Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, television personality, and author. She rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA Records. Her debut single, "A Moment Like This", topped the US Billboard Hot 100, and became the country's best-selling single of 2002. It was included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), which entered the Billboard 200 at number one, and also yielded the top-10 single "Miss Independent". Trying to reinvent her image, Clarkson parted ways with Idol management and shifted to pop rock for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). Supported by four US top-ten singles – the title track, "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes", and "Because of You" – Breakaway sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.
Clarkson in 2018
Clarkson during her Breakaway World Tour on November 15, 2005, Canberra, Australia
Clarkson and Reba McEntire during the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour in 2008
Kelly Clarkson at the Women's World Awards 2009 in Vienna in Austria
The first season of American Idol premiered on June 11, 2002, over four months after Pop Idol's first series ended [with Will Young winning the series], and continued until September 4, 2002. The first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman, the latter of whom left the show after the season ended. Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson served as judges. Kelly Clarkson won the competition, defeating Justin Guarini, who finished in second place.
Back – EJay Day, R. J. Helton, AJ Gil Middle – Tamyra Gray, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Starr Front – Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin, Christina Christian, Jim Verraros