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Kelly Clarkson on "American Idol"
Kelly Clarkson on "American Idol" - © FOX
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Kelly Clarkson performs March 11 American Idol 8 Kelly Clarkson performs March 11 American Idol 8 Kelly Clarkson American Idol Kelly Clarkson Pictures
After the tremendous success of 2004's "Breakaway," which sold 6 million in the U.S. and 11 million worldwide on the strength of such #1 hits as "Since U Been Gone," the title track, "Behind These Hazel Eyes," "Because of You" and "Walk Away," Kelly Clarkson earned the right to make the kind of album she wanted to make for her third RCA Records effort, "My December."

"The biggest difference is how intimate it is," Kelly Clarkson says of the album, co-produced by David Kahne [Bangles, Sublime, McCartney, the Strokes] and touring band members Jimmy Messer and Jason Halbert. Kelly Clarkson either wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, just as she has on such hits as "Because of You," Behind these Hazel Eyes," "Walk Away" and "Miss Independent." Legendary L.A. punk bassist Mike Watt, who has played with Iggy and the Stooges as well as his own band the Minuteman, guests on three songs.

"Regardless of whether it's a happy or sad song, the album's very in-your-face," Kelly Clarkson says of the full throttle rock & roll aggression on songs like the first single, "Never Again," and "Hole." "There was no filter...just four very different individuals who joined together to come up with a really cool record. There's a little bit of something for everyone on this album."

My December unfolds like a diary of the last two years in the life of Kelly Clarkson, which saw her take home a pair of 2006 Grammy Awards at L.A.'s Staples Center and perform a show-stopping version of "Because of You"; nab four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, a People's Choice Award and a staggering 11 Billboard Music Awards. But all that acclaim took its toll on her personal relationships, captured on the dance-floor funk-soul of "One Minute," which Kelly Clarkson describes as "about the craziness of everything," the Edge-styled guitars in the blues-rocking "Hole," the betrayal of "Judas" and the playful No Doubt-inspired rhythmic pulse of "How I Feel." Songs like "Sober," "Be Still," "Maybe" and "Irvine" are vocal showcases that reflect her singer-songwriter roots.

"The record is about me, why I make the decisions I do," Kelly Clarkson says. "Most of my songs are about what's happening in my life. For me, it's like free therapy. Whether it's me growing, or helping someone else get through similar circumstances."

Kelly Clarkson wrote almost 60 songs for the new record, eventually paring it down to 26, then 14.

"Each song was picked carefully," Kelly Clarkson says. "I learned we should do what makes us happy and tell our stories without worrying about being #1 all the time and selling millions of albums. I just want to be me, but it's really hard to do that when everybody's breathing down your neck trying to make you somebody else."

Kelly Clarkson describes My December as an album that completes one era and opens up another, starting with the emotionally charged "Never Again," in which she writes about a relationship gone sour, but it's not what you think. "It's not really a boyfriend-girlfriend thing," explains Kelly Clarkson. "It's more about trusting and putting your faith in someone and getting let down."

"Sober" is about survival, knowing what to do when something goes wrong. "It's not easy getting over whatever your addiction may be," Kelly Clarkson says. "The whole point of that song is, the temptation is there, but I'm not going to give in to it."

"Judas" is also a song about betrayal, a reference to the biblical character. "You think people are normal and good, then all of a sudden, you get blindsided," says Kelly Clarkson.

"Haunted" is an eerie song Kelly Clarkson wrote four or five years ago about someone she grew up with that committed suicide, in which she cries out, "Where are you?/I need you/Don't leave me here on my own." "I was expressing my anger at how someone could do that," Kelly Clarkson says. "Why would you leave all these people behind feeling guilty and wondering what they could have done to prevent it? I really believe that God puts us through these situations to help others."

"Be Still" is a folk-blues number that Kelly Clarkson compares to Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt, with a dash of vintage Christine McVie, explaining how the title comes from one of her favorite Bible verses: "Be still and know that I am here." "It's all about stopping things, slowing down to appreciate life," Kelly Clarkson says. "Everything just goes so fast, especially in this business. There's just no time to be alone for a moment of quiet. That's why I don't live in L.A. and have always lived in Texas. It's about getting away from the rat race and carving out a space for yourself."

The hypnotic guitar at the start of "Maybe" gives the song a country feel, which Kelly Clarkson describes as "closer to Ryan Adams or Patty Griffin than traditional country."

The psychedelic funk of "Yeah" has an upbeat sexy, Prince-meets-Sly & the Family Stone vibe. "The song is about this guy I was dating, who was so cool, but wasn't able to put up with me being in the public eye all the time," Kelly Clarkson relates. "I want a real man, not someone who's going to walk around on eggshells and be a 'yes' person. I want someone to let me know if they're happy, mad or sad."

