Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American singer and songwriter. In 2002, she rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol, and has since been established as "The Original American Idol." Her debut single, "A Moment Like This", topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and broke the record for the biggest jump to number one in the chart's history; it became the best-selling single of the year in the country. She became the runner-up of World Idol the following year. Clarkson's debut studio album, Thankful, has been certified 2� platinum and sold over 4.5 million copies internationally. Its lead single, "Miss Independent," became an international hit, earning Clarkson her first Grammy nomination. She developed a rock-oriented sound with the release of her second album, Breakaway. It has been certified 6� platinum and sold over 15 million copies worldwide, earning Clarkson two Grammy Awards, including one for the hit single "Since U Been Gone." She later took full creative direction of her third album, My December, which has been certified platinum. Its lead single, "Never Again," became a top ten hit. 

April 24th, 1982 in Fort Worth (Age 42)