I've Loved You Since Forever", a ballad version of the children's book by Hoda Kotb.
May 20, 2018: Hosted Billboard Music Awards
On May 20, 2018, Kelly Clarkson hosted and performed at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
2018: Addressed Health Conditions on Today
In 2018, Kelly Clarkson addressed her autoimmune and thyroid conditions on the Today show.
2018: Coaching on "The Voice"
In 2018, Kelly Clarkson became a coach on The Voice, where she remained for nine seasons until 2023.
February 28, 2019: Announcement as Billboard Music Awards Host
On February 28, 2019, it was announced that Kelly Clarkson would return to host the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
March 27, 2019: Released "Broken & Beautiful"
On March 27, 2019, Kelly Clarkson released "Broken & Beautiful", the lead single from the 'UglyDolls' soundtrack.
May 1, 2019: Hosted 2019 Billboard Music Awards
On May 1, 2019, Kelly Clarkson hosted the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
May 3, 2019: Release of 'UglyDolls'
On May 3, 2019, Kelly Clarkson voiced Moxy and provided original songs in the animated musical comedy film 'UglyDolls'.
September 9, 2019: Premiere of 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'
On September 9, 2019, Kelly Clarkson began hosting her daytime variety talk show, 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'.
October 2019: Autoimmune and Thyroid Condition Management
In October 2019, Kelly Clarkson disclosed that she had been managing an autoimmune condition and a thyroid condition since 2006.
November 2019: Announced Las Vegas Residency
In November 2019, Kelly Clarkson announced a Las Vegas residency, 'Kelly Clarkson: Invincible', which was later postponed.
December 2019: Victory on The Voice Season 17
In December 2019, Jake Hoot was crowned the winner of the seventeenth season of 'The Voice', giving Kelly Clarkson her third victory as a coach.
2019: Hosting "The Kelly Clarkson Show"
Since 2019, Kelly Clarkson has hosted her own talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
February 2020: Became Wayfair Brand Ambassador
In February 2020, Kelly Clarkson became a brand ambassador for Wayfair, launching a furniture collection inspired by her Texan roots.
April 10, 2020: Release of 'Trolls World Tour'
On April 10, 2020, 'Trolls World Tour', which featured a character voiced by Kelly Clarkson, was released.
April 16, 2020: Released "I Dare You"
On April 16, 2020, Kelly Clarkson released the standalone single "I Dare You" in English and in five different languages with native-speaking artists.
May 2020: Daytime Emmy Award
In May 2020, 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' earned seven nominations and Kelly Clarkson won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.
June 2020: Filed for Divorce
In June 2020, Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock, citing irreconcilable differences.
June 2020: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In June 2020, it was announced that Kelly Clarkson would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
May 2021: 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' to Replace 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'
In May 2021, NBC announced that 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' would take over the time slot of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in 2022.
June 2021: Won Two Daytime Emmy Awards
In June 2021, Kelly Clarkson won two Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment and Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.
September 23, 2021: Released "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)"
On September 23, 2021, Kelly Clarkson released "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)", the lead single off her second Christmas album.
October 15, 2021: Release of 'When Christmas Comes Around...'
On October 15, 2021, Kelly Clarkson's second Christmas album 'When Christmas Comes Around...' was released to positive reviews.
November 2021: Performed at iHeartRadio Holiday Special
In November 2021, Kelly Clarkson performed at the second annual iHeartRadio Holiday Special.
December 1, 2021: Premiered Christmas Special
On December 1, 2021, Kelly Clarkson hosted her second Christmas special, 'Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around'.
December 2021: Victory on The Voice Season 21
In December 2021, Girl Named Tom were crowned winners of the twenty-first season of 'The Voice', securing Kelly Clarkson's final victory as a coach.
2021: Release of "When Christmas Comes Around..."
In 2021, Kelly Clarkson released the album "When Christmas Comes Around..."
February 2022: Named Co-host of American Song Contest
In February 2022, Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg were named co-hosts of the singing competition series 'American Song Contest'.
February 2022: Legal Name Change to Kelly Brianne
In February 2022, Kelly Clarkson legally changed her name to Kelly Brianne, citing a strained relationship with her late father as the reason.