Kelly Clarkson says the tongue-in-cheek "Can I Have a Kiss" is actually about two different people in the verse and the chorus. "That's the first time I ever did that," Kelly Clarkson says. "The lyrics are about something very true to me. You know how you want someone, but can't have them because they're off-limits? In the chorus, I sing that, even if you had 'em, you know you'd screw it up. You always want what you can't have. It's a funny, ironic song."

Kelly Clarkson describes "Irvine," which she wrote in the bathroom of her dressing room while performing at the Irvine Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, as "the saddest song I've ever written." "The song is a prayer from the lowest point in my life," Kelly Clarkson says. "There comes a time when you feel like, if He's up there, God, Allah or whatever you want to call Him, is the only one that can help me out. After that night, I know there's someone or something out there looking out for me."

On the bluesy acoustic twang of "Chivas," the rollicking hidden bonus track, Kelly Clarkson channels the late Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" on a cheeky kiss-off drinking song with lines like "You're not worth it, babe/All the trouble you bring...I'm so sick of you, babe/I can't stand the sight of your face... You should keep your eyes on your new girlfriend." It's a sense of humor she demonstrates throughout the album.

"At the end of the day, life is too short," says Kelly Clarkson. "You can't take things too seriously. I wanted to end the album on a light note. There are obviously moments you think you'll never get over, but you do. We need that kind of sarcasm."

My December marks a major turning point for Kelly Clarkson, a third album that defies expectations and introduces an artist coming into her own and growing into her powerfully, distinctive vocals.

"It's the end of something and the beginning of a new era, a fresh start," Kelly Clarkson says. "My December album is like a movie about me, it's my story.






KELLY CLARKSON: FACTS

How tall is Kelly Clarkson? How old is Kelly Clarkson? Where was Kelly Clarkson born? Find out here.

Age: 27 years old
Birthday: April 24, 1982
Height: 5' 3 ½"
Nickname: Kellbelle
Full Name / Real Name: Kelly Brianne Clarkson
Birthplace: Fort Worth, TX




KELLY CLARKSON: NEWS (12)


Kelly Clarkson on "American Idol" Whitney Houston to Perform at 'The 37th Annual American Music Awards'The singer will perform her powerhouse ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and will be honored with the International Artist Award. Read more...
Eminem Eminem and Lady Gaga to Perform at '37th Annual American Music Awards'They join the previously announced Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Adam Lambert. Read more...
Paula Abdul on Fox's "American Idol" Paula Abdul to Host 'VH1 Divas'Premiering Thursday, September 17, the live concert event will feature performances by Jordin Sparks, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis. Read more...
SEE ALL KELLY CLARKSON NEWS (12)


AMERICAN IDOL: NEWS (115)


"Past Life" cast FOX Gets a Jump-Start on Summer 2010New action-comedy, "The Good Guys" joins returning series "Lie to Me," "Past Life," "Hell's Kitchen" and "So You Think You Can Dance." Read more...
Allison Iraheta on "American Idol 8" Allison Iraheta Returns to Rock 'American Idol 2010'The Season 8 finalist and fan favorite will perform her new hit single "Scars" on the new season's first live results show on Thursday, February 25. Read more...
Chris Golightly of "American Idol 2009," Season 9 Chris Golightly: Disqualified from American Idol 2010Just before the chair episode, the Hollywood Week finalist otherwise known as Orphan was disqualified and replaced by Tim Urban and we suspect we know why... Read more...
SEE ALL AMERICAN IDOL NEWS (115)





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KELLY CLARKSON: TWITTER

March 22, 2010
#nowplaying: already gone- kelly clarkson
less than an hour ago
Gerade spielt: Since You've Been Gone von Kelly Clarkson
less than an hour ago
@HannahJoy_x oi wat was the song by kelly clarkson baliee was listening to this morning??
less than an hour ago
at Whataburger in Northern Texas...with a Jukebox! Kelly Clarkson, yes please!
less than an hour ago
I ran within 2 Kelly Clarkson songs. How amazing.
less than an hour ago
#nowplaying Since You Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson Cover) - A Day To Remember
less than an hour ago
Kelly Clarkson - Since You've Been Gone
less than an hour ago
New music to Snow Fm this week: Kelly Clarkson "Cry", Slash/Andrew Stockdale "By The Sword", Rogue Traders "Would You Raise Your Hands"
less than an hour ago
Kelly Clarkson - If No One Will Listen
less than an hour ago
coupedumonde2010.mondecentral.com: Kelly Clarkson - Press Conference in South Africa, 11.03.2010
less than an hour ago
i loveee the song Walk Away by kelly clarkson <33
less than an hour ago
All I ever wanted by Kelly Clarkson is SUCH AN AMAZING SONG OMG <3 she can singggggggg lol!
less than an hour ago
Kelly Clarkson - Beautiful Disaster
less than an hour ago
Kelly Clarkson nude scene in what movie?
less than an hour ago
The lead vocals in Halestorm sounds like Kelly Clarkson
less than an hour ago
#nowplaying My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
less than an hour ago
 
KELLY CLARKSON: COMMENTS

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