Kelly Clarkson

April 24, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Kelly Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982. She is an American singer, songwriter, author, and T.V. host. In 2002, she won the popular television talent contest “American Idol.” She has won several Grammys and has sold over 45 million singles and 25 million albums worldwide. Clarkson is the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, adult pop, country, and dance charts. Join us today as we celebrate her special day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Kelly Brianne Clarkson

Nickname:

Kellbelle, Pop Princess

Birth date:

April 24, 1982

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Taurus

Height:

5' 3"

Relationship Status:

Divorced

Net Worth:

$45 million

Background

Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982, in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the youngest of the three children of Jeanne Ann, a first grade English teacher, and Stephen Michael Clarkson, a former engineer. When she was in seventh grade, her school’s choir teacher overheard her singing in the hallway and asked her to join the school choir. After she finished high school, Clarkson moved to Los Angeles to try her luck in show business. In 2002, she emerged the winner in “American Idol” taking home the prize money of $1 million. Signing a contract with RCA Records, Clarkson released her first hit single ‘A Moment like This,’ followed by her debut album “Thankful” in 2003. Her second complete album “Breakaway” (2004) sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. It featured the hit singles ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes,’ ‘Because of You,’ and ‘Since U Been Gone’ (which earned her a Grammy for the ‘Best Female Pop Vocal Performance’). The album won a Grammy for ‘Best Pop Vocal Album.’ Clarkson’s third album “My December” was released in 2007 featuring rock-oriented tracks.Throughout her career, Clarkson has released nine studio albums, sold over 25 million copies and over 48 singles with 45 million copies worldwide. She has 11 top 10 singles in the U.S. She has won 78 awards in total and has been nominated 173 times. She has authored a series of children’s books based on a character inspired by her daughter. She has been a coach on “The Voice” since its 14th season. Since 2019, she has hosted her own talk show “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” In 2020, Clarkson was granted primary custody of her two children with talent manager Brandon Blackstock. Their divorce was finalized in 2021.

Career timeline

2002

An “American Idol” Winner

Clarkson wins “American Idol” taking home the prize money of $1 million and receiving a recording contract with RCA Records.

2003

Her Debut Album

She releases her debut album titled “Thankful,” which tops the U.S. Billboard 200.

2005

Her First AMA Award

She wins her first American Music Award for ‘Artist of the Year.’

2006

Her First Grammy Award

She wins her first Grammy for ‘Best Female Pop Vocal Performance’ for her hit single ‘Since U Been Gone.’

2018

A Coach on “The Voice”

She is chosen as a coach on the televised singing competition “The Voice” in its 14th season.

2020 — 2021

Her Emmy Awards

She wins two Daytime Emmy Awards for ‘Best Entertainment Talk Show Host’ for “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Why We Love Kelly Clarkson

She believes in giving back
The songstress is affiliated with various organizations such as Houses of Hope, which takes care of orphanages and builds homes for children affected by HIV and AIDS, abuse, and poverty in South Africa. She also supports the UNICEF, Save the Children, STOMP Out Bullying, Do Something, and Save the Music Foundation.
She’s open and honest
In an interview on the talk show “Today” in 2018, Clarkson spoke about managing an autoimmune and thyroid condition since 2006. She credits her health improvement and weight loss to Dr. Steven Gundry’s "The Plant Paradox" program.
Her love for unwanted animals
On her ranch, Clarkson has sheltered unwanted animals, which include blind dogs, amputee goats, and horses that have survived colic. She has given sanctuary to more than 80 animals. She has helped provide them with veterinary care hoping to find families willing to adopt them.

Why We Love

She appeared in a sitcom
Long before her “American Idol” days, Clarkson worked as an extra appearing briefly in the sitcom “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.”
A university scholar
She was offered scholarships by the University of Texas and the Berklee College of Music; she, however, turned them down.
“Jaws” and her fear of sharks
She wanted to be a marine biologist but after she watched the movie “Jaws,” she changed her mind.
Her mixed ancestry
Her maternal great-grandfather was Greek; she is also of English, Irish, German, and Scottish descent.
She loves tattoos
She has 14 tattoos including a cross that says “Love Them More” on her right wrist and a heart on her hand.