March 2022: Divorce Finalized
In March 2022, Kelly Clarkson's divorce from Brandon Blackstock was finalized.
March 21, 2022: Premiere of American Song Contest
On March 21, 2022, the 'American Song Contest', co-hosted by Kelly Clarkson, premiered.
June 9, 2022: Released 'Kellyoke' EP
On June 9, 2022, Kelly Clarkson released 'Kellyoke', an EP consisting of six cover songs from her talk show segment.
June 2022: Won Two Daytime Emmys
In June 2022, Kelly Clarkson won two Daytime Emmys, including Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment for the second consecutive year and Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for the third consecutive year.
September 2022: Featured on "You're Drunk, Go Home"
In September 2022, Kelly Clarkson appeared on the Kelsea Ballerini song, "You're Drunk, Go Home" along with Carly Pearce.
September 19, 2022: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On September 19, 2022, Kelly Clarkson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
October 2022: Announced Return to 'The Voice'
In October 2022, it was announced that Kelly Clarkson would return for the twenty-third season of 'The Voice' in 2023, after taking the twenty-second season off.
February 9, 2023: Hosted 12th NFL Honors
On February 9, 2023, Kelly Clarkson hosted the 12th NFL Honors.
March 2023: Covered "Don't Fence Me In"
In March 2023, Kelly Clarkson covered the Cole Porter song, "Don't Fence Me In" on Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra's EP.
March 26, 2023: Announced 'Chemistry' Album
On March 26, 2023, Kelly Clarkson announced her tenth studio album, 'Chemistry', which was released on June 23, 2023.
March 27, 2023: Announced Las Vegas Residency
On March 27, 2023, Kelly Clarkson announced a ten night Las Vegas residency, 'Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson'.
April 14, 2023: Released "Mine" and "Me"
On April 14, 2023, Kelly Clarkson released the double A-side lead singles, "Mine" and "Me" from her upcoming album Chemistry.
June 23, 2023: Released 'Chemistry' Album
On June 23, 2023, Kelly Clarkson released her tenth studio album, 'Chemistry'.
August 19, 2023: End of Las Vegas residency dates
On August 19, 2023, Kelly Clarkson's ten night Las Vegas residency, Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson came to a close, with four additional dates added for December 2023 and February 2024.
October 2023: Relocated 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' to New York City
In October 2023, Kelly Clarkson relocated and moved production of 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' from Los Angeles to New York City to start its fifth season.
November 8, 2023: Launched Sirius XM Channel
On November 8, 2023, Kelly Clarkson launched her own Sirius XM channel, Kelly Clarkson Connection.
November 10, 2023: Grammy Nomination for 'Chemistry'
On November 10, 2023, Kelly Clarkson's studio album 'Chemistry' earned her a sixth nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
November 21, 2023: Awarded $2.6 Million from Ex-Husband
On November 21, 2023, Kelly Clarkson was awarded over $2.6 million from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, due to commissions paid to him for business deals he procured as her manager. The ruling stated that Blackstock violated California's Talent Agencies Act.
December 15, 2023: Won Two Daytime Emmy Awards
On December 15, 2023, Kelly Clarkson won two awards at the delayed 50th Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Daytime Talk Series and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host.
2023: Release of "Chemistry"
In 2023, Kelly Clarkson released the album "Chemistry".
April 2024: Featured on "From the Jump"
In April 2024, Kelly Clarkson featured on a duet version of James Arthur's song "From the Jump".
June 7, 2024: Won Daytime Emmy Award
On June 7, 2024, Kelly Clarkson won another award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series at the subsequent 51st Daytime Emmy Awards.
September 27, 2024: Released "You For Christmas"
On September 27, 2024, Kelly Clarkson released "You For Christmas" the lead single from the deluxe reissue of When Christmas Comes Around...
2024: Chart Success
From 2002 to 2024, Kelly Clarkson's first seven studio albums generated a total of 12 top-ten hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
January 2025: Launched Record Label
In January 2025, Kelly Clarkson revealed on her talk show she had launched her own record label, with plans to release her own music independently.
2025: Billboard Ranking
In 2025, Billboard listed Kelly Clarkson as the 11th biggest female artist of the 21st century (27th overall).
