Kelly Clarkson:  Raising the Bar by: Jeff Hightower

“All your strength, all your power, all your love. Everything you’ve got. Right now!” – Tony Burton (Rocky IV) Kelly Clarkson epitomizes this quote to a tee. A little over a minute into her rendition of “You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman), Kelly Clarkson went from American Idol 2002 contestant to Superstar. With the chips down, she did the only thing she knew to do. She stepped up and took control of her destiny. And with the sly grin on judge Simon Cowell’s face, we all knew that the bar had just been raised. Three albums, two Grammy’s and numerous chart topping hits later and, Kelly had beaten all obstacles in her way to achieving her dreams. The 5’ 4” little girl from Burleson, Texas, has earned her right to do things her way. And with the release of her newest album “My December” she shows a much more aggressive and darker side, while keeping the beautiful voice that shot her straight up the charts. To anyone who is trying their hand at the music industry, take note, Kelly has not only shocked the music world, but everyone in general by coming from obscurity and rising to megastar status. She has been very open about the life she came from. Starting out mowing lawns, building porches and even working in a movie theater she tirelessly made her way to the lights of the Grammy stage. She is honest about her trials in life and the challenges they brought. Suffering from bulimia at age 13 and growing up with barely enough to get by, she learned how to harness her voice and write songs. With “My December, she wrote/co-wrote every song on the album. Writing became a therapy for her. It gave her an outlet to express who she is and why she makes the decisions she does. It’s a very intimate process to her that she feels strongly about. Strongly enough to challenge the powers that be over the direction of her albums. And when the dust settled, she proved that she was right, and that following her heart would never steer her wrong. And now she’s facing another era of change by signing on with Starstruck Entertainment to take her next step into the unknown future. With Starstruck comes a chance to grow and learn. She no longer has to worry about keeping things bottled up or that others are having too much control over her destiny. Upon signing Clarkson in June 2007, Blackstock said in a press statement, “Kelly is an incredible talent with an unlimited future. We are thrilled to be working with her.” Believing in fate, she is ready for the next phase of her career. And nowhere along the way has she lost that little girl inside who dreams every night and lives every day to the fullest. She has accomplished so much at such an early age. Through all the pain and tears, she has always taken the high road and been able to look at herself in the mirror with honesty. She is a pop/rock star, multi-platinum selling artist and pop culture icon (Ask anyone who has seen “The 40 Year Old Virgin”). From meager beginnings to the pinnacle of success, Kelly has written her own version of the American Dream. And has given us all a timeless example of what hard work, determination, and talent can bring. From the nest… Hornetman

Visit Kelly on the Web: www.myspace.com/kellyclarkson - Official MySpace Page www.kellyclarksonweb.com - Official Site www.kellyclarkson.com - Official Fan Club

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