After winning the first season of the hit television series, American Idol, Kelly Clarkson went on to achieve international fame and recognition for her pop songs. Clarkson, who blew the judges away with her perfect rendition of "A Moment Like This," worked tirelessly to gain recognition in the music world. After working many odd jobs to support herself financially, she found her true voice as a pop musician. The story of her success is one that still inspires young people to follow through with their future goals and dreams.Clarkson grew up in Texas, and throughout her young adult life, she was keenly aware of the financial hardships that her family went through. Initially, the young Clarkson had dreams of becoming a marine biologist, but that all changed soon enough when a teacher overheard her singing. This was the start of Clarkson's passion for music, and it has not waned since.Kelly Clarkson entered the American Idol contest in 2002 and bested her competitor Justin Guarini with songs like "Respect," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Save the Best For Last," "Walk on By" and "Before Your Love." The new American Idol received a boost of confidence with her impressive win, and she went on to release her debut album called Thankful on April 15, 2003. The record was greeted with raving reviews from critics, and she received a 2004 Grammy Award nomination for her single "Miss Independent."As Clarkson established her reputation in the music community, she strived to break away from the "American Idol Persona." To highlight this, she released the aptly titled album, Breakaway, which became highly successful among fans and stayed in the Billboard 200 Top 20 for an entire year with the singles "Never Again" and "Sober."Kelly Clarkson certainly is one of America's sweethearts when it comes to singers. Her voice has often been compared to the sounds of soul; deep, sultry and commanding. There was a reason that Clarkson walked away America's very first "Idol." She possesses the skill, the charm and the unmistakable voice that together create a number one musician in just about anyone's book.
