Kelly Clarkson

 Kelly Brianne Clarkson was born on April 24 in 1982. She is an American author, singer-songwriter, and television personality. After winning the 2002 season of American Idol, she was successful in securing a record deal with RCA. Her debut single, "A Moment Like This" was a top hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, and became the nation's top selling single of 2002. It was included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), that debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. Looking to reinvent her look, Clarkson parted ways with Idol management and moved towards pop-rock for her sophomore album in the studio, Breakaway (2004). Breakaway was supported by four US Top-Ten singles, including the album's title song, "Since U Have Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes", "Because of You", and "Because of You". It sold over 12 million copies around the world and earned her two Grammy Awards. Clarkson also was in charge of the creative direction of her third studio album, My December (2006), writing all of its songs, and also serving as the executive producer. The label, however, was dissatisfied with the album's more mellow rock music and promoted it reluctantly.