Kelly Clarkson - Breaking Away

Since winning American Pop Idol in 2002 Kelly Clarkson's career has gone from strength to strength winning award after award and enjoying record success all over the world.

A late developer to singing, Clarkson was 13 before she received any formal training (in the school choir) and stardom looked to have passed her by as she struggled to survive working in a string of low-paid jobs including in a zoo and in a comedy club.

In 2001, things looked to have reached an all-time low when the apartment she rented burnt down destroying almost all of Clarkson's possessions.

A friend persuaded her to enter the American Idol contest. Kelly Clarkson won the contest beating 10,000 other entrants to land a dream $1 million recording contract.

Her first single A Moment Like This turned platinum in the first few weeks of its release and she continues to sell her music all around the world having incorporated a versatility in her musical output including in her ringtones.

In February 2006 Clarkson's Breakway album was named Pop Vocal Album at the Grammy Awards while her crossover hit Since You've Been Gone gained her an award in the Female Pop Vocal Performance section.

Kelly Clarkson Quotes

"I'm not that sexy."

"I've been scorned and there was no wrath. I mean I get upset, but I don't get bitter I just don't talk to them ever again. They're not worth my time usually."

On boys: "You need to establish yourself before you let someone else in - I'm still finding myself".

"It's about getting back up after you've been burned. It's about knowing you can achieve things on your own but still let others in."

"God will never give you anything you can't handle, so don't stress."

"I'm a jeans girl!"

"If I can wake up everyday before I die and know that I don't have to serve anyone food or drinks, I will be happy!"

"I'm cute - and God I hate that. Because that's not cool. I'm like your niece, and nobody wants to date their niece."

Everyone says I'm like the girl next door...Y'all must have really weird neighbours!

Kelly Clarkson Ringtones